Reef tank setup with existing equipment

[Hstheater2007]

Hello all, new member and first post so thank you all in advance for your help.
I purchased a large tank from a friend that was an engineer and tinkerer. He never did saltwater but over thought everything it seems. My question is can the existing equipment adequately provide the needed filtration for saltwater? I have always purchased new and have not done DIY.
First picture is the overflow he designed, leaves there and flows into a huge canister filter with spray bar full of bio balls, picture 2. Out of there and pumped into next canister with pleated filter, then out of there and back into tank.
I can do a HOT protein skimmer, but how would you suggest using the existing equipment to best filter the tank?
Thanks again!

 

[mcshams]

Welcome. Glad you joined and are building a tank up.
This is the place to come to get help with this reefing awesomeness! I don't have any experience with some of the equipment photographed here, but I know there will be.

 

[Auquanut]

Welcome to the club! Lots of reefers have success with canister filters on reef tanks, but that system is new to me. Hopefully you can get some more experience based advice.

 

[Billdogg]

Although you can use that, the better question is should you.

I kept a 60g cube for 22 years using a canister and a HOB filter. No overflow or sump. I was able to keep anything other than acropora sp., and that was at least as much due to the lighting I had (T12VHO) as it was anything.

That being said, there are way easier ways to go about this. You can use the overflow, but if possible, drill the tank and plumb it that way. HOB overflows can fail. almost 33 years in now and I've never had a in tank overflow with bulkhead fail.

Canisters are a PIA to clean. And you'll be doing that way more than you want to. A sump with a place for a protein skimmer, heaters, reactors, and return pump will allow you to keep all that ugly stuff out sight.

Having down it both ways, I'd never go back to a canister filter. Even if I were to set up a freshwater system I'd use a sump. It's just too easy.

 

[Hstheater2007]

Although you can use that, the better question is should you.

I kept a 60g cube for 22 years using a canister and a HOB filter. No overflow or sump. I was able to keep anything other than acropora sp., and that was at least as much due to the lighting I had (T12VHO) as it was anything.

That being said, there are way easier ways to go about this. You can use the overflow, but if possible, drill the tank and plumb it that way. HOB overflows can fail. almost 33 years in now and I've never had a in tank overflow with bulkhead fail.

Canisters are a PIA to clean. And you'll be doing that way more than you want to. A sump with a place for a protein skimmer, heaters, reactors, and return pump will allow you to keep all that ugly stuff out sight.

Having down it both ways, I'd never go back to a canister filter. Even if I were to set up a freshwater system I'd use a sump. It's just too easy.

Thank you! I have enough room for a sump in addition to this filtration. Is there any use for any of it, other than the return pump, or should I trash it all?

 

[Billdogg]

I’m not one to throw stuff away. Just ask my wife! I don’t know that I’d use any of it however, unless you intend to use that overflow box.

all the pvc and vinyl tubing I’d replace for sure. It’s all looking , well, kinda used.