So I’ve been doing research for a few days and could use some help. First off, I bought a 125 gallon used that isn’t drilled for a sump. I’ve been doing research on HOB style skimmers and refrigs but I’m having trouble finding any skimmers that would be large enough for this tank. Also, I want to run charcoal, can I just use a canister filter without the filter part and put a bag of charcoal in the canister? Any suggestions on a HOB skimmer that would work?
I know I could get the tank drilled and run a sump but I would like to avoid that because it seems like a risk to drill an old tank like this and putting a 40ish gallon sump under the tank makes me nervous about the added weight as this will be on the second floor.
Lastly for the setup, tell me where I’m wrong here. I get the tank filled with live sand, live rock, and salt water, turn on the power heads and throw a clown fish in to start the cycle. Then after the cycle finishes I can turn on the skimmer, refrig, and lights, and slowly add new fish and corals? How slowly do I need to add other fish and corals?
I know I could get the tank drilled and run a sump but I would like to avoid that because it seems like a risk to drill an old tank like this and putting a 40ish gallon sump under the tank makes me nervous about the added weight as this will be on the second floor.
Lastly for the setup, tell me where I’m wrong here. I get the tank filled with live sand, live rock, and salt water, turn on the power heads and throw a clown fish in to start the cycle. Then after the cycle finishes I can turn on the skimmer, refrig, and lights, and slowly add new fish and corals? How slowly do I need to add other fish and corals?