Looking for advice suggestions

[goodbalance046]

I posted a couple days ago asking about making an upgrade move from a smaller tank to a MUCH bigger one (for me anyways). I’m posting again because I don’t want to make the move until I totally understand what I’m getting into and the kind of equipment I need to hit the ground running with the new tank.

Lid:
The tank I purchased (used) is a 180 gal bow front without any kind of lid. Would anyone have any recommendations for a lid? At some point I would like to own a wrasse but understand that they’re jumpers when they want to be. I also don’t have the time to be filling the water level up all the time due to evaporation.

Heater:
I currently have a pretty old heater in a 75 gal that I for sure will need to upgrade because I doubt it’s doing it’s job to the best of its abilities currently and definitely not be able to keep up in a bigger tank. Do you keep your heaters in the tank? Or the sump? Why or why not? What heaters would you recommend?

Filtration:
The tank purchased came with a Bashsea sump. It looks like it might be 20-30gal(?). I’ve never owned a sump, I’ve been using a canister filter on my current system. I’ve attached pictures for reference.
Is there anything particular that I need for it? Filter media advice? I’m not sure what the white connectors (not sure if that’s what you would call them) are in the center of the sump are for.
The tank came pre plumbed and the guy said if I need/want to do anything with the sump I’ll need to do it before the tank is placed where it’s going because you can’t get it out through the front of the stand.

Flow:
Wave maker suggestions? I just have one right now and it’s pretty basic. I do intend to keep softies and LPS at some point.

Lighting:
I currently have a Fluval Marine&Reef 800mm. Would you go bigger/longer? Would you get smaller “pod” lights? Suggestions?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

An ATO is an integral part of a salt tank, its the best $100 you can spend, every tank should have one. Filling up the evaporated water manually every day is a needless chore.

For a tank that size, I would improve the filtration, canisters don't provide any type of nutrient export. I would add a protein skimmer.

For heater I follow the '3-5 watts per gallon' rule, so 75 gallons would require a 225-375 watt heater.

I like gyres, I would get a pair of gyres for that size tank.

Fluval lights are about 50 watts, far too low for a 75 gallon, you will need to upgrade the lighting. I would probably go for something like 2 x nicrew 150 watts.