Large purchase help

[20vturbo]

I was just wanting to ask for thoughts or feedback on the following purchase. Is this fair, should I add anything, any other deals out there? Thanks alot!

$190.00 for the sump and skimmer:
Skimmer is this: http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=RS1111
and here are pics of the sump:
http://www.dfwmas.org/Forums/viewtopic.php?p=231577#231577

I was also going to but this stuff from Dr. Foster and Smith:
CD-175003 MPT x Insert Adapters 1" x 1" $1.49
CD-517527 Maxi-Jet Powerhead/Pump Model 900 (230 gph) $14.99
CD-517540 Maxi-Jet Powerhead/Pump Model 1200 (295 gph) $17.19
CD-419111 Aqua Pumps 3100 Plus $46.99
CD-21412 Purigen 100 ml. w/ mesh bag 3-pk $15.89

And this from purely H2O:
http://www.purelyh2o.com/product.php?productid=16210&cat=249&page=1
or this
http://www.purelyh2o.com/product.php?productid=16201&cat=249&page=1

 

[Ziggy953]

1st. How big is your tank?
2nd. What are you going to put in the tank?

If you are going to have corals in your tank I would not recommend the sump in those pics. The bio-balls are a breading ground for nitrates! Not good!! If I were you I would take that $190 and save up a bit more and buy a good skimmer and get a 20g long tank for about $30 and use that as your sump. If you are a member of the DFWMAS then you have access to Marc Levenson, he can certainly help you out or at least give you ideas about a sump for your tank.

Just my thoughts....

 

[20vturbo]

I have a 90 gallon and a 40 gallon I am thinking that this setup will go on the 40 gallon b/c I want to have low to medium light corals and fish.

Is that not a good skimmer?

 

[Ziggy953]

Honestly I don't know much about that skimmer. I do know that I have wasted about $130 on a skimmer similar to it and wished I had saved more for a far better one like the Euro-Reef RS 135 I have now. $300 for it but worh every penny IMO. I have learned that in this hobby you get what you pay for. If it is cheap then most likely it is "cheap". For a 40 you would do well with a Aqua-C Ramora back pack style skimmer or something along those lines. I'm sure that others will have suggestions as well. Looking forward to seeing some pics of your setup!!!!!!

 

[20vturbo]

do you think I could take out those bio balls and put in some crushed lr?

 

[Ziggy953]

absolutely! That is what I would do too! I have a 75g Wet/Dry on my tank but it doesn't have anythign it in I just use it for water volume while I build my new sump. Go with the LR you will be glad you did!!!!!

 

[stevefromga2000]

that looks like a berlin, not that bad. it is kind of touchy though. just make sure that you pump is pulled up as close to the top as possible.