the guys there are wondering how somebody (from the lfs that i got my tank and filter canister) would suggest a canister for a saltwater tank.
I didn't know you we're asking about a wet-dry. I was just talking about a canister filter.
My recommendation is exactly this for your set-up..... (I think you'll find it the "standard" and be the happiest in the long run for an overall system set-up)
putting budget aside, it's as follows:
- 200 lbs of LR
- 3" DSB
- the biggest sump you can fit within your stand beneath the main tank.
- something like an Aqua-C EV-180 (plumbed into the sump)
- possibly a refugium if interested, but not neccesary (can be a compartment within sump if enough room)
- closed loop set-up for a powerhead-free display tank ( this would have a pvc pipe within the main tank that would siphon out water to a pump that would just return it and you could use a few 90 deg. or 45 deg. pvc fittings only slightly submerged to create a specific flow pattern.)
All your heaters, and other unsightly stuff gets housed in the sump.
You don't need a canister or wet-dry filter with this set-up, your LR and DSB would be doing all the work, and if you hucked on a refugium as well (totally DIY) you'd have an extra nitrate removing factory, plus an area to increase your pod population in case you wanted a fish like a mandarin or something.
just my thoughts though, but it makes the most sense IMO.
Ryan