Steve Ramos

Hello everybody I found this website/forum after following the Mr. Saltwater Tank guy. Weeks of researching online almost made me crazy, but luckily I found this website and I have been following Mark's advice on most products and procedures. I am slowly building a 75 gallon tank with a corner overlow. I mean slowly because I didn't realize the budget required when starting from scratch and trying to buy the best equipment so that I don't have to buy again and again... I currently have the 75 gallon tank, stand, and canopy. I refinished the stand and canopy with a black stain to match my other furniture. I also purchased the All-Glass overlow kit which is now installed. I went ahead and purchased a lot of LED lighting from Ecoxotic. I am going to put 4 LED modules on each side so a total of 8. I also purchased 4 blue stunner strips to provide better color. I then purchased 2 ultraviolet stunner strips to use as my moonlight. It was a little pricey but I'm happy knowing they will produce little heat and I don't have to replace lights every 6 months. My latest purchase has been the ADHI Refugium sump, model 30 for tanks up to 130 gallons. I went up a model that will still fit in my stand. After researching and seeing a lot of preferences towards the DIY sumps, I decided I didn't want to go through the hassle of trying to design the sump, buy the tools from home depot to make all of the cuts. I know its a little lazy but I decided I did a lot of DIY with the stand and canopy, I just wanted to buy a nice sump that will last for a long time. My next step is a skimmer and I've decided on the SWC Extremem 160 based on the videos by Mr. Saltwater Tank. I love how I can watch the videos when I try to fine tune the skimmer myself and I know I'll be getting a nice and quiet skimmer. I am also now trying to look for a return pump as well as all of the tubing involved to connect the tank to the sump. I'm a little confused and will be looking for some advice on this next step. I will post these questions on a more appropriate forum. Just wanted to say hello from a newbie who is only used to freshwater, and I appreciate all of the advice in advance!!