Brand new and more than a little confused.

[Joseph Elliott]

The canister is full of bio media and a couple course sponges for the large particles. So if I understand correctly the live rock replaces bioballs etc in the canister as the bio-filtration (ammonia-nitrite-nitrate). If I get rid of the canister filter and buy another hydor powerhead then I'll be ahead in the long run?

[Aquattro]

Correct!

[Joseph Elliott]

My tank isn't drilled can someone post pictures of how to set up an non drilled tank for a sump? DIY is not a problem for me.

[Aquattro]

You would need to buy an overflow box, which will overflow on you one day. Really think about drilling the tank

[Joseph Elliott]

Can a tank be drilled while partially full ( say half full of water ) or will there be filings and bits falling into the water? I dont have a drill press can i use a hand drill?

[reefwars]

Using an overflow box that hangs on is askin fir trouble I had one and it needs daily maintenance and your walking on needles on your sleep wondering if it's working right , not overly safe for power outages I don't have much faith in those vacuums.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Joseph Elliott

Can a tank be drilled while partially full ( say half full of water ) or will there be filings and bits falling into the water? I dont have a drill press can i use a hand drill?

No, it needs to be empty. If you have livestock already, it's too late, as there is always a risk of it cracking, and that would suck if you have stuff in it.

[reefwars]

for the price of an overflow box you can buy a small tank thats drilled ive seen tanks for less than a hundred bucks and still a decent size

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by Joseph Elliott

My tank isn't drilled can someone post pictures of how to set up an non drilled tank for a sump? DIY is not a problem for me.

While sumps are nice to have and allow your display have a cleaner look, they are not mandatory to run a succesfull SW system. I've been sumpless since I set up my used system almost 4 years ago. I do have a future build in the works for a larger system with basement sump though. Other than the detraction of more visible equipment in and around the display of a sumpless set up, it can actually be simpler and ... gasp ... safer than something with a sump. BTW, I have a mini sump... it's a Rena XP series canister filter running empty except for a small amount of carbon.

[Joseph Elliott]

Sorry for all the questions What would you recommend for test kits - brand and types? And do you think i need a skimmer?

Also since the single rouge anenome there hasnt been any sign of life in my tank... I'm sure the rock is busy cycling but no critters Any ideas? Its been 3 weeks time to turn on the lights?