Opinions wanted - Filter/Heater/Sand for new 150 gallon Marine Tank?

[TexasDefender]

I have been nursing my 29 gallon marine tank along for over a year now, and with fanatical cleaning (manual green hair algae removal and use of powerhead/protein skimmer), I have not lost any fish in several months. (Yeah!)

A couple weeks ago I found a special at PetSmart for a 48" wide by 24" front-back by 31" high 150 gallon glass tank on a wooden cabinet stand, and I couldn't pass it up (I like the dimensions and it's a beautiful setup). I still have to choose the filter, heater, and will almost definitely upgrade the lighting for brightness.

I would like user opinions on cannister filters. I have been using a RENA XP3 very happily for over a year on my 100 gallon freshwater tank, so I am familiar with RENA. The pumps I have found for 150 gallon marine tanks include the RENA XP4, the more expensive Fluval FX5, and the obscenely expensive Eheims: 2078, 2080, 2128 and G160. I also saw some Chinese also-ran brands. I don't want to waste money, but I know from my crystal clear freshwater tank that a strong, dependable filter is crucial.

What filter would you put in a 150 marine (not coral) tank? (I won't be growing corals because my main reason for the bigger tank is my overgrown Dog Faced Puffer Fish, whom my family has grown to love dearly.)

If you feel like answering two other questions, (1) Should I get an inline heater? What wattage? And (2) Would it be better to use PLAY SAND from a local hardware store or make a run down to Port-A or Corpus to get sand from the seashore?

Thanks in advance for any and all responses! I look forward to reading them!

Ben

[txg8gxp]

I would maybe look at some of the HOB skimmers or refugiums.
http://www.aquacave.com/aqua-fuge-2-...uatic-651.html
http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopus...mmer-1012.html

[ErikH]

I believe it is illegal to take sand from the beach, but it's also a faux pas to take sand to the beach too; at least that's what I tell friends. HAHA

I would not use playsand as it is silica based and will lead to much brown diatomatic algae as a result.

How big is your fish list? Otherwise I would say you could use the filstar as long as your were ademate about the cleaning. You need rock, but it dry, and use your current rock to seed it. You will also need more flow in that tank. 2 Koralia 4s would be fine with just the puffer. Feed lightly.

[ErikH]

OH YEAH

Get alot of crabs, blue leg hermits specifically. They will eat excess foods.