As long as you run a filter pad on top of them you will be fine. I have run bio bail/balls since 91. Worked for me then and they work for me now. My tanks stay between 2 and 5 ppm nitrates. In saying that I have a section of my sump for a DSB fuge where I run a power head along with a section with chaeto, and a section for my skimmer. I like the best of both worlds. If your sump is not large enough. buy a hang on fuge and plumb it into your sump. One thing you have to remember it will take a full year or so for your tank to mature. In mean time you will have algae blooms, and Nitrates between 10 and 20ppm, and some other issues that will fix it self in time. One thing I did notice is your temp? 80 in the winter time will mean 82 in summer, you might want to add a fan to control your heat. Also adding a reef keeper light controller which will shut your MH lights off if your tank heats up is good insurance. Welcome to MAAST and remember there is a million ways to achieve a great looking tank.