26g bow front

[Sprout579]

I am new to the site and new to SW. I have had a 12gallon eclipse 1 system running for about a month and it is going well. I am already feeling that I limited myself and am going to start a 26gallon bow front reef tank with soft corals and some anenomies if possible. I have a 24" coralife lunar 2x65watt PC and am trying to figure out what way to go with the filtration. I was thinking of DIY sump/refug., but am not sure what all I need to get that running and if that is the best way to go. If I leave the wet/dry out of the system do I need a canister filter? I read that the bio-balls are killer with Nitrates. Please give me any advice that will help, I am sure this is just the beginning for me, thanks

[VWD]

Welcome to TRT!


Try using live rock as You filter and you can use a sump in the system to help by using macroalgae as an nitrate export.

[Sprout579]

Ok so if I were to do that do I just use a sump, or should I use a refugium as well and then just a power head to keep the current up in the tank for the reef?

[tims]

Welcome to TRT!
if you already have a trickle filter you can use that as a make shift sump. take out the bio balls, remove the trickle tray.the water will come in on the one side and flow to the return pump. this will add some flow to the tank, then you can add a CLS "closed loop system " for more if you like.
in the sump area you can place all the things you dont want to see. ( skimmer. heater, etc..)
that is what i did for my 55.

[Sprout579]

Thanks for the replies, I dont have a filtration system at all right now, I only have the PC. I am not sure exactly how to go. I have the 12eclipse that I could possibly use with the 26g as a sump or refug.. Or I will just DIY and make one. After I bought the 12g I realized it was not nearly enough and the eclipse hood limited my lighting capabilities unless I built a new hood so I figured I midas well just start with a bigger tank so I actually have options. I live in an apt. so size is a matter until I move into a house. I think I will get what I want out of the 26g (at least for now). I was told to use the Eheim canister filter but as I read more into it I see that the refug. and sump may be the way that I need to go.

[tims]

heck if your staying wihtthe 26 for now, and are ready fr hte DIY part. try out a 10g sump play with different formats for it.the extra water volume will only help in the long run.
since you are in an apartment, might want to check on the renter insurance.. seeif or what mightbe covered( just incase)
how much room do you have under the tank inthe stand?
ya got be able to getit in

[Sprout579]

I havent purchased the tank and stand yet, I was looking around for a 30cube tank but cant seem to find any around so I will go with my second choice being the 26g bow front/ I found a 36g bow front wich I also may consider getting but I dont want to go to big when I am still in the "possibly gonna move every few years" mode. Right now I am just reading and piecing things together. Like I said the only thing I am really firm on right now is the 24" coralife lunar PC 2x65x. I dont want another elipse tank situation so when I feel comfortable with a setup I will purchase what I need.

[Loverotties]

Welcome to TRT!