Need sump advice for Nano reef

BGJ223 · 06-05-2007, 08:12 PM

Ok here is the deal folks.
I want to setup, a more than likely SPS dominated, nano reef. My tank size will be about 20 gallons (This could change). I will be using an acrylic tank which will be drilled for an overflow and for a CLS. This tank will be setup in my computer room, so I will have tons of space to pretty much do what ever I want. I pretty much have everything planned out in my head except for the sump. I cannot decide on what size, how I want the water to flow, or pretty much anything. I was thinking that a large sump would be ideal so that it would be harder to make drastic changes in the water quality. I was thinking about a 50 gallon sump. This would put my total volume to roughly 60 gallons without rocks. What do you guys think about that for sump size?
Any ideas, pics, or links, would be very helpful.

Thanks

hng · 06-05-2007, 08:19 PM

Any reason why you don't want to go with a slightly bigger display and a smaller sump? Nano's are cool but if your willing to put a much bigger sump in there, you kinda defeat the purpose of a nano - tank in a small or confined space. If you like the look of a nano, then I would go with at least an equal sized sump, something easy to hide that won't detract from the display. JMO

BGJ223 · 06-05-2007, 08:30 PM

I get what you are saying, and I have tossed around the idea of a larger disply tank, but I didn't want another large tank in my house. I currently have a 60 in my livingroom, and that is good enough for me. Also I like the idea of a smaller tank because it will be easy to fill and cheaper to light.
Also. The large sump allows me a little more room for error when it comes to keeping SPS. The larger stand will give me surface area to put some of my books and other potential display items.
Lastly. If I decide later down the road that the Nano just isn't enough anymore, then I am al set to upgrade to a larger tank with little hastle.

hng · 06-05-2007, 08:35 PM

Oh, OK Josh, I see what you're saying - makes sense. I would stick with the 20 gal display and, if you want to use standard glass tanks, use a 30 gal or 40 gal breeder. Those tanks give you decent volume, low profiles, long enough to help avoid microbubbles, and big enough to accomodate a big skimmer.

BGJ223 · 06-05-2007, 08:49 PM

What is the standard length on a 40 breeder? Isn't it 48"? If so then wouldn't it be more bang for the size to use a 55? I have in storage right now, just not sure if it is wide enough.

THanks for your help Hoang

hng · 06-05-2007, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGJ223

What is the standard length on a 40 breeder? Isn't it 48"? If so then wouldn't it be more bang for the size to use a 55? I have in storage right now, just not sure if it is wide enough.

40 gallon breeder is 36 in long, 18 in deep, 16 in tall. A standard 30 gal tank is 36 in long, 12 in deep, 16 in tall. If you already have a 55, then that would make a great sump (kinda big though). Personally, I don't like it when the sump is WAY bigger than the display cause people tend to focus on whatever is biggest - so if it's the sump, they will stare at the sump and not the display. But that's JMO.

BGJ223 · 06-05-2007, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hng

40 gallon breeder is 36 in long, 18 in deep, 16 in tall. A standard 30 gal tank is 36 in long, 12 in deep, 16 in tall. If you already have a 55, then that would make a great sump (kinda big though). Personally, I don't like it when the sump is WAY bigger than the display cause people tend to focus on whatever is biggest - so if it's the sump, they will stare at the sump and not the display. But that's JMO.

well hopefully I do not get sump envy.

My main goal is to make the system as stable as possible, and able to hold any and all needed items. For example, since I want to go BB in the display, I am entertaining the idea of having a remote DSB. I also like the idea of incorporating a settle tank into the system.
As you can see my head is full of ideas, I just need to pick sommething and run with it.

reefermike1 · 06-05-2007, 09:10 PM

i used to have a 20 gallon,i thought it was too skinny and not long enough to do much of anything with. much happier with my 29 gallon. just my opinion of course.

fish.freak · 06-05-2007, 09:13 PM

55 would be great if you can hide it

reefermike1 · 06-05-2007, 09:13 PM

just realized i had a 20tall, 20x10x22, the 20 long 24x12x12 would have been alot better, so nevermind my last post lol

BGJ223 · 06-05-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefermike1

i used to have a 20 gallon,i thought it was too skinny and not long enough to do much of anything with. much happier with my 29 gallon. just my opinion of course.

I have thought about the 29g, but my only problem with it is it's length. Since my lighting choice will be more than likely be T5s, I would have to stagger the lights in order to get coverage. Maybe I am just picky, but I don't like the staggered lighting idea. I feel like I am getting cheated.

hng · 06-05-2007, 09:17 PM

Why not use a single halide?

BGJ223 · 06-05-2007, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hng

Why not use a single halide?

My main concern with the Halide is the heat that it produces, and the cost of buble replacements. I could do 4 T5s with Tek reflectors for about 200. Since I won't be over driving the bulbs I would only have to replace the bulbs every year at the earliest, and that would only cost about $60. With a MH fixture it would cost upwards of $200 and I would have to change the bulb every 6 months. So I am looking at cost over time and cost to performance.