I've got a 30 gallon and can say everything is awesome without a sump. Got a bh1000 octopus protein skimmer, hob filter running Purigen, 2 power heads, 30 lbs live rock and just took it slow with adding stuff to the tank. Tank looks great.
I have a 65 reef with a hob I just wanted to try a sump on the 29 I'm am going to set up. I have never had a sump before.
Agree I have a 36 and46 bowfront with hob. There both doing great reef tanks 46 has some sps. I run purigen and carbon. I use the emperor 200 on 36 and 400 on 46 no problems with nitrates and I use the bio wheels. But a sump is a great investment if you can do it I have one on my 75 and it is worth it for larger tanks.