Need an analysis

[SerLunchbox]

So i was originally thinking of a nano but decided against it and also decided to go with a fair sized reef tank.

So the tank is proposed to be anywhere from 30-60 gallons ... a sump will be 15 - 30 gallons (used and/or homemade). I am thinking of a buying a used ER skimmer, a coralife aqualight pro, a submersible titanium heater, a shallow LS sand bed, a goodly amount of LR (60 - 120 lbs), a UV sterilizer and then going from there.

I don't really want to have a sump (due to space restrictions) and was originally thinking of a remora pro skimmer in conjunction with a power filter stuffed with carbon.

any comments on this? Thanks

 

[demodiki]

Sounds like a good plan.

 

[melosu58]

A sump is always a good choice but if you cant you cant. Skimmer is a must.

 

[SerLunchbox]

cool. I have read so many conflicting arguments about how a marine setup should be etc that i figured that i would give the 2 ideas i was thinking.

 

[StripesTheEel]

A sump will add more water volume and give you more time to react if anything was to go wrong (ammonia spike etc etc etc). A skimmer is a must though as that combined with LR provide the majority if not all of the filtration.

 

[DragonForce]

Aim for 1.5x LR to total aquarium size in gallons.

I would run filterless with the exception of a good HOB skimmer. Coral life super skimmer 65 is what I recently got for my 37 gal and I am impressed to say the least. Titanium heaters are great, good choice, you may look into one with an external heat adjustment.

I do not run a sump and have done perfectly fine with the exception of some nitrate problems I have been having that are resolved finally.

With that said, I would opt for a sump if you can afford it. The benefits of a fuge/sump are worth the extra money IMO. I definatly have a sump/fuge setup on my xmas list.