Do I need a sump in a 40 gallon tank.

[harrytownend]

I am converting my 40 gallon freshwater tank to saltwater and would like a reef. I'm going to have 40lb of live rock and live sand. Do I need a sump or could I use a HOB filter or canister filter? Also, do I need a skimmer in a 40 gallon?

 

[woody390]

I'd say yes you need a skimmer but you don't necessarily need a sump however I would highly recommend one if you can use one

 

[harrytownend]

What skimmer should I get?

 

[woody390]

Maybe look at reef octopus or bubble magus

 

[Tkey3425]

Hydor slim skim. It doesn't hang on the back so no leaks to worry about. Only cost is it goes inside the tank. Thats they way id go if i didn't make a sump. Much less to worry about and fairly priced at ~$110. Quiet and good skimmer from what I've heard. I'll be starting up a nano reef with a 40B and that is the skimmer I'm going to use.

 

[Tkey3425]

To answer the original question though, No you don't need a sump. Just a couple powerheads, a heater, lights and a good skimmer. No need for a HOB filter if you use a skimmer. Shoot for a 15X turnover on water in your tank for fish only and 25-30x for reef. So total Powerhead GPH FOWLR-400-600 GPH and 1000-1200GPH for reef.

 

[harrytownend]

I think I'll get the hydor slim skim

 

[Tkey3425]

I think I'll get the hydor slim skim

from what ive seen its a pretty good skimmer. Just wont surface skim but i don't get why thats a big deal because neither will my $600 in sump skimmer lol

MrSaltWaterTV used the nano version on his "Sexy Tank" and reviewed it
Mr. Saltwater Tank Reviews the Hydor Slim Skim - YouTube

 

[harrytownend]

from what ive seen its a pretty good skimmer. Just wont surface skim but i don't get why thats a big deal because neither will my $600 in sump skimmer lol

MrSaltWaterTV used the nano version on his "Sexy Tank" and reviewed it
Mr. Saltwater Tank Reviews the Hydor Slim Skim - YouTube

Would the Hydor slim skim nano be OK for my tank or would I need the Hydor slim skim for up to 60 gallons?

 

[Tkey3425]

Would the Hydor slim skim nano be OK for my tank or would I need the Hydor slim skim for up to 60 gallons?

For the price difference I wouldn't put the nano on it and risk it . It's always best to go slightly over rather than push the limits of your equipment. Drsfostersmith.com has it for $104.99.

 

[harrytownend]

Can all protein skimmers that are not HOB be kept in the display tank or is it just the Hydor slim skim?

 

[Tkey3425]

For the price difference I wouldn't put the nano on it and risk it . It's always best to go slightly over rather than push the limits of your equipment. Drsfostersmith.com has it for $104.99.

Not that I have seen. Most only use about 7-9" of water so it would stick way out. The hydor is the only one I know of made to run in the DT

 

[harrytownend]

I'll get the bigger one then, thanks for your help!