questions: HOB Skimmer and HOB refuge for new setup

[jason1985]

I'm currently in the works of setting up a 75 gallon Reef tank and going sumpless to make it as simple as possible

Should I go with a HOB refuge along with an octopus HOB Skimmer?

What HOB Skimmer is recomended and what HOB refuge is suggested?

I plan on having this 75gal heavy stocked eventually.

Thank you

[Fishguy2727]

I wouldn't do a 75 without a sump, I wouldn't do a 30 without a sump. There are many benefits of a sump. A sump offers extra volume, space for a fuge that is actually big enough for a 75, space for a skimmer that is actually big enough for a 75, a place for other equipment like heaters and media reactors. The overflow also keeps the water's surface clean. It also offers a safe place to add new water at a water change, top off water, additives, etc. Dumping any of these in the display tank can stress out your livestock.

[jason1985]

I agree with everthing you said and that's how my tank is setup.

I have a 90 gallon setup with a 30 gallon sump/fuge with all the equipment hidden below the tank. I love it!
But for this 75 gallon I am trying to make as dummy proof as possible.

I'm even going as simple as teklight 6x t5 for lighting... No MH for this setup!

[Fishguy2727]

That's fine, MH aren't needed, even for clams and SPS.

But I really do think the tank will run better with less work if you utilize a sump.