Critique My Set Up?

[PhantomCavie]

Hey everyone! I'm not particularly new to reefs, but I'm in the process of upgrading to a bigger and better tank from an 8 gal nano and was looking for some input. I have done a fair share of research around here with old posts but many of them seem outdated (posted more than 2 years ago) and I was hoping to get a little more recent input before making this investment.

Here is the setup that I am considering:
Tank size: 29 gal
Lighting: 1 Aqua Illumination Hydra
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aqua-illumination-hydra-led-module.html
(with controller)
Powerheads: 2 Koralia 600s and 1 Koralia 1500
Heater/chiller: unsure
Filter vs. skimmer: unsure

Stock that I'm hoping to keep:
-Clams
-SPS
-LPS
-Softies

My biggest concern is the flow for the SPS and the lighting for the Clams. Also I've heard quite a bit of debate about filter vs. skimmer in a SW tank and haven't been able to reach a definitive conclusion about it.

Any thoughts or input that you would like to give would be greatly appreciated! I apologize if this isn't the exact forum for these questions, but I'm a little new here

Thanks!

 

[Enseye85]

By "filter," do you mean a canister or external filter? If so, the skimmer would trump that.

 

[MiracleFish]

If youre not going to add a sump I'd say buy a hydra slim skimmer. I have one (In my sump though), but I had it in my old 20g and it worked like a charm. It takes some time to break in like any skimmer, but I don't think you'd regret the purchase.

 

[snowdude10]

If it were my tank, I would add a sump. It is not that much more expensive, and it adds more water volume to your tank, which helps to keep you parameters more stable. A sump is always a good idea in any tank, but especially with sensitive corals such as sps. Also, I would definitely run a protein skimmer instead of the "filter".

 

[MiracleFish]

If it were my tank, I would add a sump. It is not that much more expensive, and it adds more water volume to your tank, which helps to keep you parameters more stable. A sump is always a good idea in any tank, but especially with sensitive corals such as sps. Also, I would definitely run a protein skimmer instead of the "filter".

Definitely if you're gonna have SPS, you should have a sump. Your pH levels are going to be bouncing off the walls.

 

[moneymm]

i would say bigger tank.

 

[matt 76]

A 40 breeder wouldn't be much bigger but would be a great choice. It has 18" front to back its 3' long and 17" high. You could still use the hydra on it and do another 40 breeder for a sump with plenty of room for a skimmer, cheato, etc. it also gives you a place to dose your trace elements and ca alk supplements.
If you built your stand bigger than the tank ( so the sump would fit underneath)this would be a perfect small setup with around 60 gallons of water.

Wait for the petco 1$ per gallon sale and get a 40 for 40$!

 

[Royce7586]

ya i agree on the 40 breeder i have a 55g and i actually kind of wish I went with the 40 the 12" depth is REALLY harsh on aquascapeing.

wait for the petco $1g sale like mentioned i'll never by another tank 55g and down other then during that sale too good of a deal and it happens every 3 months or so

 

[matt 76]

I've seen some really nice 40 breeders set up as reefs. 55 gallon would be tuff to aqua scape with out just stacking rocks. Been there done that...lol.

 

[rdrbssr11]

The 40 breeder is a awesome sized tank, not too big not too small. Pair it up with a decent sized sump and you could have a nice variety of sps in it no problems.

 

[PhantomCavie]

I will look into a 40 gal breeder then Would it make more sense to DIY a stand if I'm going to have a sump?

 

[matt 76]

Yes, it is not hard. Especially for that size. I would personally size the stand to fit a 40 breeder under it and also be able to slide it in from the end or remove it just in case. On the front I would not put a brace in the center so you can have alot of room to access equipment. Because the stand will be wider, you could put a ledge or bar top around the base of the display tank. I've seen a couple of those on RC and they look really nice. Just my two cents. Good luck with your build!