Fuge or no???? Help me decide!!!

[labragg1]

Ok, I just recently tore down my big tank and am in the process of setting up a smaller 65gal RR tank.

I will have a SSB of maybe 2 or 3 inches. Lots of nice LR, and probably a medium to heavy bio-load.

I will be using a Oct NW-150 skimmer which is rated for a larger tank, but I like to fead heavy, so i figured I'd be safer with an over-sized skimmer.

I was planning to use an existing 20gal Tall tank for a sump.
With the larger skimmer, a return pump, and heaters, etc, I won't have room for a fuge section.

My question is would I be ok without a fuge, or should I do whatever it takes to incorporate one?

Basically I would need to find a larger tank for a sump, but I'm trying to decide if it would even be worth it?

Help!!!

 

[davocean]

I personally wouldn't be w/out one.
You could go w/ a HO fuge, but if you want to do it right I would get a 30(not tall) and it will give you more room to work with.
I went to my LFS and asked if they had a scratched up acrylic they would sell or trade for.
They were happy to ditch a tank you could barely see through.

 

[bstoner]

I agree I will never do another tank with out one. I just added a HOB to my 75 along with a new skimmer and I love the results.

It just makes sense.

 

[alan214]

With the larger skimmer, you should be okay doing without a fuge for now.

 

[labragg1]

How big would the fuge need to be for a 65RR tank?

 

[alan214]

If you still decide to go with a fuge, a 10 or 20G tank would work fine but the largest tank you could go with is best.

 

[davocean]

HO?
I have the cpr HO on my 90, the biggest one, like 24"x14"x5"
It's great for pods as well as nutrient reduction.
I even use it for frags.
Sump?
As much as you can have room for.
A 30 or 40 would be nice.

 

[labragg1]

Well--I'm getting ready to custom build the stand, so i could make it however I want.
The thing is the tank is only 36" long--so I really don't want the stand to over-lap it by a lot. I think it would look kind of dorky.

My LFS has a 30L that would probably work. I hate to spend $89 on it, though.
I guess it may be worth it in the long run--what do you guys think?

 

[davocean]

I'd hit him up for thrashed tank.
Or check craigslist.
It doesn't have to look pretty, just be free of copper.

 

[rustybucket145]

I'm in the 'won't ever do a tank without one again' crowd. It just makes life sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much easier. It helps keep your system stable and healthy IMO.

 

[virginiadiver69]

I found a 40 breeder for $35 that I am using for my fuge. Check around, try your local reef club or craigs list.

 

[Loralie]

I agree. You can get by without one, but I would never set up another tank without one. I have a 110 gallon fuge under my 125 and it was the best thing I ever did.
1. Nutrient export
2. Reverse light period, maintains PH
3. Place to hold misbehaving fishes
4. pod and critter factory
5. amazing to look at
6. great place to house cool critters, like stars, mantis shrimps...