I want to set up a small ref like a 40gal or less i have a 29gal and a 20gal L and a 10gal, but i'm torn about what to set up and how to set it up to be able to do the most with it, i would like to make a sump and go that route but being I'm in a dorm id like to stay away from it for time being to er on the side of caution even though I've already okayed things i just don't wanna push the envelope. whats best set up please help me guys I'm here at home on leave and would like to take all that i need with me vs having to buy it when i get back to my duty station!
I want to Set up a small reef tank suggestions?
- Thread starter Gwiizzy
- Start date
TX..r33f
New member
I had a 40g and loved it. Also a20g sump would do great in it. The thing about smaller tanks is a lot more thing could go wrong. In a bigger system you can have more time to react when somthing gos wrong. Bring in a dorm you will probably be out n about. With a bigger system I never really worried about leaving town for 2days. I had someone feed the fish & lights were on a timer. I also have had a 3gal & if I ever left town the only thing on my mind was the tank.
My two cents would be to forget the sump for dorm life. I'd recommend AIO setup (I personally like the size\role of the IM Nuvo 16). I love mine and its not too much work. To simplify your life you can also snag an ATO system (the Tunze nano comes to mind). This would leave you more time to hit the studies instead of trying to keep your salinity balanced. I don't run a skimmer (just a Purigen) and with 2 Eheim 600 pumps you should have great flow with less noise. My second one should arrive tonight based on the tracking info I just received, so I'll be testing this out later and I'll let ya know. Stock lights are ok for LPS and Zoo's etc, but for the best color\quality you would need to upgrade. My nanobox duo is almost ready to be shipped, so I'll post another update regarding the light and benefits I believe I should have.
One last thing. If you do go the Nuvo 16 route, be sure to get 4 timers or 2 dual ones to set day\night rotations.
For now, that's all I can think of.
Blind
One last thing. If you do go the Nuvo 16 route, be sure to get 4 timers or 2 dual ones to set day\night rotations.
For now, that's all I can think of.
Blind
I was looking at the all in one route! im very torn about the tiny ness of the tanks though, and i would really only be keeping softies, zoas, leather, and lps. I just don't really enjoy looking at sps. in addition i want a tank i can safely house 1-2 clowns in a tail spot blenny, and maybe 1 more tiny guy. i'd obviously also like some hermits. Now this isn't my first rodeo i my smallest tank to date was a 20 with a simple hang on the back which housed 3 Anenomes, a huge Frogspawn colony a pair of clowns a royal gramma, and a bicolor blenny. so im wondering what i can get away with in a 14, or whether i might try another similar set up again cause i have a ton of stuff left from projects i didn't start or tanks i tore down when i upgraded to my 150gal and my 56Gal bowfront.
