Small tank questions

[gosteen]

Posted this in the New to Hobby section but did receive a lot of responses. Any thoughts you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

I just setup, last week, a small 29 gallon saltwater system that is doing fine. I have been thinking about the long term however and there are a couple of concerns I have. I would love thoughts from anyone that has a successful small system they have had established for a while.

Because the system I have is a tall system 30x12x18 I am somewhat limited in my choices for lighting. Currently I have a standard light that came with the system but that is being changed to Current USA Sundial T5 4x24. I will buy it from my LFS but that is the lighting system I will go with. Unless of course anyone knows of any other systems that are better that will fit a 30" tank.

The other issue that is concerning me is the filter system I have. It is the emperor 350 by Marineland and I am think of changing either to a sump or to a straight Berlin with the best HOB skimmer I can get. What are your thoughts? Also I am building a piece of furniture for the system so it will have some space below for the sump if that is the way I decide to go.

Lastly in a refugium what is the right rate of return?

I would love your thoughts on this. I do not want a riot to ensue just good constructive thoughts and advice.

Thanks in advance,

GeneO

 

[detroit_fan]

Go with a sump and an in-sump skimmer. hob's are not very good at all, you can pick up a much better in-sump for a good price new or used.

i like to go with 3-5 times tank volume thru sump.

make your stand without a center brace so you can take your sump out.

not many lighting options for a 29, i have nova's over mine but it is only softies.

with that size tank the biggger the sump the better, it help add water volume.