29 gallon equiptment advise

[rino0987]

hello i have recently started a 29 gallon reef aquarium. I have the lights, and live rock. I was wondering if i should get a skimmer? i heard that for a tank that size it is not neccesary. I was also wondering if i should rig up a sump i have a pretty limited budget... I was planning on making a realy getto fuge and i was wondering what i should throw in that nothig that could harm anything else and are there some pod starter kits?
thanks,
ryan

[rino0987]

oh yea how big should i make th fuge? 5 gal. bucket?

[imcosmokramer]

always better to have a sump if you can. You can hide equipment there etc. You'll also increase your total water volume which will make your system more stable. I would use a skimmer if you can (again, put it in the sump so it's out of sight).

You can run gfp/carbon and have a small fuge all in a pretty tight place.

build thread

[Felix T Cat]

I'm running a 29G coral and CUC only tank. I have a 200w heater and HOB Aquaclear 70 filter (running pillow floss, purigen and carbon)
I will be getting an Aquaclear 110 and converting it into a mini refuge because I don't have room for a sump.

[pimpinitup6969]

the skimmer isn't necessary it's just a really useful tool. that being said if you don't have one just don't stock the tank and you should be fine

[reefworm]

I agree - the skimmer isn't a true necessity, but it will certainly help with managing a somewhat larger bioload. My 29 is a FOWLR at the moment [in rebuild mode], on it's way to being a mixed reef, and I run the skimmer 24/7. I feed somewhat generously so thats part of my thinking. From past experience I also plan to rebuild the sump into a multichambered affair which would allow me to grow cheato as well for more nutrient transport. Make the sump as large as you can. As was mentioned it's great for hiding equipment, maintaining a constant water level in the display, adding things like top-off, kalk drip, etc., plus adding additional gallons to the system and possible setting up a refugium. Look in the DIY forum for possible designs if you'd like to do it yourself, or go to Melev's reef and he can build you one if you can't find what you need elsewhere.

[jenglish]

A skimmer is not needed on that size tank, but it helps. I have a 30 long with a HOB octo skimmer and it gives me a little bit more leeway on watercahnges and keeps the water well oxygenated.

[Tyler1450]

I had a 29 gallon with no skimmer and it was in good health and looked good i just did reg water changes

[rino0987]

thanks for all of your responses. What would be a good hob skimmer? Also do you recomend any solutiuns that would add pods? What whould i put in my fuge?

[thegrun]

I still thing a skimmer is a good investment. I have a 28 gallon Nano with 4 fish and I wouldn't want to dump the crud my skimmer pulls out every few days back into my tank. True, I could do more frequent water changes, but if you can afford the skimmer (save up and get a good one, cheep skimmers are not worth the expense), get one.

[reefworm]

I'm using the Precision Marine Hot-1, and have for some years. I'm not actually using it as an HOB - it's down below next to the sump - but it, along with the collection tank have done very well for all that time. After a bit of a "break in" period you'll get the valve dialed in an won't need to touch it much at all after. Just clean the neck and cup out a couple times a week and you're good.

[rino0987]

hmm... so how much would a good one for a 29gallon be?

[jenglish]

Originally posted by rino0987
hmm... so how much would a good one for a 29gallon be?

I think you can get into the base level HOB octo line for around 150 or so with a Resun pump. If you spend a pit more you can get one that just has an intake or a surface skimmer (even better) and not have more powerheads in the tank. Just look around a bit and you can find a good deal out there somewhere.