29G or 30g reef tank...

So I was just on craigslist and seen a posting for two 30G tanks with a stand for $100, I was thinking about jumping on it because I was going to petco tonight to buy a 29 gallon tank regardless so I can start my coral tank seeing how everyone thinks that a 10 gallon tank is too tiny for a beginner reefer. now with a 29 or 30 gallon tank, would a 10 gallon tank be good enough for a sump or yet too small?


Also If I do get the two 30G tanks from the craigslist lady would I have to have two separate sumps or could I use one big one? And if I just end up with the one 29 gallon tank and a 10 gallon tank is too small for a sump what size do you guys recommend?

Sorry for all the questions, its how I learn lol.

 

go slow. if you miss this one, there will be another one.

do you really need or want to setup two 30 gallon tank? you can always keep the other one as a spare or mix water in it. 10 gallon sump is possible on a 29 gallon. if the second 30G fits inside the stand, then you can use that as sump.

 

I would get the two 30's w/ stand. USe one 30 as DT, the other as sump/fuge. I have a 20 DT w/ 2o sump/fuge. The bigger the better I think.

 

Well I didnt end up getting the two tanks, the ladie opted to go with another person they offered her a really good price and I felt like I lost a ebay bidding war that I was unaware i was in lol. However, I ended up going with just a 29 gallon tank and I do have a 10 gallon tank that I could use as a sump, the tank isn't drilled its just a regular tank.

The only reason i wanted to set up two tanks was simply for the nice display it would of had in my bedroom when I move into my new place. But I am just gonna take your advice go slow and do one tank at a time. I am helping a friend with her 55G tank that is mostly just gonna be a fish thank. so between my all reef tank and her mixture this should be a fun new experience for me.

 

A ten gallon will definitely be good enough to get a good sized skimmer for your tank and return chamber in. You could even fit in a refugium if you build creatively enough.

 

any idea how that set up would be constructed?

 

there are many options on how you can set it up. for me, I'd keep it simple.

I have seen 5 gallon sump where the only thing in there is the skimmer and return pump. not even a baffle. But I think at a minimum you just want to add a baffle between the skimmer area and the return area in order to keep the water level for the skimmer constant (very important). that is the simplest setup you can do. You can put the baffle in the middle of the tank, and probably want to make the water level in the skimmer area about 6-7" (best to check the optimum water level recommended for the skimmer you plan to get and set the baffle to give you that water level)

 

ok, excuse my lack of knowledge on this but what is a baffle?

 

its a divider, usually 2 or 3 panels about 1/2" apart. it also serves to prevent micro bubbles from the skimmer from going back to the display tank. if you search on youtube on how to build a sump, you can find a good video about it.

 

ok thanks