My first sump build! I have a few questions

personally- IMHO, on a tank of your size I would only run a canister filter and maintain it monthly. Perhaps a few small power heads and a wave timer to create simlated wave action.

way less work- will function perfectly, and if you buy a good one- ehiem, fluval- will keep the water perfect.

canister filters work really well in small tanks- only when you over whelm them do they cause problems. for salt water buy 5 times the tank size- you'll do fine. If it's rated to 75-125 gallons, it will work- if it's of the brands mentioned.

A sump for your set up is not necessary- no matter what you are keeping in such a small tank.

I can show you pic's of my 29 gallon reef, that is now a 45 gallon reef, (due to crazy growth) using a HOB skimmer and a fluval 304- it has no sump, as it isn't need.

 

I'm running a MAG 7 with 3/4" PVC & 1" drain, on my 29gal with a 10gal sump. I agree with others, I'd drill it. That's what I did on my 29gal. Also remember, the smaller the drain the more noise it will make. I used an 1" bulkhead & I couldn't stand the noise. This tank is in my fish room being used as a frag/QT. So, I went from an 1" bulkhead to a 1 1/4" pipe with adapters. That made a HUGE difference. Trust me, drilling the tank is the simplest & cheapest solution. No need buy extras that will fail.

29Gal Frag/QT (early stage 10/24/2010)


My custom made DIY strainer


My custom made DIY strainer, top view

 

I was actually looking into the Fluval G-series, but they are just really expensive(nice though). Currently I'm running 3 powerheads, octopus bh-100 skimmer, and a modified Aquaclear 30 with a sponge and chaeto. The sump will mainly be used as a refugium since the AC30 just doesn't have enough volume.

I agree with you, as with the other members who posted about drilling the tank. But I would just really hate to drain it, take out all the rock, sand and specimens to have it drilled at a shop. I might possibly do this in about a year when my lease is up and have to move. But I will definitely consider the size of the piping as a noise factor.

 

This should be fine.