one tank or 2

I'm not sure how to research this on the forums, but what I have is a 20 gallon "nano" reef tank. I am now ready to upgrade and I have a little bit of money to spend, but I don't really want to tear down my 20 gallon tank. So, here's my question.

Would it be stupid to go with 2 twenties and a twenty for a sump (basically a 60 gallon tank)?

I kind of like this idea because then I could have fish that are not necessarily compatible with each other or I could mix and match other items between tanks. Both show tanks would be connected to the sump, so it would be like one big tank. Also, I could do a little experimenting with the lights..... I have VHO compacts now, I could set up one tank with MH and leave the current as is.

What do you guys think?

 

This can be done. In fact, I've had a friend who did it. However, remember that your sump must be able to handle the overflow from two separate tanks so I would probably make that your largest tank.

I would consider a makeshift Rubbermaid tote for a sump to increase your gallonage....especially if you want a MH on one tank. (They heat up your water and the smaller the tank, the more the heat that is transferred). You are going to have two return pumps so that will also increase the temperature in the whole system.

 

Hi Bawest, how are ya? Welcome to 3reef if I didn't welcome you earlier!
I think you are on to something! You could really be creative with this set-up! The only thing I can see being a problem is if you have a problem with the one tank (ie. ich, excess phosphates etc. it will end up in both tanks. Also I wouldn't go with corals in the one tank and fish only in the other one. The reason why is simply this, unless you are conservative with the amount of fish you have to not have an excess of nutrients in your tank and high levels of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. You just have to be careful with what you keep in each tank!
A cool idea would be to have Tridacna Clams in one tank and corals in the other tank.
Good luck and let us know what you decide to do and show pictures!

 

Would the tanks really need two pumps? Can't I buy a larger pump and tee it off? How much flow should the sump have for a 20 gallon tank? what about 2-20's?

 

My 90 and 300 run off the same sump in the basement. 1 pump drives the return for both tanks. No problem. Having 2 tanks are great as in my case the 300 is a reef and the 90 is a fowler so I still get to have my Angels and Triggers. The sump also provides a propagation/isolation section for new corals or fish.

Having 1 sump has been a major advantage for me. Water changes and maintenance are a snap and I have around 600 g in system with 1/3 of it in the sump so everything is very stable. Despite lots of lights I am able to run the system without a chiller and normally see a temp range between 78-80. How many 300 g reefs can do that? Frankly, if I were to build a new one, I'd shoot for 300-400g and yes, I've already thought through the basic design. A good sump can really cool off a tank. I also only needed 1 skimmer so I was able of really overkill on this item and picked up a used LFS monster from a closed store for a song. Coral Reefer hit on the head in that the 1 big potential problem is that what happens in one tank happens in both. On the other hand, the improved water quality limits the risk of Ich and other nastiness. I think it is a fair trade. The system has been running for 2 years and the only water "issues" have been cyno. It was in both tanks during the first year, but is now mostly confined to the sump and is mild. I also keep an old 55 cycling in the basement in case I need a QT hospital so I have a fall back in case I need to isolate a fish. Of course if it's in the 300 I'll never catch him, but it is there for the 90.

Are you limited on space? Why another 20? You already have 1 nano.

Good luck

 

Been there and decided it was a mistake

HI Bawest,
I started with a small tank, and found that they cost alot to set up, the cost isn't in the tank its the support system. many of the pre drilled tanks are easier to keep and set up and come with most of support systems. Like built inoverflows and sumps that match the tank yea they are pricy but isn't most of those mods to fresh water tanks.
I would get the biggest tank you can afford 55gal min your biggest headache as you know is how quickly things go wrong in a smaller system. Saltwater seems to be a delicate balancing of food, waste, bacteria , algae,. A system will crash much faster in a small tank, I would avoid corals unless you are well seasoned in saltwater.
I am very new to this but have been doing a lot of reading.
Good luck, I would also have a large sump..
Doug