Still Up In the Air

I still haven't decided the exact route I want to take in building a reef. My original thought was a Nano (10 gal.) and I was dissuaded from that. I really like the cubes, so I was investigating the equipment I might like to use. The 60 gal. (24" x 24" x24") seemed just about right and would fit into a primo spot in my living room. However, I can't figure out what to do about a sump, considering that the tank and stand have such a small footprint. What have others done in this situation?

Thanks,
Steve

 

There are a couple options. A canister filter is one but remember they can be blamed for being "nitrate factories", but thats normally if they arent kept up with. Another option might be to call a couple places and have a custom size one built, along those same lines hit google & some of the sponsor sites and see if you can find a premade one in the dimensions your need. Also along those line you can also think about hang on the back (HoB) skimmers & filters. I have a HoB skimmer/fuge from CPR on my 29. If i rmember there is pictures of it in the build thread in my sig.

 

So you are using an Aquafuge and an HOB? That sounds pretty reasonable. I still may get a tank that is pre-drilled, but plug the bulkhead, just in case I change my mind in the future. An Aquafuge and HOB will save me a bunch of time and money compared to buying the materials and building a sump. I had actually thought of buiding a 36 by 30 stand and then using a 20 long as the basis for my sump. I just don't think the cube would look right sitting on a stand like that, though.

 

It's one of the aquafuge/skimmer combo's with the light that hang on the back. I got it from a local club memeber for all but free. I think the size I have is only recommended for up to 50g, but skims like a champ and it grows ulva/chaeto like you wouldnt beleive so even my size I would feel safe on a little larger tank reasonably stocked. Plus it adds another 3-4 gallons of capacity too.