new nano setup

[joncat24]

Hello all...I am thinking of setting up a small tank in my bedroom. Was thinking about a 29 gal or 30 gallon. which would be better, longer or higher??? Also will not be using a sump or drilling tank, so what type filter would you recommend? The lighting is covered already, so just need suggestions on tank size and why, and what filters and powerheads. I figured I would ask all of you nano guys.
I currently have a 180 with a 55 gallonfuge , coralife ss220 skimmer and mag 24 return pump with 785 watt mh/pc unit for lighting as my living room tank.
I just dont know where to start on a smaller tank...please give me some ideas. thanks Jon

also by the way,,it will be a reef tank

 

[catawaba]

If you are starting with a standard tank, I'd go for the long/breeder version--more surface area. Some of the new Nanocubes, etc are nice too....built in filtration, lighting, hood, etc...
Deep sand bed? Live rock? About 1.5 pounds per gallon of each.
I doubt you want to have a circular water motion, so you'll need two smaller powerheads, or one to work with your main filter return. I'm partial to Maxi-Jets myself.
Just remember, you have a smaller 'window' for flucuations on all parameters.
Hope that helps a bit.

 

[catawaba]

Oh, and if you go with a NanoCube or the like, there is a TINY protein skimmer you can get for it!

 

[joncat24]

I am not going with a nano cube. I want a regular tank without a lid. the lighting is not high enuf on a cube for what I want coral wise. I am gonna go with a about 1/2-1 inch sand bed. just wanted some ideas on filters and such.

 

[demartini]

what lighting are you going to have for it? I was thinking about getting a 30 also.