Possibilities of a 30 Gallon Reef

yannifish

yannifish

Active Member
Hello all.
I'm trying to figure out what my next step is in this hobby. I used to have a 55 gallon tank, but about a year ago it broke, and my pair of clown fish have been living in a ten gallon tank. I'm currently a college student and therefore limited financially and space wise, so I was thinking 30 gallon may be a good option.
So I'm wondering what you all think would be a good setup would be. I have a bunch of equipment that is appropriately sized for a 55 gallon tank, but I'm assuming most of it will be too large for the setup I'm planning.
I would like to at least entertain the idea of keeping corals, depending if I can get my hands on some decent lighting. I don't know if I want to go with a sump or not. I understand how nice it is to have a sump, having had one on the 55, but for this setup I think I need something that would be a little more easily moved if need be.
Also, could I get away with four fish in a 30, or probably just three? Suggestions on fish are welcome (as I said, I already have two ocellaris clowns).
So basically I'm in the initial planning phases and any and all suggestions/ideas are welcome and would be appreciated.
Thanks!
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I'm a college student too, so I understand where you are coming from. A 30g tank is a great tank to have. I'm sure you can use all of your equipment that was on your 55g to put on your 30g. But, just in case, why don't you post your equipment list, anyway?
A 30g tank is 36", I think. It would be nice if you could get a value LED fixture if you can from somewhere like evergrow or reefbreeders. That is, if you are wanting LEDs.
A four bulb T5HO fixture will run you about the same amount of money, actually, and you have the heat, electricity and bulb changes associated with these little units. From a long term standpoint, a LED light is probably the best and easiest way to go.
Like you said, a sump is nice to have, but not completely necessary for small tanks. Though, if you want one, I would recommend an Eshopps HOB overflow with a mag drive 3 pump.
 
E

eric b 125

Guest
I would try for a 30 Breeder if you can. I had a small reef in my 30B and it was a nice little tank. It has a good footprint and it's shallow so you'll get more bang for your buck when it comes to lighting.
 
yannifish

yannifish

Active Member
I don't remember all the details about my equipment, I'll dig around tomorrow and see what I have. Unfortunately my old skimmer (some octopus model) is in sump only, so that would have to be replaced if I go without a sump.
I'd love LEDs, haven't looked into them too much yet. Certainly will.
Have you had good experience with the HOB overflow? I used one on my 55, and it failed once. Luckily my ATO unit was basically a large bottle upside down in water, and the bottle was almost empty when the overflow failed. Tank was filled to the brim and the pump was running dry (good old mag drive seemed to be fine though). As a result I'm somewhat wary of HOB overflows.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
A properly matched overflow with a properly matched pump should never have problems...
A 20g long at the $1/g sale at your local big box store would be a decent investment for a sump. Putting some glass baffles in it should cost about $13. So, it would cost you about $33+ tax to have a sump and to be able to use your skimmer. If you still have that mag drive available, you could probably use it and put a ball valve on it with a relief valve to the sump and you can use it. Or, you could probably use the extra flow from your pump to run a phosban reactor or two for your chemicals.
 
yannifish

yannifish

Active Member
The pump and overflow were compatible, the siphon just broke on the overflow.
I've been thinking about it more and will probably do a sump. The less equipment in the tank the better, especially on a smaller tank.
I do have a koralia 750 which should work well for circulation. Might throw in a koralia nano too, depending on what the flow is like.
Any fish suggestions?
 
yannifish

yannifish

Active Member
What do you guys think of the two clowns, a sixline wrasse, and a flame angel in a 30 gallon? Too much?
 
yannifish

yannifish

Active Member
I've drilled tanks before, have no issues doing that. I'll certainly consider it.
I was looking a the 40 breeder and I really like the dimensions. I just need to find one.
 
sweatervest13

sweatervest13

Active Member
Yeah if I was setting up a little reef tank, it would be a 40g breeder. I am sure you could find one. Maybe even on sale. Idk if the big box pet stores include a 40g breeder in their 1 dollar per gallon sale.
 
yannifish

yannifish

Active Member
I don't have a big box store near me anyway.

I've been doing some thinking. The reason I stopped using the 55 was because the center brace on the top frame broke. I just realized I could fix it. All I'd have to do to get the tank running is build a stand, get a sump, plumb it, and away I go. So that's probably what I'll do. I already have almost everything I need.
So, I'll probably be starting a thread in the DIY forum about a stand build, if anyone wants to follow along, I'll be having some design questions I'm sure.
Thanks for all the help everyone!
 
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