Small Tank, no Sump Needed?

[Rv5]

I currently have a small fresh water tank that i believe is about 23 gallons that I want to convert to a reef. Ive spent the greater part of 3 hours today reading articles and I think Im ready to make my first specific educated question. I have no specific desires in mind as far as life. Im just interested in something more colorful then my somewhat drab fresh setup. I do like tangs, clowns, and lions though. I think ill have to skip lions, but hopefully can get away with a tang or two and a clown in a tank this size. Anyway, my space is limited, so per my reading, is it reasonable to assume I would be ok with an hang on style protein skimmer, a few powerheads for circulation, and live rock and sand for my filtration? Add in a good light, and what other equipment would I need?

 

[Anonymous]

For fish only with live rock (FOWLR) setup, you don't have to be very picky about light. HOB (hang on back) skimmer is fine, as long as you stay away from some model that does not do well. CPR bakpak and AquaC are two companies that sell reasonable skimmer for your setup. A few vendors sell them, such as some of RDO's sponsors like MarineDepot and PremiumAquatic, to name a couple.

Tang may be a bit uncomfortable in your tank, since they are avid swimmer, and need lot of space. Do a search on "tang police" and it will give you lots of info.

Oh, yes, sump is not necessary. Have fun!

 

[Carpentersreef]

I second the tang concern.

Trying to raise a tang in a small tank is similiar to trying to raise a springer spaniel in an apartment.

They are a high energy fish, and without sufficient space, they will suffer.

Mitch

 

[Anonymous]

i have a 40 gallon sumpless system and it seems to work just fine for me.

 

[Saltykirk]

Tangs are great, probably not in that small of a tank.
You can have a very successful tank w/o a sump.
A sump just increases gallonage of system making it more stable,possibly. You can also hide pumps, skimmers, & heaters down there. There are a great number of colorful hardy fish that would like a 23 just fine. I have a tiger goby from the Atlantic that is cool. Royal Grammas & Sulawesi basslets do fine in my 33L. Just look @ some good fish books. You'll do great.

 

[Anonymous]

here is a book that is worth every penny

Scott W. Michael's "Marine Fishes"

In my opinion in a 23 gallon tank with some of the space taken up by a sand bed and live rock I would recommend fish such as Chalk bass(great little fish) some of the flasher wrasses, blennys, gobies you get the picture, all very small fish. Putting a tang that grows to 8" long will look a little silly, the poor thing will not be able to turn around when it gets full sized.

Bryan