10 gal display tank W/ 10 gal sump

[m1a1fixer]

Do you guys think it would be possible to keep a 10 gallon display tank and use another 10 gallon for a sump? I know it would be small and cheap so my girlfriend shouldn't complain too much. Anyway, I just want to know if it's possible and if you have any suggestions for livestock. I was think of PC lighting.

[dakar]

Anything is possible, it depends on the amount of time for maintenance you are willing to put into it. A difficult part of smaller tanks (nano's or micro's whatever you want to call them) is maintaining consistant salinity, small amounts of evaporation will raise salinity quickly if not compensated for.

[Reef_Angel]

Ok Dan, so what's it gonna be? Last I knew, you told me she was going on vacation and you were just going to put it up and "suprise" her with it when she got home. Isn't gonna pan out huh? :lol: Like I told you before, I'm just so happy that Dakar and I are both totally addicted that we both are guilty all the time!! You better butter her up for at least a 29G though. I think you deserve that. Tell her you'll get rid of the freshwater fish! Good luck! ...Angel :)

[m1a1fixer]

I told her that I might bring the 55 gal. acrylic tank I won on eBay back from my dad's place and set it up as a surprise for when she got back. She told me I am obsessing about getting a SW tank and that she would move out. BTW I just finished installing our drinking water system (ro/di system) about a hour ago. :twisted: I think she knows it's really for the fish, but it's too late now. As far as a large tank, that's out of the question. The small tank idea would have some sort of DIY auto top off. I'm pretty handy, so it shouldn't be that hard to make. The only thing I'm worried about with a 10 gal display and a 10 gal sump is getting the return and supply to the tanks to be equal and not getting a huge mess, not to mention a empty tank of dead livestock, if the power goes out. Also, what species are hardy enough to put in this system if the water specs fluctuate a little?

[Reptoreef]

Here's an idea... a 10 gl display w/pc lighting and a large rubbermaid sump with a fuge and skimmer. Seems a 10 gl display with a 30 gl sump would give an awesome amount of water for better advantages as far as water and a greater amount of area for nutrient control. Auto top off should be cake... just an idea, though(rubbermaids are cheap, too).

[m1a1fixer]

Ya know, this 20 gal system would be a great way to really get into the hobby. If I could make this work, which seems simple now that I have you guys and gals to answer my questions, the 55+ gal system I will set up after we move in a year and a half will be easy. Also, I would have already have so LR/LS to seed my big tank with and some well established livestock so it didn't look like a waste land to start out. who knows maybe it's just my buddy Jack Daniels talking, but I think this would be a great idea. I have most of the stuff already coming from EBay: 2X96 Watt PC ballast, 2X55 Watt PC ballast and bulbs, SCWD w/ directional nozzles, RO/DI system, wood to build a stand and canopy. Looks like all I need is her OK (the tough part) and a pump, some plumbing, a skimmer and some time.
Jack shut up, OK I guess I'll have another cocktail before bed. Thanks for letting me put my rambling ideas out to you guys :drunken:

[m1a1fixer]

The only possible problem with a Rubbermaid sump would be size. My girlfriend is afraid that my new hobby will take over the apt.

[Reptoreef]

They come in many sizes and builds... from tubs to garbage cans.

[hummer]

mine says im too obsessing too. thay just dont under stand yet ..hopefully thay change there minds when its done:):)

[Sea~Horse~Whisperer]

If you do the 10g display, and the 10g sump.....you could enter it in the nano contest. That is size we are all starting with. Tell her it's a contest and you could win prizes :)

[dakar]

Heck yeah a 10g display with a 10g sump can and will work..... They have a lot of potential, and can be done on the super cheap, as simple or elaborate as your imagination allows.

As Angie mentioned watch this year's nano build off contest... the beginning entry thread should show up tomorrow, use that as an excuse to get started. Jump in with us and have some fun!