Starting a Frag Tank

[Polecat]

I've been a couple of years without a reef now, and would like to get back into it. I had a very successful 55 gal reef before, through lots of trial and error. Anyway, it seems that there is a weath of information available now that I didn't have access to before. So, I'll throw out my questions to the masses (or masters).

I want to do a small 20 g +/- with just LR + LS, maybe a few crabs to start. Is this possible without a skimmer? I realize the need for good water circulation, good lighting, and a heater. What about a canister for mechanical filtration?

I would like to keep this as easy and economical as possible, as the kids just won't let me justify another big set-up right now. Any help is appreciated.

[prof]

www.nano-reef.com
www.reefs.org - nano forum

I am running a 20 gallon long with a 2 inch sand bed and plenty of live rock. Current inhabitants: 2 small anenomes, 1 feather duster, xenia, small yellow tang, 1 fire shrimp, 1 purple lobster, snails. I plan on adding a clownfish and some softies. The tank has only been up for 2-3 months but I am not running any filtration on the tank, just a powerhead and an old hang on filter (with no media) for water movement. I have a pair of full spectrum fluorescent 24" bulbs on the tank.

The tank is doing very well. Everyone is happy. The sand is alive and has all sorts of critters running around in it.

If you are able to add a sump or refugium to a nano it will greatly increase the stability of your system. More water is better. You HAVE to do regular water changes with such a small volume of water.

Build it. I love mine and the expense is much less than my 58 gallon.

Dave

[Polecat]

Thanks Dave for your thoughts and experience, that's kinda what I am looking at doing.

Do you have a good source for water? Do you use RO? What brand salt mix are you using?

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to do this right this time. My first experience with a reef was largely trial and error and believe me the error outweighed the trial.

[Polecat]

Thanks Joshua, for your thought also. I have a 20 gallon in the garage that's collecting dust, but it would be nice to have one that's drilled. I like the idea of a sump to increase water volume, but don't necessarily like the idea of a HOB overflow.

Thanks for the offer of the 22 hex. What would you be asking for it? Seeing as how I am a good 3 hours east, it might be better to find somebody local who could use it. But, if the price is right, who knows? Thanks again.