I'm in the early stages of planning a reef tank. This will be my first saltwater aquarium. I had several freshwater tanks when I was a bit younger.
Planning for the tank to be a 40 gallon from PetSmart that's 36.5 x 15.5 x 17.2. I'm really only choosing this tank because I really like the dimensions, and I don't want something so big as to take over the entryway location. I plan to use a 20 long as a sump, and will be drilling holes into the bottom for drain/return.
The goal for the tank is for it to be very neat and unobtrusive. I want to minimize the amount of gear and tubing visible, and I also want it to be very quiet. I'm willing to pay a premium for quiet and reliable equipment, but certainly don't want to waste money.
So that being said, I'm overwhelmed by the options out there with skimmers and return pumps. Can anyone give me a few recommendations for each to get me started? I will admit a bias for gear that is "tried and true."
ETA: I hear that DC motors are quieter? Do I specifically want a skimmer with a DC motor?
Planning for the tank to be a 40 gallon from PetSmart that's 36.5 x 15.5 x 17.2. I'm really only choosing this tank because I really like the dimensions, and I don't want something so big as to take over the entryway location. I plan to use a 20 long as a sump, and will be drilling holes into the bottom for drain/return.
The goal for the tank is for it to be very neat and unobtrusive. I want to minimize the amount of gear and tubing visible, and I also want it to be very quiet. I'm willing to pay a premium for quiet and reliable equipment, but certainly don't want to waste money.
So that being said, I'm overwhelmed by the options out there with skimmers and return pumps. Can anyone give me a few recommendations for each to get me started? I will admit a bias for gear that is "tried and true."
ETA: I hear that DC motors are quieter? Do I specifically want a skimmer with a DC motor?
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