I have only ran sumpless reef tanks and I have run my 125 gallon for almost 6 years now. My new 29 gallon is also sumpless and has higher end corals in it and is doing very well. I believe the things you must have equipment wise is a HOB skimmer, decent lights, good flow/powerheads, heater, and a HOB filter for media and poly. I did add a two part doser eventually as I got tired of dosing every day, but it is not required.I ran my first reef tank without a sump for a long time and some of you may have as well. I also ran my first successful reef tank without a ton of gadgets and gear and had a pretty nice reef! Sumps are great because it gives you more water volume, conceals equipment and gives you more options but the fact is you don't have to have it. Today let's talk about stuff you don't have to have to keep a successful reef aquarium.
1. Have you ever had a reef tank with no sump and how did it go?
2. What other items, gear, equipment or gadgets do you NOT NEED to have a nice reef tank?
Sumpless reef tank image via @myzislow