Planning a 50g Low Boy Split for Display + Frag, Good Idea?

[Harry g]

Hi everyone,

I’m thinking of upgrading from my 20g to a 50g low boy and want to try having a mixed reef + frag setup in the same tank. My idea:
• Split the 50g in half with a divider that’s slightly shorter than the tank so both sides share water.
• Display/sand side: everything I have in my 20g, roughly:
• Cleanup crew: 4 margarita, 4 Nassarius, 4 Astrea, 2 Trochus
• Fish: 1 black clown, 1 black storm clown, bangai cardinal, 1 yasha goby
• Corals: 1 GSP, 1 montipora frag, 1 RBTA, 1 candy cane (kryptonite), 1 war coral, variety of zoas, 1 toadstool, 1 Kenya tree, 1 RFA, 1 Octospawn
• 15 lbs live rock, 20 lbs live sand (planning to add a bit more)
• Frag side: bare-bottom frag racks for mushrooms and zoanthids. My thinking is the sand side will act like a “mini-sump” for the frag side, but look nicer.

Questions:
1. Is this a reasonable idea, or will it create problems?
2. Should I add a real sump anyway?
3. Would it be better to just run a dedicated frag tank instead?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Harry g]

Also, what would be a good idea to start adding to my 20gallon right now so upgrading to a bigger tank in the future is cheaper? I’m thinking another ai prime and another ai Nero 3.