Sumpless Mixed Reef Tank

[slivermaster08]

I thought I'd post on here asking for some advice, but I was wondering if anyone has experience running a sumpless tank with just powerheads providing flow. I'm thinking of having a 50 gallon tank made (due to odd space constraints) with no internal chambers while running 1 or 2 Tunze 6105 and a skimmer to avoid massive water changes each week!

I was thinking of either running one or both of the powerheads oscillating to get the wavemaking effect but I'm not sure if that will guarantee enough flow. I'd like to use the tank for a mixed reef but primarily softies.

If anyone has any advice on if this would work or if I'm overlooking anything feel free to chime in!

Cheers!

[Flash]

i ran a 33gl for years just ran a hob filter and had 2 powerheads! worked great!

[slivermaster08]

What size pumps did you use? I'd like to get a eurobrace on it so I don't think I can consider using hob's... will depend if I can find a suitable skimmer first

[Casey8]

I used to have a 25 gallon tank for softies only without the sump, running with 2 cheap 402 Aquaclear powerheads and a Eheim Magnum Deluxe filter. Water change every 6 weeks without using any skimmers, I actually even didn't know a reef tank needs a skimmer but that tank was lasted for well over 4 years before I shut it down to get a bigger tank.

[Money pit]

My first tank was sump less, and eventually skimmer less. One thing I would recommend is a surface skimmer, so you don't get an oily build up on the surface of the water. If you decide to go skimmer less, you will need to do additional water changes if you want to keep more sensitive corals. If you want a skimmer, don't cheap out, get a good HOB. If you are getting the tank made, let the maker know you want to add a skimmer, and they can build the tank accordingly.

[Doug]

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=78317

Second time between tanks running this way. IMO, it runs better than my sumped...skimmed tank.