I am looking to down size from a forty gallon tank to somthin 20 gallons or less.  I would like to get started in the reef keeping as I have mainly only done fish for the past two years. 

Any suggestions on what type of tank would work well?  I would not mind building my own tank either, but the nano cubes seem so much more economical.

Anyways I would love suggestions.

rosterc said :

I am looking to down size from a forty gallon tank to somthin 20 gallons or less.  I would like to get started in the reef keeping as I have mainly only done fish for the past two years. 

Any suggestions on what type of tank would work well?  I would not mind building my own tank either, but the nano cubes seem so much more economical.

Anyways I would love suggestions.

CHEAPER yes harder to keep stable FOR SURE!

I would personally reccomend the 12or 24 gal Deluxe JBJ Nano cubes.

I am building another 29 (same foot print as a 20 long but taller) as we speak.  I just finished building a 20 long for the sump.  That is a nice size.  You could go 20 long main tank and either a ten or 20 long for the sump.  

I drilled out for a 1" bulk head to drain it and using a small pump for return,  With a 20 long you could use a 150 M/H and get decent lighting for just about any corals or clams.   I am running a 250 because of the extra depth. 

The pre built kits are nice but when things start failing their charm wears thin fast with me.  One of my students has a JBL 20'ish and it works great but he had trouble fitting a better skimmer in and had to jam a power head in the main tank to bump up the flow. 

I like the 20 long/29 because its easier to hide the equipment if you want to.  

 it was very easy to add the refu, which boosts the water volume and makes better overall conditions for both fish and corals.

my two cents

Briney