Selecting & setting up an 'all in one' tank with internal filter

[Hexabonal]

I have kept freshwater tanks for 10 years. I want to start a simple "all in one" 30 gal reef tank with some very easy corals, a pair of clownfish, a load of inverts/clean up crew, macroalgae, deep sand and a load of live rock that a friend will give me. I cannot get a bigger tank right now. Ideally, I would like to try and find a protein skimmer that would fit in one of the compartments of the internal sump.

I live in Hong Kong and so most tanks sold are made locally. There are a variety for sale. What should I be looking for? Three chambers on the internal sump? I have searched but there doesn't seem to be a clear guide to setting up the internal sump. Should I make use of filter sponge and change it regularly? If I were not able to get a skimmer to go in the internal sump, would it really provide better filtration than if I were to just have more space in the normal tank that I could fill with live rock? I was hoping to either put a load of cheato (if I can manage to acquire it here) or other macroalgae in the tank with the corals because I like the look (or in a HOB refugium, or in a compartment of the internal sump).

 

[David cornelius]

if you are to go with an aio tank rather than going with a filter sponge, i would look at purchasing an "intank media basket" which you would be able to put into the first or secod chmber, allowing you to have mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration all in your media basket. A refugium with some chateo in the sump would be a great for your nutrient control as well. ideally a protein skimmer on this size tank is not a necessity because in some causes in can end up striping your tank elements. ive seen many 30 biocubes ran successfully with or without skimmers, its all in what you prefer, but i would do a little research before you purchase one for your nano tank. Looks as if you are on the right path to success, keep us updated, if you have any other questions feel free to ask. Remember "NO QUESTION IS A DUMB QUESTION"

 

[Hexabonal]

if you are to go with an aio tank rather than going with a filter sponge, i would look at purchasing an "intank media basket" which you would be able to put into the first or secod chmber, allowing you to have mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration all in your media basket. A refugium with some chateo in the sump would be a great for your nutrient control as well. ideally a protein skimmer on this size tank is not a necessity because in some causes in can end up striping your tank elements. ive seen many 30 biocubes ran successfully with or without skimmers, its all in what you prefer, but i would do a little research before you purchase one for your nano tank. Looks as if you are on the right path to success, keep us updated, if you have any other questions feel free to ask. Remember "NO QUESTION IS A DUMB QUESTION"

Thanks David. Would you recommend putting a filter sponge inside one of the compartments?

 

[David cornelius]

Thanks David. Would you recommend putting a filter sponge inside one of the compartments?

aio's usually come with 3 compartments. if you are wanting a refug with chaeto i would recommend intank media basket for chamber one with some filter floss, chemipure blue, and something like bioballst, then a refug in chamber 2, then return pump, heaater, auto top off in chamber 3