Small Tank with Sump

[jasonamyers]

In my head, I think I want a smallish tank (20-30gals) but with a sump. I have a Red Sea Max E 170 now that I'm happy with and I know I could add a sump to it, but I have a different goal in mind for that aquarium (it's in my living room).

I'm thinking a nice Zoas Garden with just a few clown fish in this other tank and perhaps a mandarin if I can get a refugium up and running in its sump to grow a million pods for that guy.

I see red sea has the Reefer Nano and 170, but I was hoping for something about that size but not quite that price. I looked at SC Aquariums, and didn't see anything smaller than 40gal with a sump.

Maybe I'm crazy? Talk to sense into me about this?

If I go with an AIO, what's a slightly cheaper one that's still got great quality? (SC Aquariums has a nice 25gal I think)

 

[Joeganja]

I think with an all in one you don't get the same modularity and space you need. Also with all in one tanks manufactures such as innovative marine make it very difficult to purchase products that aren't their brand to fit into their tanks. If I were you I'd get a shallow tank get an overflow in the back have it drop down to a sump and make it your own design. Aquarium creations make custom tanks.