Downgrading

[michaeldaly]

I am planning to downgrade my current 65g(Around 4 years old) into a smaller tank possibly a cube of arouund 30 - 35g (doing this for a number of reasons - space, cost of maintenance and stock, time for a change).

The primary requirement for the new tank would be that it has to be quiet. I would prefer to use a sump for equipment storage, would a drilled overflow or a syphon overflow be more quiet?

What id the feasability of running a smaller, reasonably stocked tank without a skimmer, or only skimming for say 10 hours a day. I have run my 65g without a skimmer for extended periods of time with reasonable success, but it was lightly stocked.

As for lighting I plan to re use what I have 2 150W MH fittings. Would you reccomend using one or two bulbs? This would be used over a mixed reef.

Also, what are the quietest pumps available?

[vangvace]

I would recommend a 30 or 40 breeder tank. If your 65g is a standard size, then these two tanks have the same footprint, just shorter. You may even be able to reuse much of your current setup.

Drilled is quieter and has more options for how to silence it compared to a siphon.

You can run skimmerless or a short cycle, but stocking and livestock are what really dictate that. A Tunze 9002 is really quiet and might be a viable option for 24/7 use if need be.

For lighting I would go with both bulbs and add in a pair of T5s or just a straight t5 setup.

I've been looking at quiet one and eheim pumps for my upcoming build, but can't really give any advice.

[ilikelps]

+1 as well as to consider the MAG drive pumps, and also to help us what are your stocking plans, then we can give more advice on what sort of equipment you may or may not need!

[michaeldaly]

As for stocking I am planning to stock the tank as a mixed reef, but focussing primarily on SPS corals.

I would most probably keep my fish load rather low.