I understand that a sump is better becouse its better at controlling nitrate and phosphate, but is there any simple way to set one up and what size sump should i get for a 29 gallon tank. Might as well do that and set up the tank the right way instead of doing it down the road. Any help with what i should get sump wise.
I think this is a smart idea. You could start with the canister, but you would most likely end up replacing it with a sump before long anyway and then you are spending more money.
For sumps you really can go one of 2 ways. Either buy a sump from any number of companies or make one out of a suitable sized fish tank and add baffles using acrylic and silicone. Either way will work well, but making your own is generally a lot cheaper. If you don't want to mess around with building the baffles and such I would recommend looking for a used sump on your local fish club site, craigslist, etc. Used ones can generally be had for reasonably because new ones tend to be quite pricey.
For the sump, you want the biggest one you can fit in your stand and still fit your equipment(like skimmers or any reactors you might use(like carbon or GFO)). Generally this will be about a 10 gallon tank, but depending on dimensions you will have to measure and see what you can fit. When measuring try to picture everything in there and make sure you can still get your hands in there to clean.
Which ever way you chooose, you will need an overflow for your tank. This overflow can be built in if you buy a drilled tank(best way), drilled yourself after buying a non-drilled tank(also best way), or getting an overflow box that hangs on the rim of the tank(not as good of a way, but it works. I use this way, but wouldn't if I was setting up a new tank. Much more of a hassle and risk of problems like flooding and pump burning out from running dry). You will also need a return pump either way. The return pump should be rated for less than overflow. Remember to look at the head height you have when deciding on a pump. Generally the rim of your tank will be about 5 feet off the ground and the pump you buy will run at a much lower flow rate at 5 feet than 0 feet(which is what the advertised rating is for) because of gravity causing pressure.
On a 29 gallon tank, you only need a couple hundred gallons per hour of flow through your sump. So the overflow should be rated for that and then the matching pump.
Continue to post any questions you have and we will try to guide you thru the process.
