I have just started a 26 gallon bowfront tank and have a question. I do not have a sump and am wondering what kind of skimmer to get. Can someone help me out!

Iwouldn't use a skimmer on that small of a tank. Weekly 5% water changes is all that will be needed.

That makes it very cost friendly for sure. This is my first SW tank and I am freaking out a little! Thanks for your help!

Do you even need a sump for something that small? I know it's always a bonus to have the extra water cycling through a sump but if your doing, say a 30g long, with some live rock and only 4-5 fish, no larger than 3 in max, would you still need one?

I'm so on the fence on either a fresh water tank with African Cichlids or a 30g long SW. The only thing that keep pushing me back to fresh water are the cost for a SW. Any ideas on simply cost for a 30g SW tank?

I started out by buying the live rock in batches. That has been my major cost. I buy my water from a great family fish store and the cost is very low. I think having a sump would be a plus as you would be working with more water and that would make keeping the parameters in check alot easier. I do 10 to 15% water changes weekly. It is very challenging with a small tank but so much fun. I say go for it!

Just got back from the LFS where one of the owners told me that he has a 29g tank at home running off a Fluval 205 canister system, 2x550 power heads and a set of T5HO lights and it's been doing great for 3 YEARS!!! He said there is alot of hipe around Nano-Tanks and what they NEED but he said as long as weekly water changes are done, 10-15%, and the filter is cleaned twice a month there will be no issue with the tank and it'll grow very nicely.

We talked for a while but before I left I placed an order for my 40G long tank. 36x18x16. I can't wait to buy the rest of my set-up and get something started.