not say without sump cant work, but things will be alot better if u have a sump. more choices of skimmer n stuff...u might wan to state down ur budget for this whole tank set up.... range for the tank set varies alot. a basic 3ft can be ard 1k tank, cabinet, sump, hood and piping but it can go over to 2k also.... crystal glass should not be expensive for 3ft but again it depends on the thickness.. 12mm is more costly than 10mm....