Filtration/Substrate Upgrade Recommendations in 20g long? Currently have RUGF and CC

Speedy77 · 07/16/2014, 08:33 AM

Hey guys!

I've been doing saltwater tanks for a while now, but am deciding to get into the more delicate reef stuff more recently with corals and more inverts. I have my parents old setup (from the 70's) using crushed coral and an RUGF setup in my mom's old 20g long tank. I still use my dad's old RUGF setup in his old 30 gallon for freshwater as well. Both tanks have done great with just fish. In the marine tank I've had the same hermit crab and tomato clown for 3 years with surprisingly low maintenance needed, but I know this setup can be risky (and an expensive mistake) with corals an other saltwater creatures. I'm also looking to make the switch from crushed coral to sand for the benefits that it has.

I just figured I'd post to get some feelers out about what you guys use or would personally recommend for an upgrade in filtration. I'm hoping to not have a lot of additional bulky hardware outside the tank if at all possible, as there is not much if any free space around my 20g right now. I know some people frown upon the sit-top Penguins, so what do you guys recommend? Is there anyone that is using RUGF now with success with corals and other inverts?

I'm most likely heading into the LFS after work to check out filters, but wanted some know-how about them before I left my filtration-fate in the hands of someone who could financially benefit from it. Hopefully I'll find some cool options today!

Thanks for reading!

Speedy77 · 07/16/2014, 10:33 AM

I take it back, apparently what I have is just a simple UGF (I read a thread that had the two mixed up. Whoops!) According to everything I can see online, I definitely need to change this filtration method.

Speedy77 · 07/16/2014, 09:20 PM

Doing some research, I may try to grow some algae to get rid of some of the nitrates that will be created in the water and create a biological filter. Unfortunately don't have much room for a sump. Anybody have any ideas?

bdevillier · 07/16/2014, 10:35 PM

if you are wanting to grow some macro algae and dont want to use a sump you can get a hang on back refugium or an aqua clear filter and mod it to be a fuge. the AC70 can take the impeller from the AC20 to slow the flow down to make a decent fuge.

mcgyvr · 07/17/2014, 05:22 AM

IMO.. With only a 20G tank.. Routine water changes are all that you need to do.. No equipment other than a powerhead.
Its just so easy to change out 5G or so every 2 weeks.. Or half that each week and not have to worry about any equipment.

Change out that crushed coral (slowly) for some nice sand (1-2" deep) and have fun

Speedy77 · 07/25/2014, 08:01 PM

Awesome, thanks guys! I may check out the refugiums to see what's out there, but in the mean time I'll keep doing water changes and look into swapping out my coral for sand!

07/16/2014, 08:33 AM	#1
Speedy77 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 61	Filtration/Substrate Upgrade Recommendations in 20g long? Currently have RUGF and CC Hey guys! I've been doing saltwater tanks for a while now, but am deciding to get into the more delicate reef stuff more recently with corals and more inverts. I have my parents old setup (from the 70's) using crushed coral and an RUGF setup in my mom's old 20g long tank. I still use my dad's old RUGF setup in his old 30 gallon for freshwater as well. Both tanks have done great with just fish. In the marine tank I've had the same hermit crab and tomato clown for 3 years with surprisingly low maintenance needed, but I know this setup can be risky (and an expensive mistake) with corals an other saltwater creatures. I'm also looking to make the switch from crushed coral to sand for the benefits that it has. I just figured I'd post to get some feelers out about what you guys use or would personally recommend for an upgrade in filtration. I'm hoping to not have a lot of additional bulky hardware outside the tank if at all possible, as there is not much if any free space around my 20g right now. I know some people frown upon the sit-top Penguins, so what do you guys recommend? Is there anyone that is using RUGF now with success with corals and other inverts? I'm most likely heading into the LFS after work to check out filters, but wanted some know-how about them before I left my filtration-fate in the hands of someone who could financially benefit from it. Hopefully I'll find some cool options today! Thanks for reading! Last edited by Speedy77; 07/16/2014 at 08:47 AM.

07/17/2014, 05:22 AM	#5
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	IMO.. With only a 20G tank.. Routine water changes are all that you need to do.. No equipment other than a powerhead. Its just so easy to change out 5G or so every 2 weeks.. Or half that each week and not have to worry about any equipment. Change out that crushed coral (slowly) for some nice sand (1-2" deep) and have fun __________________ Who me?

07/16/2014, 10:33 AM	#2
Speedy77 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 61	I take it back, apparently what I have is just a simple UGF (I read a thread that had the two mixed up. Whoops!) According to everything I can see online, I definitely need to change this filtration method.

07/16/2014, 09:20 PM	#3
Speedy77 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 61	Doing some research, I may try to grow some algae to get rid of some of the nitrates that will be created in the water and create a biological filter. Unfortunately don't have much room for a sump. Anybody have any ideas?

07/16/2014, 10:35 PM	#4
bdevillier Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: tempe, az Posts: 538	if you are wanting to grow some macro algae and dont want to use a sump you can get a hang on back refugium or an aqua clear filter and mod it to be a fuge. the AC70 can take the impeller from the AC20 to slow the flow down to make a decent fuge.

07/25/2014, 08:01 PM	#6
Speedy77 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 61	Awesome, thanks guys! I may check out the refugiums to see what's out there, but in the mean time I'll keep doing water changes and look into swapping out my coral for sand!