My 20Gal Long Reef Tank Build

[710Reefer]

Hello everyone, I'm starting a new 20gal reef tank and thought i would post pictures and update you guys on how things are going now & how they go in the future.
This is not my first saltwater tank but I still consider myself a rookie when it comes to reef keeping.
I've had a 75 gallon & 10 gallon tank in the past, i had to break them down after i moved though. Both systems did good for 2 years before break down, that was 4 years ago lol, I did so much things wrong.
I set up my 3 gallon tank 4months ago but now need something for my living room. I could use help with anything you see i could use improvement with or comments about anything I'm using or shouldn't be using.

I purchased the tank from petco (No more 40gal breeders) and I'm using my old T5 lighting. Replaced the bulbs, i went with a deep blue and purple bulbs.
My fixture only hold 2 bulbs (will i need more in the future?) Tank is only 12" high, i think I'm ok though.
For circulation I'm using a Hydor Koralia nano 240, Aqueon 500 & a small 60gph powerhead for dead spots if i need it.
I have a hob filter from marineland, I've been looking for a good priced HOB overflow box so i can use a sump, just haven't found one. Maybe ill try a DIY.
Went with CaribaSea Hawaiian black live sand (2 bags if needed).
i purchased 30lbs of rock online from ReefRocks but i won't use it all.
Going to my LFS for some live rock to help seed the tank and other rock, they have some good stuff.
I aslo have 20 gallons of ocean water to add when i start the tank.

Leak checking the tank today and cleaning everything after.
Im expecting my rock tomorrow so i can start working on my aquascaping (wish me luck lol), here is a quick picture of my tank.




Thanks for looking.

Robert

[idisc]

Looks like you are off to a good start. I personally would not let my tank hang off the side like that though. (Pressure Reasons)

1. Remove the biowheel for the marineland filter
2. Add in chemipure elite / filterfloss / purigen / ect..
3. Clean the HoB filter weekly (Taking it off and rinsing it out)
4. Should be enough flow. You have the reccommended amount.
5. Light will be fine for some softies n some lps.

Make a post in the Nano Tank Thread

[rustyjames]

Looks good. I kinda like the corner placement. Your 2x39 watt light should be fine for zoas/shrooms. With regular water changes you probably wont need a sump but it wouldn't hurt. Plus, you have plenty of room behind the tank for a hob skimmer. Maybe a BH1000.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by idisc

Looks like you are off to a good start. I personally would not let my tank hang off the side like that though. (Pressure Reasons)

1. Remove the biowheel for the marineland filter
2. Add in chemipure elite / filterfloss / purigen / ect..
3. Clean the HoB filter weekly (Taking it off and rinsing it out)
4. Should be enough flow. You have the reccommended amount.
5. Light will be fine for some softies n some lps.

Make a post in the Nano Tank Thread

-Exactly what i was thinking. I read people saying that some of the gunk that stays on the biowheel and falls off is bad.
-I have some polyfilter that I'm going to use with it, what can i use for carbon?
-I do the same with my 3 gallon tank. ill keep it up with this one too.
- Glad I'm good with the flow.
- Perfect, i was planing on keeping only zoas, ploys, mushrooms. What about a duncan?

I didn't realize we had one lol ill make a post there, or maybe a mod can move this post, if they can or if it matter.
Thanks for the post. i appreciate the response.

Originally Posted by rustyjames

Looks good. I kinda like the corner placement. Your 2x39 watt light should be fine for zoas/shrooms. With regular water changes you probably wont need a sump but it wouldn't hurt. Plus, you have plenty of room behind the tank for a hob skimmer. Maybe a BH1000.

Thanks, i was going to do it flat against the wall, but like you said i needed some room for hob skimmer or hob overflow.
Good to know I'm ok with lighting, i love zoas & mushrooms probably the only type of corals ill keep.
I try to change the water 1x a week but ill need a skimmer for some help. I have a biocube skimmer i never used but i was looking at that reef octopus, probably going with the bh1000 if i need more.

[710Reefer]

Changed my mind on the color of sand i will be using.
I was set on black for the look of the tank, but after watching some videos on youtube and looking around at pictures of tanks with black sand beds online i decided to go with white sand instead. I was planning on keeping a goby and didn't want him to get cut or have any problems adjusting to the black sand.
I took my bags of sand back to petco and my lfs and exchanged for white sand..

Im sure i won't have a problem mixing 2 different brands of live sand, or will I?? Here is what i got.

[Xavibear]

I think that you should buy or make a stand for your tank before you fill it. All of the trim on the bottom of the tank needs to be supported. Could possibly lead to a failure of the tank. I would also lose the glass top.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by Xavibear

I think that you should buy or make a stand for your tank before you fill it. All of the trim on the bottom of the tank needs to be supported. Could possibly lead to a failure of the tank. I would also lose the glass top.

Will the pressure on the center of the tank really be thrown off that much? I figured 2 inches of hang would be ok, but i don't want to have a problem down the road.

Im going to try and build one today, if i like it ill use it. I also have a cool stand i used for my 30 gallon tank. I might have to pull it from storage.

Only reason i wanted the glass top is because kids run around here all the time, don't want my tank to get contaminated by dirty and (soda) lol. If i don't need it ill most likely take it off, don't want to lose the benefits of my t5.

[710Reefer]

Took everyones advice and decided to switch my tank stand. Thanks for the help. Ill update when i set the tank up.

[maddmaxx]

just throwing this out there. if your not drilling the tank for a sump. i would look into getting an aquaclear 110 powerfilter with the intank AC110 media basket, much better option when it comes to a filter...

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by maddmaxx

just throwing this out there. if your not drilling the tank for a sump. i would look into getting an aquaclear 110 powerfilter with the intank AC110 media basket, much better option when it comes to a filter...

Thanks, i was actually deciding between the 2 for a little while. Guy came up to me and gave me his suggestion, guess i should have listened to myself lol.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by maddmaxx

just throwing this out there. if your not drilling the tank for a sump. i would look into getting an aquaclear 110 powerfilter with the intank AC110 media basket, much better option when it comes to a filter...

Couldn't find the media basket, I went with the 50. I like how I can add my polyfilter to the basket and still set up a fuge, Ill be buying one on amazon. So do I use the carbon and biomax that comes with the aquaclear?
I returned the marineland and got the aquaclear today..

FedEx should be here anytime with my rock.

[Xavibear]

Ditch the biomax.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by Xavibear

Ditch the biomax.

Coo, should i use poly-filter after the carbon then??

[Xavibear]

That would be ok.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by Xavibear

That would be ok.

Nice, thanks.. I appreciate it..

[710Reefer]

Yo Madd or anyone else, would this fit my AC 50? Im diggn this media basket..

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00C6K...5802646&sr=8-1

[dwaynenterprise]

It appears so haha... I'd suggest getting the AC70, more play room if you want to mod it *I do not regret spending the extra 8 dollars at all*. You can also get that and still be able to switch the impellor down to an AC30 if you want to lessen the flow and use more power heads.

[maddmaxx]

Originally Posted by 710Reefer

Yo Madd or anyone else, would this fit my AC 50? Im diggn this media basket..

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00C6K...5802646&sr=8-1

yes that would work, but i found this one that is cheaper. and i believe this company is who makes them...

http://www.shop.mediabaskets.com/Aqu...FWoR7AodYTIAmw

[maddmaxx]

but my honest suggest is. save the money and get an AC110 with the AC110 media basket...

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by maddmaxx

but my honest suggest is. save the money and get an AC110 with the AC110 media basket...

Thanks... If i need more room, ill pick one up.

[710Reefer]

Ok RC, today was a big day for me . I received my rock from ReefRocks and I couldn't be happier with what i got. I talked to Steven over the phone and i told him what i wanted to build. Everything arrived in perfect condition. FedEx took way too long though, got get until 3pm. I also picked up some Live rock from my lfs to help seed the tank and new rock.



It took me a good hr of messing with the rock, i used the old hammer and chisel for some of the rock that was simply too big. After i got my base set, i started to build my ledges and caves.





I was trying to go for the island look, but i also wanted to keep some space on either side for the fish to have some swimming room.



I wanted to get a good layer effect going, made sure i left good room for corals and growth for the future.



I started using a powerhead to help me move some of the water, i needed a break after a bit haha..


After i filled the tank with the water and plugged in my circulation pump, I started the installation of my new RO unit. Needed some help from my cousin but everything went well.




After a long day, i need to kick my feet up and watch some Nat Geo Wild.


Ill update once my water clears up. Thanks for stopping by everyone, hope you like the aquascape!

[710Reefer]

This AC filter is way too noisy! Anyone else have that problem? I might pick up a new filter from my lfs, think its named jebo or something like that. Ill probably use the AC filter as a refugium a little down the road if i need one. Im getting a skimmer so i don't think ill actually need a fugue..

[Reef noob_]

ive had 3 ac filters before (2 right now) and they are SILENT if its loud then sand got in the impeller or motor, did you disturb the sand while the filter was on?

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by Reef noob_

ive had 3 ac filters before (2 right now) and they are SILENT if its loud then sand got in the impeller or motor, did you disturb the sand while the filter was on?

No, i started it this morning after water cleared up a bit. I noticed it was coming from the lid mostly but still a good rattle from the motor I'm guessing. Im going to clean it today.

[710Reefer]

Added some shrimp to the tank today, how long does it usually take for a take to get the ammonia spike? I start work in a week or 2 so i will be kept busy.

Ill start adding a small clean up crew 3 weeks from now, or after end of cycle..