More equipment for 20 gal

RG21 · 08/26/2010, 07:12 PM

I'm looking to add something to my tank to increase the stability of the water and make the maintenance more convenient.
my setup:
20 Gal with 35lbs live rock
425gph powerhead
empty tetra whisper filter, carbon when needed
2x actinic blues and 2x 12,000k's = 96w
ATO system

with a clown, striped damsel, yellowtail damsel and a firefish, everyones getting along.
~10 hermits, 1 turbo snail, etc..
red mushrooms, 2 kenya trees, Green cat eye polyps, yellow polyps..

I would like to add something to this tank and i was thinking about a kalk reactor or phosphate reactor, and a small protein skimmer.

what are your opinions on this equipment? i know you'll all say the protein skimmer is a good idea, and i will get one, but how many gallons should it be rated?

also, what are your opinions on the phosphate or kalk reactor? would these benefit me and could i add both?

my last and FINAL question, what is the difference between a kalk reactor and a calcium reactor, if there is one? do they both use CO2?

ive learned about a lot of the chemistry of reef keeping but not as much on how to use the equipment and in what application.

your help is greatly appreciated! i basically owe my tank to you all, i wouldnt have any of the knowledge i have without rc

cody6766 · 08/26/2010, 07:36 PM

reef keeper lite and some good mix for 2 part. The RKL will let you keep your temp more stable and work as a timer for your lights. You can upgrade it into a ton of other things to make your reefing easier.

keeping thing simple is sometimes the best answer, especially for a small tank

RG21 · 08/26/2010, 08:12 PM

i am having trouble keeping my kh and ph stable, which is why i ask about the reactor

RG21 · 08/27/2010, 11:00 AM

no more input? do people come on here just to read or somethin

small alien · 08/27/2010, 11:05 AM

I had really good luck with an AquaC Remora HOB skimmer on my 20. You have to do the little paper towel mod to cut the noise, but other than that, good experiences. Have never dosed or used reactors so no input there.

Good luck.

08/26/2010, 07:12 PM	#1
RG21 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 221	More equipment for 20 gal I'm looking to add something to my tank to increase the stability of the water and make the maintenance more convenient. my setup: 20 Gal with 35lbs live rock 425gph powerhead empty tetra whisper filter, carbon when needed 2x actinic blues and 2x 12,000k's = 96w ATO system with a clown, striped damsel, yellowtail damsel and a firefish, everyones getting along. ~10 hermits, 1 turbo snail, etc.. red mushrooms, 2 kenya trees, Green cat eye polyps, yellow polyps.. I would like to add something to this tank and i was thinking about a kalk reactor or phosphate reactor, and a small protein skimmer. what are your opinions on this equipment? i know you'll all say the protein skimmer is a good idea, and i will get one, but how many gallons should it be rated? also, what are your opinions on the phosphate or kalk reactor? would these benefit me and could i add both? my last and FINAL question, what is the difference between a kalk reactor and a calcium reactor, if there is one? do they both use CO2? ive learned about a lot of the chemistry of reef keeping but not as much on how to use the equipment and in what application. your help is greatly appreciated! i basically owe my tank to you all, i wouldnt have any of the knowledge i have without rc

08/26/2010, 07:36 PM	#2
cody6766 Super Best Friends! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,772	reef keeper lite and some good mix for 2 part. The RKL will let you keep your temp more stable and work as a timer for your lights. You can upgrade it into a ton of other things to make your reefing easier. keeping thing simple is sometimes the best answer, especially for a small tank __________________ "The moral is the chosen, not the forced; the understood, not the obeyed. The moral is the rational, and reason accepts no commandments." - John Galt Current Tank Info: Cadlights 60G Arisan II mixed reef with 2x MP40s and 24" ATI

08/27/2010, 11:05 AM	#5
small alien The fungus is among us. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Earth Posts: 3,884	I had really good luck with an AquaC Remora HOB skimmer on my 20. You have to do the little paper towel mod to cut the noise, but other than that, good experiences. Have never dosed or used reactors so no input there. Good luck. __________________ This moment is all we have. Current Tank Info: 75 mixed reef. F OSFF, Clingfish, M/F Leopards, M Mandy, Darwin Clown, Bullet Goby, Green Clown Goby, M/F Matted Files, Bluestripe Pipe, Tailspot Blenny, Canary Wrasse, Royal Gramma, Papua Toby Puffer, Snooty Maori Wrasse.

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08/26/2010, 08:12 PM	#3
RG21 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 221	i am having trouble keeping my kh and ph stable, which is why i ask about the reactor

08/27/2010, 11:00 AM	#4
RG21 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 221	no more input? do people come on here just to read or somethin