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

[Noah 123]

Nice!

For aquascaping, I'd make a mountain of rocks on the left side of the tank and have a large open sandbed on the right.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by Noah 123

Nice!

For aquascaping, I'd make a mountain of rocks on the left side of the tank and have a large open sandbed on the right.

Thanks Noah, I was thinking something along the lines of what you said. Im going for the island look, one big structure on the left & maybe a smaller formation on right but keep space wide for some swing room. Ill keep you guys updated.

[Noah 123]

What're you going to do in terms of livestock? I usually suggest the same things
depending on the size of tank. Would you like to hear my suggestions?

[pmangels17]

If you don't like the hang on back overflow you could always drill the back and install an overflow as long as the glass isn't tempered.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by Noah 123

What're you going to do in terms of livestock? I usually suggest the same things
depending on the size of tank. Would you like to hear my suggestions?

For coral I'm doing zoos, ploys and mushrooms. Those are my favorite, and i have a friend who has some designer zoas. Hooking me up at a good price too. For fish, i have no idea lol. I was thinking a single pair or clowns, maybe platinum or Snow Onyx clownfish.

Would love to hear anyones suggestions.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by pmangels17

If you don't like the hang on back overflow you could always drill the back and install an overflow as long as the glass isn't tempered.

I don't mind the look too much. I have tons of room for a hob overflow or skimmer. Yeah my tank is tempered on all sides, so i won't be drilling the tank. If only petco had dollar a gallon sale on 40b drilled tanks lol.

[pmangels17]

Just a note, my HOB overflow gave me fits, it was loud and pretty big. But if you decide you like it and don't mind the risk, then go for it. Have you ruled out a used tank off of Craigslist or something? Usually they are a pretty good deal.

[Noah 123]

Originally Posted by 710Reefer

For coral I'm doing zoos, ploys and mushrooms. Those are my favorite, and i have a friend who has some designer zoas. Hooking me up at a good price too. For fish, i have no idea lol. I was thinking a single pair or clowns, maybe platinum or Snow Onyx clownfish.

Would love to hear anyones suggestions.

I prefer the snow clowns. The only clown I really like is the ocellaris clown (basic clownfish), but that's just my opinion. If you're looking for something unique go with the platinum.

As a cuc, I'd go with:
10 blue leg hermits
5 red tipped hermits
5 astrea snails
5 nassarius snails
5 cerith snails
1 fancy brittle star
1 emerald/mithrax crab

And for something very cool and unique, search up crinoid squat lobster. They're awesome little critters that are reef safe and only get to 2 inches. Plus they're not even real lobsters.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by pmangels17

Just a note, my HOB overflow gave me fits, it was loud and pretty big. But if you decide you like it and don't mind the risk, then go for it. Have you ruled out a used tank off of Craigslist or something? Usually they are a pretty good deal.

Yeah the sound would defiantly be a problem for me. I don't mind the clean up on my HOB filter though, with a good skimmer & it won't be much of a problem.

I was going to get a tank from craigslist, just didn't want to deal with cracks or scratches. If i start a new tank for my garage, (man cave) I will be looking online for a drilled tank.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by Noah 123

I prefer the snow clowns. The only clown I really like is the ocellaris clown (basic clownfish), but that's just my opinion. If you're looking for something unique go with the platinum.

As a cuc, I'd go with:
10 blue leg hermits
5 red tipped hermits
5 astrea snails
5 nassarius snails
5 cerith snails
1 fancy brittle star
1 emerald/mithrax crab

And for something very cool and unique, search up crinoid squat lobster. They're awesome little critters that are reef safe and only get to 2 inches. Plus they're not even real lobsters.

Good list. I might stay away from hermits for this tank. I will def be using some snails for sure.

Ill look at into that lobster, seems cool lol..

[Noah 123]

[IMG]http://i60.*******.com/28k2glv.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i62.*******.com/2cmx3ra.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i60.*******.com/r0rz3b.jpg[/IMG]

Here are some pics of the crinoid squat lobster. Another unique animal would be this:

[IMG]http://i62.*******.com/52f0iq.jpg[/IMG]

The mole/sand/sandsifting crab.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by Noah 123

[IMG]http://i60.*******.com/28k2glv.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i62.*******.com/2cmx3ra.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i60.*******.com/r0rz3b.jpg[/IMG]

Here are some pics of the crinoid squat lobster. Another unique animal would be this:

[IMG]http://i62.*******.com/52f0iq.jpg[/IMG]

The mole/sand/sandsifting crab.

Those look like some awesome additions to the tank. Where can i find them? live aquaria??

Thanks for the rec. If i can find one after i do some research on them, ima grab one.

[710Reefer]

After thinking about issues i may encounter down the road, i decided to change my tank stand. Here is my new tank stand, expecting rock tomorrow so ill update with build pictures.

[Noah 123]

Originally Posted by 710Reefer

Those look like some awesome additions to the tank. Where can i find them? live aquaria??

Thanks for the rec. If i can find one after i do some research on them, ima grab one.

The sand sifting crabs are sold on saltwaterfish.com for about $1 each but I don't know about the squat lobster. I've only ever seen one for sale and liveaquaria occasionally gets them in.

Also, the lobsters don't need crinoids to survive.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by Noah 123

The sand sifting crabs are sold on saltwaterfish.com for about $1 each but I don't know about the squat lobster. I've only ever seen one for sale and liveaquaria occasionally gets them in.

Also, the lobsters don't need crinoids to survive.

Yeah, i looked them up and saw some info on them. Definitely going to try and get myself one.

[nanoreefer91]

I can't wait to see the outcome of your aquarium. Love the light. Making good moves so far! What do you want your first few fish to be? and corals? of course, when you get to that time.

[imkelz]

Im glad you decided to change your stand the other one gave me the chills looking at it lol. Other then that its looking great

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by nanoreefer91

I can't wait to see the outcome of your aquarium. Love the light. Making good moves so far! What do you want your first few fish to be? and corals? of course, when you get to that time.

I really love the blue dot jawfish, although I'm not sure if it will be ok for my sized tank. If not, I'm thinking a some type of angler or frogfish. Not sure at all at this moment on fish though, still looking into it.

Corals I'm doing mostly zoas & mushrooms. Maybe some LPS corals too, hammer and duncans would also look good. I want a super nice zoanthus & mushroom garden though.

[710Reefer]

Originally Posted by imkelz

Im glad you decided to change your stand the other one gave me the chills looking at it lol. Other then that its looking great

Thanks lol, this one will work much better and i like the tinted glass under it too. Good place to store my supplies... Glad i changed it too haha..

[Noah 123]

Originally Posted by 710Reefer

I really love the blue dot jawfish, although I'm not sure if it will be ok for my sized tank. If not, I'm thinking a some type of angler or frogfish. Not sure at all at this moment on fish though, still looking into it.

Corals I'm doing mostly zoas & mushrooms. Maybe some LPS corals too, hammer and duncans would also look good. I want a super nice zoanthus & mushroom garden though.

If you do the frogfish, that will probably eliminate any small invertebrates. They'll eat small hermit crabs and what not. The blue dot jawfish should be fine though.

[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]

Water is clearing up, still a little cloudy when up close up. Few more days and it should clear up.



I also purchased a new filter today, got it @ 50% off. Its made by Aquatop, I love how quiet it is compared to the AC 50 & Marineland 150 I had. It also comes with a nice surface skimmer built into it, great for an open top aquarium like mine. Going to convert one of the chambers into a refugium down the road. I have a Poly-Filter in one side at the moment.





More pictures of the tank.

[terrypercula]

I like the rock work. Well done.

[nanoreefer91]

Originally Posted by 710Reefer

I really love the blue dot jawfish, although I'm not sure if it will be ok for my sized tank. If not, I'm thinking a some type of angler or frogfish. Not sure at all at this moment on fish though, still looking into it.

Corals I'm doing mostly zoas & mushrooms. Maybe some LPS corals too, hammer and duncans would also look good. I want a super nice zoanthus & mushroom garden though.

I would love a blue dot jawfish but they are heck of expensive. I can't see myself spending over 100 bucks on a small fish but they do have a lot of personality. If you do, make sure to have around 3 to 4 inches of sand. They love their sand lol. I can not keep zoas to save my life!! I feel like those bristle worms eat them. The rock work is nice…love the openings for fish to swim in and out in.