My 20 Gallon Build...

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bentmywookie

New Member
First off just wanted to introduce my self, so hello my name is Spencer. I have had a 50 gallon reef tank in the past but was forced to sell...after moving it 5 times couldnt bear the thought of a 6th move. After stumbling across this site and seeing some of your awesome setups, and being a bit more settled Ive decided to get back into the hobby.

Im in the process of setting up a 20 gallon reef. So far all I have is 25-30lbs of live rock curing in a bucket and a CPR skimmer.

Heres what im thinking as far as other components let me know what you think;

20 g all glass aquarium with cheap stand, a 96w T5 Nova extreme fixture, ebo jager heater, and a Hdor Korilia 1 powerhead (do you think 1 of these will be enough circulation ?)

I was thinking also about a JBJ auto top off, and have read some good reviews as well as bad, what are your opnions on the product, and how much of a water reservoir do you think I will need to get by without refilling it for a week? 1-2 gallons ? i dunno.

I will post pics as the tank comes along!
 
TimSchmidt

TimSchmidt

New Member
:welcome to Nanotank! Looks like you've done a bit of research! For the Nova just make sure each bulb has an individual reflector, otherwise you are buying expensive compact flourescent bulbs.

For the flow I prefer more powerheads at a lower rate than just a coupel really strong ones. This allows me to ensure there are fewer dead spots in the tank. Maybe 2 or 3 koralia nanos? Or 3 or 4 maxijets (400 or so) on the maxijet wave maker?

I've not used the JBJ, but I've heard more good things than bad things. Just remember that EVERYTHING eventually breaks. Just take care of any top off you get by making sure to clean and maintain per the manufacturers specifications.

For the water reserve you will have to just wait and see how much evaporation you have. I think a 1 or 2 gallon should be plent though. Just make sure the plastic container you use is HDPE (high density polyethelene) because those will not leech out any phosphates like some plastics can. I use a 32 gallon Rubbermaid BRUTE container for my RO/DI.
 
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bentmywookie

New Member
Hey tim thanks for the advice! finally have the tank up and running for 24hrs, here are a couple shots. oh and I ended up getting a 25 g tank, so ill make a new post in the appropriate forum.


FTS w/flash


FTS w/o flash


bristleworms burrowing into the sandbed
 
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