20L micro build questions

[tlscott77]

Hello everyone
I want to start on a 20 gallon long micro reef. It seems that there are so many different ways to go about starting it. I would like to know what are some of the proven methods RC members have used. I will list some questions.

1. What is the best substrate to use? I realize sand but some people say live and some say store bought. If either one is true, where would be the best place to purchase the needed substrate?

2. On a small setup what would be the best filtration method? I had a buddy who had a ton of salt build up on a bio wheel filter he was using on a 55 gallon fish only. I seen a thread on here where a guy converted an Aqua Clear 70 into a refugium. The aquarium with be in my bedroom so sound is factor.

3. Is there a way around salt build up, or does it come with the territory.

4. Where would be the best place to purchase live rock and salt for the water?

5. What would be the best lighting MH or HPS? I have a 660 ballast with 4 vho bulbs, but I think I will save the for my big tank. So I have a 400 watt HPS, and t5 I jut don't know which one to use.

Thanks

[tlscott77]

Any help would be appreciated

[theyammieguy]

HPS? Are you talking about high pressure sodium? Those are never used in reef aquariums.

Sand is more of a preference on which size grain to use. It will all eventually turn live as will the rock.

You could use an MH or T5, depending on what you want in the tank.

Sounds like you need to do a lot of reading.

[cthedaytrader]

Yes, you should research some more on the forum, there are so many things to go on. You should look in this thread at the Nano tanks of the month, and see what has worked and the equipment they use.

Also the regular tank of the months are good sources for equipment and set up desings.


In essence sand is a preference, some people dont use any and go barebottom some buy live, like theyammie said but non live sand will become live. I would not just use any sand you dont want something processed or something that could have contaminants that will leach into the aquarium

Generally, reef filtration is good quality live rock, water changes, and a protein skimmer. Other things people add or Phophate removers and to run carbon.

As far as lighting that is a huge topic and it depends on so many factors, what you intend to keep, budget, tank size, preference etc. If you already have an ICECAP 660 that is a good ballast that I am pretty sure can be wired for T-5s so you could probably make a good diy canopy.

Good luck.

[IslandCrow]

First, I wouldn't consider a 20g a "micro" tank. It certainly does qualify as a nano, but in essence, it's not really any different from setting up any other tank.

1. Like any other tank, I wouldn't bother with packaged live sand. Some stores will sell actual live sand that's been seeded with actual microfauna and has spent some time in an established system. Even this, though, is unnecessary, as your live rock should do fine seeding dry sand. Of course, you could also elect to use no substrate at all. There are a thousand threads here on "barebottom" aquariums.

2. For filtration, I'd do a skimmer or nothing at all. Anything around 30g or less can do just fine with no skimmer, but frequent water changes. Making some sort of hang-on refugium is a fine idea. Most are so small, I doubt they're all that beneficial, but they certainly can't hurt.

3. You're probably going to get some salt buildup somewhere. As long as you don't have a lot of salt spray, which is usually caused by microbubbles (or macrobubbles if you for some strange reason have something that would produce those), powerheads too close to the waterline or small leaks. Otherwise, you shouldn't be getting much salt buildup.

4. Many people purchase live rock online, but for a 20g, this may not be cost effective with the shipping. If you can find another hobbiest locally that's selling it, that's always the best option. Otherwise, I'd just go to your LFS. You can also buy some dry rock or even make your own rock to cut down on the cost. As for salt, I usually get mine from Drs. Foster & Smith. You'll almost always get better prices online. It's been awhile since I've even looked for it at a store, but the prices were generally around 50% higher.

5. I'd go with T5s on a 20 long, but it really depends on what you're planning on keeping. VHOs are a perfectly viable option as well. So are metal halides, but energy-wise, they're generally not as efficient on longer tanks, as you'll probably either want 2, have dimly lit areas of your tank, or waste a lot of light out the front/back of your tank. If that 660 is an Icecap, I'm with cthedaytrader. That's perfect for a T5 setup. And if HPS is something other than high pressure sodium (that was my firs thought as well), you may want to enlighten us.