what to do with this tank?

[mallorieGgator]

I have 2 20 Gallon talls that I got at the petco $1 tank sale. I have on drilled for a refugium. However, my DT is already cycled and I don't want to go adding a hole nother 20 gallons of water and causing another cycle. So, my question to you (hubby doesn't know I'm thinking naughty thoughts!) is what would you do with this? Here's what I'm thinking: Using the 20 Gallon not drilled as a sump and having the drilled 20 Gal as a Zoa/NPS tank. I already have a small pump, pvc in place, top, a clip on light fixture (if I go with the other zoa/NPS I'll probably get a different light), sand. So I would need a small vortec or something like that and maybe a new light. I don't think I would need a skimmer since I can use the other 20 H as a refugium/sump. Let me know what cool ideas you have or if you have any ideas for somehow hooking this up to my 55 gal DT without an additional cycle that would be really awesome! Thanks! :) (PS: keep it low tech. I'm poor!) :reading:

[James404]

You really wont have any problems adding that tank on as a fuge, it will not cause a cycle unless you were to add something like uncured live rock or something.

I had my 80g running and cycled and later on added a 30g sump/fuge with no issues.

[mallorieGgator]

hmmm, you don't think though that since my tank is only 55 gallons it won't cause a cycle?

Also- I have an extra HOB filter. Is it ok to use this in my refugium as additional filtration?

[James404]

hmmm, you don't think though that since my tank is only 55 gallons it won't cause a cycle?

Also- I have an extra HOB filter. Is it ok to use this in my refugium as additional filtration?

No you should be fine, you're not increasing your bioload or anything. I would skip the HOB filter, it isnt necessary and will need to be cleaned very often or it will just become a nitrate factory. More trouble then its worth.

[LaOtIn]

hmmm, you don't think though that since my tank is only 55 gallons it won't cause a cycle? I wouldnt drain it to drill it to add the fuge, i would get some PVC and build an overflow and run it to your fuge, then plumb back up for your return. that way you wont disturb your DT. as long as youre using fully cured rock in your fuge you shouldnt get a cycle. im not 100% sure about the sand. i hooked up my fuge/sump with dried, used sand then filled it with fully cured LR and never had an issue.

Also- I have an extra HOB filter. Is it ok to use this in my refugium as additional filtration?extra filtration IMO is always a plus. It cant hurt, just make sure you keep up with the filter maintenance. it would be a good place to run your carbon if nothing else.

[S13<3]

are they having the $1/gallon sale in florida? im in miami and was in petco yesterday, didnt see any sale :(
srry to thread jack

[mallorieGgator]

The 20 H is already drilled to have a out and return line down into the wet/dry of my DT. I was just wondering if I should still use it as a display refugium or go with a 20H dt. I will use it as the refugium for sure if I'm not going to get a cycle.

The $1 tanks I got a few months ago. Sorry. :(

[RcToners]

Mallorie,

You wont have any cycle with a new fuge unless you add something to kick a cycle up. If you were to add some live rock to it that had some die off you might get a cycle or if you happen to use bagged live sand you might have a cycle. You should be good to go just hook it up throw some cheato in there and some dry sand. Glad to hear your main tank is doing well, get that new sump up and running :) :) Dont forget pictures :)

[SoFLreef]

Mallorie,

You wont have any cycle with a new fuge unless you add something to kick a cycle up. If you were to add some live rock to it that had some die off you might get a cycle or if you happen to use bagged live sand you might have a cycle. You should be good to go just hook it up throw some cheato in there and some dry sand. Glad to hear your main tank is doing well, get that new sump up and running :) :) Dont forget pictures :)

+1 on the live rock and sand

[mallorieGgator]

Crap, i have a bag of live sand. Lol. What to do with that?

[jeff@zina.com]

are they having the $1/gallon sale in florida? im in miami and was in petco yesterday, didnt see any sale :(

You would have had to go in during the sale --- Ended Saturday, 10/23.

Jeff