20-Gallon Build Thread!

[Eric Noa]

Well I've decided that while I wait to set up my 90G I will go ahead and set up a 20G Nano in my room since the cost will be a lot less, so for now the 90G will just sit in my garage and who know's maybe it'll get upgraded to a 220G before its even set up.

Main Display:
Standard 20G - 24" x 12" x 16" (Drilled with either a Beananimal or Herbie overflow)

Lighting:
Im thinking of going with the Marineland Reef Capable LED Lighting System, Ive read good reviews about it and the prices is not bad. I could also go for a DIY LED Fixture but Im not sure yet. What do you guys think?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+23687&pcatid=23687

Flow:
Return Pump - EHEIM Compact 300
Powerhead Pump(s) - Not sure yet probably a couple of Koralia's. Im open to suggestions.

Filtration:
Sump - ProFlex Sumps Model 1
Skimmer - Not sure yet. Open to suggestions also

Stand:
DIY Stand

Fish & Corals:
Coming soon!

I will be using Dry Rock and Dry Sand. I'll probably use a couple of pounds of live rock.

Now here for the pictures. First I'll start with a couple of renderings of my room with and without the tank.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Scene4-1.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Scene3-1.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Scene5.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Scene3.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Scene1-1.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Scene1.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Scene6-1.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Scene4.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Scene6.jpg

I picked that corner of the room because on the other side even though it might look like it fits it doesn't unless I move the bed to the other side and then I won't be able to open the door to my closet all the way.

[Eric Noa]

Starting to put the stand together! This will be a tight fit but I'll make it work :) Sorry for the bad quality pics but I took this at night in my garage right after I finished for the night.

I decided to make the frame out of 2x2 don't really need 2x4's for this tank.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Stand1.jpg

Everything cut to size

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Stand2.jpg

The Frame almost done... Need to give it the final touches tomorrow and get it ready for paint then cover it up with 1/4" Birch Plywood and stain it.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Stand3.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Stand4.jpg

[sphilli40]

I would be afraid, if I placed the tank there, that the handle of that door would smack into the glass and then the contents would be all over the floor.. just a thought..

[TripsterAK]

This is pretty much what I want to do with my 28G JGJ Nano

Great Renderings. I like it. What did you use to make it?

[Eric Noa]

I would be afraid, if I placed the tank there, that the handle of that door would smack into the glass and then the contents would be all over the floor.. just a thought..

If you didn't notice I made the stand tall enough so that wouldn't happen, also the door has a door stop at the bottom that will prevent the handle from even hitting the stand.

[Eric Noa]

This is pretty much what I want to do with my 28G JGJ Nano

Great Renderings. I like it. What did you use to make it?

Thank you! I used Sketch up and for the renderings SU Podium V2

[Eric Noa]

Here are some actual pictures not rendering of the room. I will try to finish the stand today if possible.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Room4.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Room1.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Room2.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Room3.jpg

[Eric Noa]

Here is a small update of what I got accomplished today.

Stand will all sides covered except the back since Im leaving it open for ventilation.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Stand0305121.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Stand0305122.jpg

Trim and door opening.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Stand0305123.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Stand0305124.jpg

Interior painted.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Stand0305125.jpg

and Im found a used 20G drilled and 10G tank on craigslist for $15 so I when and got them today. Currently doing a leak test.

The 10G will be for my sump incase I decide to do it myself.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/LeakTest0305121.jpg

[Eric Noa]

Stand finished! The on the trim the wood stain come out darker and light in some spots no matter how much I put on it lol but over all I think it came out good.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Stand0306121.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Stand0306122.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e311/Eric032990/20G%20Nano/Stand0306123.jpg

[huseman808]

Sweet stand. I always appreciate a good nano tank. Following along!