30 gallon rimless + 20 gallon sump mixed reef

[bristle]

Hello,

I've been planning an upgrade to my neglected 20 gallon long for quite some time. It was a simple HOB aquaclear filter, RW-4 powerhead and a 70W metal halide that limped along for a number of years. My strata doesn't allow more than 30 gallons of aquarium. After the rocks and sand I measured about 29 gallons which is what I estimated.

I've put together this new aquarium in the hopes my maintenance will be diminished (top offs, protein skimmer, additional water volume, refugium, LED light without bulb replacements, automatic feeder, high quality equipment where it matters). This aquarium has been running since October 25th with the contents of the 20 long which was initially put together in late 2011.

Here are the specs:
- Custom 36" x 18" x 12" tall aquarium with corner overflow (two 1" drilled drains, drilled 3/4" return). Black krylon fusion spraypaint matte background.
- 20 gallon high sump (24" x 12" x 16" tall) with skimmer/inflow, heaters/rubble/macroalgae refugium, return sections). Acrylic panels created from 1/4" Lowes acrylic sheets and GE 1 silicone.
- MarsAqua 300W LED light 32". Blues on from 10am - 10pm, whites/colours on from 11am to 9pm.
Aquaticlife hanging kit.
- Eheim autofeeder.
- Jebao RW-4 powerhead.
- Approximately 40 lbs caribsea 'select' sand.
- 30 lbs Billy's Reef Connection dry rock, 10lbs miscellaneous live rock/rubble.
- 1" durso drain, 1" syphon drain with gate valve.
- Bubble Magus Curve 5 protein skimmer
- Floodlight refugium light mounted to egg crate top with Philips 7W 5000K LED floodlight (on reverse schedule from 10pm-10am).
- Eheim 1260 return pump with 3/4" plumbing and TUBV to moderate flow.
- Tunze 3155 Osmolator ATO.
- 2x Eheim Ebo Jager 50W heaters (I may need to upgrade these as they seem to be on fairly frequently but I had them on hand).


http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20150930_065808_zps4lj8gmgm.jpg

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20151001_234701_zpscbw1sko7.jpg

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20151001_234728_zpse5qjmw1u.jpg

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20151030_110631_zpstluelsdt.jpg

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20151030_110640_zpsjwncp6ad.jpg

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20151030_110654_zps7vyy1fud.jpg

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20151030_220555_zpsvxk7vmoi.jpg

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20151030_224341_zps6obm3ekl.jpg

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20151030_224405_zpsxhhufom4.jpg

[Bogue Chitto]

You have a great setup there. You should be able to have a fine system going with that. Thanks for the pics..

[bristle]

Thank you. Initially I lost a number of snails, an emerald crab and my two fish (clownfish and blue/yellow damsel). I'm not quite sure what sparked it as the rock had been cured for 4 years but I suppose the move was too stressful for the fish. I can see a couple hermits scurrying around so I am going to let it sit for a few weeks before adding any additional livestock.

[mcginnisandrew]

beautiful tank, can't wait to see it with some livestock in it

[Isaacs55]

Very nice set up! Looks great! I'm tagging along

[bristle]

Added some livestock.

3 acropora (I don't know the names - purple, blue/green and green).
RBTA
Birdsnest
Finger leather. I asked for a small piece and got an enormous piece.
Orange montipora cap

My rocks have started pearling in the light meaning algae growth. I haven't added snails yet but I think now is the best time.

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20151115_163732_zpskoptvzcp.jpg

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20151115_163200_zpsmnnzygki.jpg

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20151115_163334_zps3mkv85nb.jpg

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20151115_163232_zpsvany6we1.jpg

And one week of skimmate without fish. Not too shabby.

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a452/narhay/IMG_20151115_141731_zpseulrha3k.jpg

[rick12]

Nice clean setup. I like the light, did you find it locally in BC

[MrRBW]

any updates?

[garrettp36]

I'm pretty new to this, but I'm not sure if it's such a good idea to have your light sitting on top of that egg crate. Just my 2 cents.

[HuskerBioProf]

I really like these long shallow tanks. The "low maintenance" approach was mine as well. I sure do enjoy it so far.

[snyder415]

tank looks great!

[krusieski]

love the rimless tanks


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[mzeme565]

looks good

[drawman]

How has the curve 5 been performing for you?

[BigEZ77]

Love shallow reefs...well done!

[SwirlyWirley]

Clean looking setup! definately looking forward to seeing more...