20 gal tank build

RG21 · 09/16/2010, 01:45 PM

I recently picked up a 20 high during the $1/gal sale at petco, I currently have a 20 high, and I really want to make a thorough tank build thread for others to reference. Since I already have a lot of the equipment I'll need for this tank, I need to figure out what else I want to put into it to upgrade it from my current tank. Here is my initial planning:
It'll be a 20 high on a custom built stand/canopy.
MH or T5 lighting, have both but haven't decided.
CPR bak pak skimmer
2 425 gph powerheads
Custom built rock wall with over 50lbs live rock
2-3" sand bed
DIY ato

This is where you guys come in, I want some ideas on what else I could accessorize this tank with. I plan on it being an sps dominated reef.

I was thinking some kind of kalk or media reactor would help it, and a controller would automate things a bit more, but I want to know what you think. Thanks for any suggestions !

RG21 · 09/17/2010, 12:48 PM

Bump..

RG21 · 09/19/2010, 10:39 AM

53 people have looked at this and i cant even get one suggestion? im moving forums...

justinf67 · 09/19/2010, 10:48 AM

reefermad619 · 09/19/2010, 12:02 PM

How about a sump?

zachfishman · 09/19/2010, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefermad619

How about a sump?

+1, the added volume of a sump would go a long way to help keep the system stable. I'm fighting swings in my 29.

RG21 · 09/19/2010, 04:25 PM

What size return pump should I use? I have a sump but it was for a bigger tank and the return pump I have would be way to powerful. Any suggestions?

RG21 · 09/19/2010, 04:29 PM

And also, although convinient I really don't like the idea of an external overflow, does any one have experience with these and flood proofing them?

Also, can you drill the tanks they sell at petco or will they just shatter?

reefermad619 · 09/19/2010, 05:24 PM

I don've have any expirence with drilling petco tanks. I would call the manufacturer and ask them. The people at petco probably won't know and I don't think I would feel safe taking their word for it. Unless they have and experienced tank person there. When I've been to petco before, the employees don't know SHHH! Doesn't mean your local petco will be the same, but that's my experience with mine. If at all possible, drilling is best! most people feel that a return pump should be able to circulate the enitre tank volume 3-5x/hr. So minus your rock, sand, and livestock you'll probably have around 30 gallons of water (with a sump). So anything around the 90-150 gph/hr range after head loss.

09/16/2010, 01:45 PM	#1
RG21 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 193	20 gal tank build I recently picked up a 20 high during the $1/gal sale at petco, I currently have a 20 high, and I really want to make a thorough tank build thread for others to reference. Since I already have a lot of the equipment I'll need for this tank, I need to figure out what else I want to put into it to upgrade it from my current tank. Here is my initial planning: It'll be a 20 high on a custom built stand/canopy. MH or T5 lighting, have both but haven't decided. CPR bak pak skimmer 2 425 gph powerheads Custom built rock wall with over 50lbs live rock 2-3" sand bed DIY ato This is where you guys come in, I want some ideas on what else I could accessorize this tank with. I plan on it being an sps dominated reef. I was thinking some kind of kalk or media reactor would help it, and a controller would automate things a bit more, but I want to know what you think. Thanks for any suggestions !

09/19/2010, 10:48 AM	#4
justinf67 Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 249	__________________ 75g-Reef Select Sand, 80 lbs Live Rock, Koralia 1050 Evo, Koralia 1400 Evo, 40g fuge w/chaeto, MAG7, Bubble Magus 6 Skim, BRS GFO... Stock: 2 BW Ocellaris, Coral Beauty, 2 Engineer Gobies, YWG, Midas Blenny 40G-42lbs Rock, 20g Fuge, Coralife SS125 Skimmer Stock: Diamond Goby, Firefish.

09/19/2010, 12:02 PM	#5
reefermad619 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: The Salty D! Sandy let go of my eggo! Posts: 1,767	How about a sump? __________________ Fish tanks and Chevys... And my cousin's Datsun too. I wish my chrome dude would take frags for trade! Some call it paranoid. I call it prepared. You have more post than I do... you must be right

09/19/2010, 05:24 PM	#9
reefermad619 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: The Salty D! Sandy let go of my eggo! Posts: 1,767	I don've have any expirence with drilling petco tanks. I would call the manufacturer and ask them. The people at petco probably won't know and I don't think I would feel safe taking their word for it. Unless they have and experienced tank person there. When I've been to petco before, the employees don't know SHHH! Doesn't mean your local petco will be the same, but that's my experience with mine. If at all possible, drilling is best! most people feel that a return pump should be able to circulate the enitre tank volume 3-5x/hr. So minus your rock, sand, and livestock you'll probably have around 30 gallons of water (with a sump). So anything around the 90-150 gph/hr range after head loss. __________________ Fish tanks and Chevys... And my cousin's Datsun too. I wish my chrome dude would take frags for trade! Some call it paranoid. I call it prepared. You have more post than I do... you must be right

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09/17/2010, 12:48 PM	#2
RG21 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 193	Bump..

09/19/2010, 10:39 AM	#3
RG21 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 193	53 people have looked at this and i cant even get one suggestion? im moving forums...

09/19/2010, 04:25 PM	#7
RG21 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 193	What size return pump should I use? I have a sump but it was for a bigger tank and the return pump I have would be way to powerful. Any suggestions?

09/19/2010, 04:29 PM	#8
RG21 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 193	And also, although convinient I really don't like the idea of an external overflow, does any one have experience with these and flood proofing them? Also, can you drill the tanks they sell at petco or will they just shatter?