20 L

[IndianaFish]

Would a 20 L be to short in depth to have a reef tank? I like the length of them but wouldn't want the corals to be to exposed to the light if it would be bad. This is going to be my first reef so I want something I really like to look at, but still cheaper then a big tank.

Thanks for the help!

 

[WarEagleNR88]

Many people have done reefs in 20 gallon long tanks. You have lots of options since the depth is so short--you can keep more light intensive species with less intense lights, if you so choose. I think another thing is that the surface area is good for oxygenation in a 20 gallon long. So already two big advantages.

Personally I really like the look of short, wide reef aquarium than a deep one. I think K9 did a really good job with a 20 long. Let me research and I'll post a link to his thread.

 

[Henry22]

Agree with wareagle, I would rather have a 20 long than my 15 tall.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

the shallower the tank, the easier to light. For example i've got a 28 gallon tank...however this is not an ordinary 28 gallon tank at all. Its 5 feet long. Except its only 12 inches high, and 9.5 inches front to back. In the future i plan to use it for a bunch of gobies and blennies, but it will also be a reef. I plan to just use one of those fixtures that is 4x65 pc's since thats just so low.

I wouldnt worry about the corals getting hurt by light...because if they could, then we'd be in some major trouble w/all the lights we got lol.

 

[IndianaFish]

Thanks for all the info and advice. I wasn't sure if I read some where that some corals can't stand a high amount of light. I am going to be building a stand for this then starting the cycle.

I would also love to see any 20 L Reef setups out there if you can find the link.

Thanks again.

 

[WarEagleNR88]

dhoffroad's 20G long mixed reef

K9's 20G long reef

Also here is my freshwater 20G long on Aquarium Advice

The first two are two 20G longs that I followed. K9 had a good idea for a stand so I incorporated it into my stand which you'll see in the third link. I really like that stand! It is nice and tall and puts the tank at a great level for viewing. I think it is built like most aquarists build their stands--overkill.

Hope this helps!

 

[IndianaFish]

Thank you for the links!

k9s pictures are gone it appears but the other two look very nice. I do like the stand you did for the 20 and will definately take into consideration when I do mine.

 

[Poorcollegereef]

20L are great! I keep sps with a 150w MH light. The only real challange is evap. its not as nice as dhoffroad since I have had to move alot but I also have a 20L as a sump for the extra water volume

 

[CPT. MURPHY]

Go for the 20L! They really do look amazing when they are done right. That is actually my next project

CPT.