20g Long Build

[Lpabsolute]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9880478#post9880478 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Palmettopark
Nice set up why do you have the sponge over the intakes? Isnt this a nitrate factory? Are you running the AC's as fuges? Did you slow the flow any in the HOB filters? What is the turnover rate roughly? And last but not least what about that crazy hitchhiker crab in the begining of this thread man that thing is scarry, are you telling me it hitched a ride on the Live rock? Right on!

Have the sponges there to keep the fish from getting sucked up. I didn't like the factory ones because of how long the stuck down in the tank. I take the sponges out and wash them off once a week. Never have had a prob. with Nitrates. I'm running the AC's as filters, but have thought of turning one into a fuge. I slowed the flow down a bit by trimming off some of the impeller blades. There were 6 blades, now only 3. Not sure about the turnover rate. Yes, that big crab hitchhiked in on a piece of LR. He was huge. I took out the piece he was in try to get him out. He cramed himself into this small hole. I had to rip him apart to get him out, it was a pain in the ***, cause all i had to grab him with were a small set of twezers. All is good in the tank now though........

 

[Palmettopark]

Looking good.

 

[mikellini]

Lpabsolute - this is an inspiration. In fact, I just got my old 29 on the go and am making progress. I have a question about the ACs.

You say you'r using them as filters, right? Now maybe I missed this, but what sort of filter material is in them, and how do you have it set up? And you've also noted that you trimmed the impellers down to half the blades, which I would assume would roughly cut the flow in half. Did you do this for both of the AC 110s? And, have you adjusted the flow control on either of them, or just left it at full flow?

I'm interested in setting one up beside my Remora, and I was just wondering how you have yours set up. I've tried to search for more info on modifying them but stupid RC always has the search engine "temporarily" shut down due to "volume". The other option I'm thinking about is a HOB 18" fuge, although this could get a little pricey. Thanks

 

[Lpabsolute]

Thanks.......I'm using the AC's as filters. I've got the large sponge that came with them inside of the filter box itself along with my heater and some Micro Algae. Once a month i take the sponges out and clean them really good, this is done at the same time as my monthly water changes. I trimmed the impeller blades on both filters, easy to do. I just leave them both at full flow now. I have mine setup on top of a dresser in my room. Good Luck and feel free to ask more ?'s...............

Lp

 

[mikellini]

Lp, just one more question... How much clearance do you need between the top frame of the tank and the wall? The only concern I have is that I may not have left enought room, the Remora should fit fine but I've never seen an AC 110 so I don't know how deep they go back from the tank.

I suppose with the filter left somewhat open you can add things like carbon or LR if you chose to as well. Good stuff! And I think, with the options it gives, it's a better option than a HOB fuge with an extra powerhead in the display tank...

Thanks

 

[got2envy]

This tank has inspired me enough to be my first post in RC! I am really looking foward to more pics and have learned alot from your very simple set-up, I have done fresh water tanks for years ..I have a 125g community tropical with a 55 gallon sump (that will eventually will go SW) and a 75g Malawi African cichlid tank which is the closest to the salty side that I have gotten, I would like to try a set up like yours..I do have freinds who have mature tanks that i can get water and L/R from..I thought it was almost mandatory to get a protein skimmer..how do you get away with it in such a small tank? ..are you doing alot of water changes? I have a 40g breeder that i was going to set up as my first SW tank..but i also have a 20L

sorry for so many questions..I'm a noob

more pics please!

Thanks,
Maria

 

[reefman13]

more pics!

 

[sixspeed]

Hey what are the dimensions on the canopy you had built for your tank? I am going to be starting up a very similar setup as yours and was going to use retrofit t5 lighting as well. How tall does the canopy have to be?

 

[jbob]

i second that. more pics

 

[Lpabsolute]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9945784#post9945784 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sixspeed
Hey what are the dimensions on the canopy you had built for your tank? I am going to be starting up a very similar setup as yours and was going to use retrofit t5 lighting as well. How tall does the canopy have to be?

PM sent

 

[reefman13]

PICTURES, PICTURES, PICTURES, PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Musho3210]

nice tank, you sure do love polyps and other softies .

Regarding the skimmers, you definatly dont need a skimmer, espcially in nano skimmers are optional since its so easy to do water changes in nanos, plus there are more benefits in water changes than there are in skimming. But it is your choice, skimmers can help a but but its your choice between mild-heavy water changes no skimming, vs skimming with light-mild water changes.

 

[Lpabsolute]

UPDATED 5-24

UPDATED 5-24

Here are some updated pics........As you can see i've added a few new corals........

FrogSpawn

Orange/Red Sponge

Zoa Frag

 

[Lpabsolute]

This is my NEW Fish.........Starry Blenny.........Enjoy!!!!!!!!

 

[got2envy]

I love this tank..keep the pics coming as u update

 

[Lytehouse]

Really nice thread you have put together. Some really great info for those of us starting out an learning the difference in the high tech methods of reefs and simple set ups like yours that work great and look great. THANKS

 

[mikellini]

weird fish! but kinda cool... and how come you have two mag floats now?

 

[Kengaroo131]

soo nice man, i love this tank looks really good keep the pics coming!

 

[Lpabsolute]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10017308#post10017308 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mikellini
weird fish! but kinda cool... and how come you have two mag floats now?

The larger Mag-Float came from my 54g corner tank i just sold. I didn't have any use for it so i just stuck it in the tank. It was completely covered with Coraline. I figured it would help it grow in the tank. The small one is the only one i use to clean the glass.....

 

[mikellini]

Can you do me a big favor and PM me with those dimensions for the hood as well?