20L or 10 reef

[cichlidguy4]

Ya I started with cichlids from a forum and I have found it very helpful to get advice from all the knowledgeable people on here and the other forum rather than the LFS. I know 100x more about cichlids than anyone at my LFS but I tend to go to one that only sells cichlid. The people there I know and they are very smart and they know what they are talking about. At the petmart I go to here in Tampa for supplies, srictly supplies no way fish, I ask questions and they will not really know what they are talking about. A few people there do know what there talking about but not many.
I will look into those skimmers.

 

[cichlidguy4]

I am still a little confused about skimmers. If anyone has hang on the back skimmers with out a sump please post pics. Also I look at the CPR bakpak and I am thinking about that skimmer or the coralife 65. Whick one is my question? And what is a good powerhead?

 

[Billy1234]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6764629#post6764629 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cichlidguy4
I am still a little confused about skimmers. If anyone has hang on the back skimmers with out a sump please post pics. Also I look at the CPR bakpak and I am thinking about that skimmer or the coralife 65. Whick one is my question? And what is a good powerhead?

I would go with the BakPak.. it has 2 clear, simple chambers, and is easy to clean. Here are 2 pics of my BakPak- not the greatest pics though, but you'll get the idea

 

[cichlidguy4]

OK. Thanks now I have read about them and that picture helped. Now what would be a good powerhead?

 

[cichlidguy4]

To add to the above I have another question. What are some good cheaper lighting fixtures and bulbs? Also it has just come to me that it could be cheaper and easier to get a 12 gallon nano cube. Am I right?

 

[Billy1234]

Now what would be a good powerhead?
For use as a powerhead.. or for the protein skimmer?

Also it has just come to me that it could be cheaper and easier to get a 12 gallon nano cube. Am I right?
I guess it would be cheaper, but you won't be able to put a protein skimmer on it. I would stick with the regular 20L rectangular tank, for a few reasons.

• More water volume
• More choices for aquascaping
• More options for lighting, skimming etc.

The Nano-Cubes are good, but I think a regular tank leaves for more options..

 

[cichlidguy4]

I don't know about your question with the powerhead because I don't know the diffrence so please explain. I will stick with the 20Long, you said rectangular so just to clearify it will be long.

 

[Billy1234]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6767051#post6767051 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cichlidguy4
I don't know about your question with the powerhead because I don't know the diffrence so please explain. I will stick with the 20Long, you said rectangular so just to clearify it will be long.

Powerheads are used to make current/flow in the tank, but they are also used to take the water in for the protein skimmer. MaxiJets are good for flow in the tank (not connected to the skimmer though). Rios are good to use for the skimmer, because they are quiet. I'm not sure which pump the BakPaks come with now, mine came with a MaxiJet 1200 (295gph).. but the newer ones might come with a Rio. Yes, the tank is pretty long, the dimensions are 30" x 12" x 12".

 

[cichlidguy4]

Last but not least. Lighting. What would be a good fixture that is not over $200, I would prefer the $150 range if possible.