20L wish list

[bocaredneck]

Hey guys, I've been reading posts on this site forever and thought it's about time I posted something. I currently have a 10gal set up which started as a nice mini reef, and has now become a mushroom farm. My idea is to transfer my two tank raised clowns to a 20L and start a new tank to give them more room while keeping the 10g up and sell/trade the mushroom rocks over time. For the 20L I was going with the AC70 everyone is so fond of, a shallow sand bed, and a koralia nano or two. Lights are up in the air for now, but I have 2 2X65w PC set ups from my old 55gal laying around so I was probably going to use that. Couple questions/pieces of info:

- First off, I've been working with aquariums for about 20 yrs, and while I'm no expert, I know enough to be dangerous. :lol2:

- The tank will be going on my first attempt at a custom stand. I will add a hood later, but I need to finish the stand first, and of course post some pics.

- I don't want to use an overflow as I have had bad experiences in the past with flooding and constant worrying so that is not even an option for me.

- Sand bed? I was thinking about 1-2"

- Lights - I would think that one 2X65W fixture would be sufficient, but I have no problem with using both if it is recommended. LED's are a possibility down the road.

- Bioload - I feed lightly and will probably only add my 2 clowns, and possibly 1-2 small fish, maybe a goby and pistol shrimp combo and/or a small wrasse type fish. Regular water changes will be done. I will also keep a CUC as well.

- corals - Nothing spectacular, but no mushrooms! ha ha. I would probably stick to soft corals, and LPS, but no Acros or anything like that.


Any other suggestions would be appreciated, I'm a firm believer in the KISS method,so I like to run my systems that way. I've had my 10g running for about 6 yrs now and raised my clowns from 1/2" juvies to their present size, so I guess I've done something right. I fought off expanding my tank as long as I could but the sickness finally got to me.

 

[JasonBJones]

I think your list actually sounds really good. As long as you don't want to keep SPS, or only keep easy ones, the lighting should be fine.

The only other thought I have is the instead of using the AC70, I might consider making a hang on the back algae turf scrubber. Should be much more efficient than a small fuge in the AC70 at removing nutrients.

 

[bocaredneck]

Thanks Jason. I'm assuming that HOB turf scrubber is a DIY project correct? I'll have to look into that.

 

[JHawlz9989]

Thanks Jason. I'm assuming that HOB turf scrubber is a DIY project correct? I'll have to look into that.

I used a small turf scrubber on my 20l with a sump, and I eventually came to the conclusion that it's trying to stuff 10 pounds of junk into a 5 pound bag. I've since removed mine and am going to try chaeto (although I haven't yet).

Any idea what your plans are to keep the water surface clean? That was always the challenge I faced until I added a sump.

Good luck! 20 longs are beautiful tanks.

Josh

 

[Grandlotus]

I would go with a 4x fixture. My brother has the coralife 4x with moonlights and he keeps easy sps like monti's / birdsnests.

 

[bocaredneck]

I used a small turf scrubber on my 20l with a sump, and I eventually came to the conclusion that it's trying to stuff 10 pounds of junk into a 5 pound bag. I've since removed mine and am going to try chaeto (although I haven't yet).

Any idea what your plans are to keep the water surface clean? That was always the challenge I faced until I added a sump.

Good luck! 20 longs are beautiful tanks.

Josh

I looked into the ATS systems last night, and I agree that it seem like a lot more trouble than is worth it. I think I'll just stick to the fuge in the back. Maybe I'll upgrade the AC70 to the 110 to get a larger area for chaeto. I've always had good luck with fuges and I've learned that if it works for you, don't change it.

As far as the surface, I'm still not sure. I have seen a 20L on here that had an acrylic overflow wall built along the back wall, so a surface skimmer like that may be an idea. I'm not sure if that will provide enough water for the filter intake, or maybe it would be too much? Other than that, in my current tank I've just done weekly water changes and kept a powerhead pointed at the surface for agitation.

I do love the shape of the tank though and hope to finish my stand this weekend.

 

[bocaredneck]

I just came across the All in One kits made by badfish, and I really like that setup. I think I will be going with one of their kits and media baskets.

 

[SantaMonica]

What was the scrubber trouble?