Equipment!

[Overhanded]

Just wanted to start putting down some of my initial ideas for equipment!

Theres so many different products and ways of doing things. That I want to get some things on paper and finalized before I wear out my browser!

*20 Gallon long tank
*Current Satellite 2x65(1Lunar light)
*Aqua C Remora w/Maxijet 1200
*2-Maxijet 1200's for flow
*2" Sandbed
*25-30lbs. Live rock

Livestock - 1 Firefish
1 Clown
Corals - N/A gotta lotta reading to do!

Please feel free to Argue, Debate, Critique the stuff I am looking at - thats why I am posting! If I have any of the wrong ideas I want to know about them right of way!

 

[auto_loader]

Things can happen quick in smaller water volume like that. Salinity, temperature, Ca and Alk, PH all fluctuate and stable parameters are a key thing to have. So I would recommend you consider adding a sump to increase water volume.

Also in a smaller tank its easy to clutter up the tank with equipment and a sump would give you a place to hide equipment like heaters and skimmer. You could also manage stuff like water changes and top off to compensate for evaporation and such easier. If your putting the tank on a stand of some sort you can hide it all withing the stand. some people have sumps larger than the main tank. It doesnt have to be anything expensive either.
If you go with a sump just the flow from the overflow returns would probably be enough at first until you start getting some livestock in there.
Those maxijets will act like small heaters and if you have 3 of them in a total of 20 gallons you might have heat issues especially during the lighting period and more likely if your planning an enclosed canopy for your lighting which you would probably want to if you going to keep a firefish because they are jumpers.

those are my thoughts hope it helps.
Mike.

 

[RobTop]

I'd look at the t5's instead of pc's.
I have a ton of pc's and like them, but they where bought well before T-5's were around. If I was buying flo lighting itoday it would be the 5's

 

[Overhanded]

Isn't there issues with power outtages and sumps. I have read some horror stories. We lose power alot over here and I am also on 2nd floor with this.

Is there any leaking issues with sumps like in the plumbing. I can't afford for any leaks.

Believe me I love the whole idea behind sumps.

Lighting I'll look at the T5.

Thanks for the input!

 

[SHowald72]

If you are looking for sand, Andy is taking down a tank and has "live" sand he is looking to sell/get rid of. I think it is oolitic sand, I know I can't spell but i got the type across to you. I will let him know you might be looking.

 

[Overhanded]

Thanks for the info! I will keep it in mind. I am still a couple weeks away from even buying the tank!

 

[vessxpress1]

Yeah, I'd go T-5s too. I really like mine because they put out decent light and they run really cool and more energy efficient.

I've been studying up on sumps and it looks to me, the right design will not leak or flood. I don't have one right now (finished anyway) but my next tank will. It definately takes planning though. Many things to account for. If you're going to use an external overflow, get a lifereef or something that will hold siphon in a power outtage. Get the best one you can get and you'll have won over half the battle. Externals still scare me though.

 

[RobTop]

Leaks and floods with sumps are only due to poor planning and plumbing work. Which I have experienced both. As for floods, with a anti-siphion hole in the return line you will avoid this. As for leaks, it is all about priming and using enough glue. It really is easy to do. We can help with all of that. Perhaps once you have all the equipment together invite some club members over to help. Depending on the day and how much notice I get I will be there.

 

[Overhanded]

Well as long as no overflows and good chance it won't leak. Then I will do that then!:smokin:

Now as far as the T5 lighting I am getting confused All I am seeing is 2X24 is that the equivilent of 2X65 in that PC I was looking at?

Thanks for the input!

 

[Overhanded]

Ok I am udating my ideas!

*30 gallon tank
*10 gallon sump (in tank)
*T-5 lighting

Do I want extra Live rock for the sump?

 

[Overhanded]

That was supposed to be in-tank skimmer