Help with equipment for 20gl setup

[Crackerballer]

Ok, I have the aquarium, 30 inches long, here is what I have so far.

Aquaclear 500 filter, modified to hold 2 small heaters on the side. If these heaters don't work well enough, I will find another solution.

For lighting, I was planning on the Orbit compact with lunar lights (65wx2). This will do about 6w per gallon.

From there I still need advice on a protein skimmer. I want one that either hangs on or can sit behind/off to the side, as I have no sump.

Also, any suggestions on other forms of filtration?

My ultimate plan is Fish, LR, LS, Corals, etc. I want this to get setup and established, and use it as a learning tool before I setup my 40 gallon. I will keep it as a quarantine tank once I set up the 40. Any input is appreciated.

 

[sukie80]

I have a 27gal tank w/ no skimmer. How many fishies are you planning to house??

 

[storagedaddie]

The AquaC Remora HOB skimmer is a good one. However, I also have a 20g skimmerless. Just have to religously do weekly water changes.

 

[Crackerballer]

That AquaC Remora is expensive, almost $200. I looked into it. I may do it after a while. I don't plan on running that many fish, 2-3 at most. I want one clown variety and maby a goby or something. I haven't really researched the fish, just trying to get setup and running with some LR first.

 

[Grey Reefer]

Skip the PC lighting and either get T5 or Metal Halide (trust me) . I would wait and get the new ATI T5 fixture that is coming out or if your on a budget Finnex makes a nice 4 bulb T5 fixture; change out the bulbs it comes with though they suck. I would go skimmerless for now and later get an octopus skimmer. I have an AquaC Remora and it is an OK skimmer but there are better ones out there.
Here are links to the stuff I mentioned.

Finnex T5
Metal Halide
Skimmer

P.S. with that skimmer you can run Chemical Filter media in it as well. Plus it has a surface skimmer and the pump is internal. I've heard it can be noisy though.

 

[Crackerballer]

Grey reefer, I like that skimmer alot. Not a bad price at all either. However, all the links to the lighting is for 24" stuff. My aquarium is 30". Also my budget is VERY limited right now. I basically need my light and timer and I will be ready to add some water.

 

[fishes2889]

I have a T5 retro in my 20g L prop system. Its 24 inches and covers the whole tank with excellent lighting....

You dont NEED a skimmer just do WC's and youll be fine....

 

[Crackerballer]

Fishes2889 can you link me which one you have?

 

[toasty23]

would i be fine if i do water changes and no skimmer on my 29 gal tank? Also go with t5 they are awesome... and this is really good price for a 4 bulb system better than finnex and dont need to change bulbs....http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...uct_Code=CU-USA01120&Category_Code=Current-T5

 

[Crackerballer]

Why would I pay more money for T5 when I can get more wattage from a CF? No point in that.

 

[Phong33]

Watts mean almost nothing. Its like comparing apples to oranges. T5 are way more superior than power compacts. The PAR on T5 are amazing. I would rather have 24w T5 over a 55w PC (I have experience with both). Based solely on experience, I have much better growth with 3x24w T5 than 3x55w PC. The only thing with T5 is that they need to have individual reflectors to be really effective.

 

[Crackerballer]

I see. Learn something new everyday.

 

[Crackerballer]

I am just worried that a 24" light won't stretch across the top of the aquarium, and I have no way of suspending it from the ceiling.

 

[Phong33]

Does your tank have a canopy? Is doing a retro an option? If not, the 24" fixtures will still cover the entire 30". The lighting on the ends will not be as intense as the middle so its a great spot for some of the lower light corals. You can see all the corals i'm able to keep with t5 in my 29g which is also 30"
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1034941

 

[oddiseus]

I have an Aqua C remora and I would say that it is a POS. Dont get me wrong... it works.... Kinda... For the money go with a Euroreef. They rock!! I have 2. If you wanna buy my Aqua C let me know, Ill sell it cheap!

 

[oddiseus]

One other thing. I have Coralife PC's and I already want to go MH or T5. With MH you can get a shimmer effect from what I have been told. But PC's are only....OK. Get good lights you wont regret it. I sure do.

 

[Crackerballer]

Phong I am very handy, so I could do a retrofit with a little instructions. It does not have a canopy, it is just free standing, so I need a light that will mount on the ends of the aquarium using legs.

 

[Crackerballer]

So just from doing a little looking, it seems like i could find a metal pendant with MH's already in them, ballast and all for around $200. I just need to find a way to mount them.

Anyone ever use this?
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_lighting_metal_halide_coralife_aqualight_advanced.asp?CartId=

 

[mikellini]

My remora works like a charm. No complaints here. It was expensive, but it's worth it. If you can get it 'cheap' from oddiseus, do it

 

[REDDAWG43]

I have a 20g Long with a 70w MH light and works well...
It's not too hard to make a small cover to retro fit the light to...