Mikeeal's 20

[Mikeeal]

Wut up everyone. Figured it was time for me to start a new thread for the birth of my 20G high. Standard AGA glass tank, 24X12X16. Got it at Petsmart for 30 bucks because there was a scratch in the trim. Ha ha.

I have been cooking 38 lbs. of fiji from another tank of mine for about two months. I'd like to show you what the first round of WC's looked like. Here's the tub they were in.

And here's the first and second bucket of the "dunk and swish" water.

And here's the muck that was in the bottom. Actually not even half of it because I dumped alot of it out.

As you can see, a bunch of crap was shed from my rocks. Here's what it looked like the other day.

I figured I was ready to go.

 

[Mikeeal]

Next, I wanted this tank to be as close to a nano as possible, so I didn't want a sump, but I did want a refugium. I decided to slap one onto the back of the tank. So I took a stroll over to the local glass shop and had them cut me some glass. I think it cost about 22 bucks. Here's what I came up with.

I plan on using a DSB in the fuge area, with some cheato rollin around. I'm gonna light it with a screw in PC from Wal-Mart, 24/7.

 

[Mikeeal]

For the next part, please don't laugh. I will be using a Sea-Clone. Yes, I said a Sea-Clone. I got one for free, so why not!?! I modded it to so I wouldn't have to use the long tube that goes with it, and the MJ 1200 went right into the bottom. This takes up much less space, and I think it produces more bubbles. Here it is.

I also slipped a 20oz. coke bottle top into the top, for a more smooth transition. (got the idea from the dude with 2.5G, his avatar is him and his girl, I don't remember his name! Thanks dude) I still need to get a more precise air valve to regulate how much air goes in. Will a brass one work???????

My problems so far are soon to follow. Stay tuned.

 

[shouldabenacowboy]

Looks good so far. Keep the pics coming


SBC

 

[MAreefer1]

nice set up

 

[Mikeeal]

Thanks. I will definitely have PLENTY of pics. Might as well get my use out of this camera I got! It's a Kodak Z740, takes very clear pics, but I have to work on the close ups. It doesn't have too many manual settings, and no other lens options. I'm not complaining because I got it for Christmas and my folks had to buy three of them, one for each kid they made. Hee hee.

 

[kaserpick]

awesome idea with the fuge! How much did it cost to have the tank drilled?

Thumbs up!
Kasey

 

[Mikeeal]

It was free. Used a dremel at 35,000 rpm's, a diamond bit, and lot's of water. It's the fourth tank I've drilled with the same bit, and I haven't had any problems.

 

[deacon hemp]

How are you going to keep light out of the display from the fuge?

 

[Mikeeal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6486361#post6486361 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by deacon hemp
How are you going to keep light out of the display from the fuge?

Ha ha. Good question. You all shall see soon enough.

 

[deacon hemp]

Rockwall?

 

[Mikeeal]

You're getting warm.

 

[Jordan55]

Looking good!

I love the idea of a fuge right slap on the back of a tank. Maybe I will do that to my next tank.

Keep us updated and keep the pictures comming!


PS- What is going in here as far as corals and fish?

 

[Mikeeal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6486807#post6486807 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jordan55



PS- What is going in here as far as corals and fish?

Um, good question. A pair of clowns, because I already have them. I'd like a firefish possibly. As far as fish, that's probably it. Corals, I'm going to post the lighting I'm going to get, then I am open to all suggestions.

 

[TheUltimateNoob]

come on....what's with the suspense?? i can't wait much longer... haha

 

[Mikeeal]

Right now I'm using a temporary light setup with two 24" T5's. Here it is.

I will be purchasing this kit in a few weeks.

http://www.hellolights.com/244laasdiyre.html

I'm gonna overdrive four 18" NO bulbs. Probably two 50/50's and two actinic. Now I ask, what corals to get?

 

[Mikeeal]

Problem #1:

I have the bulkhead connected to a skimmer type attachment I made on the inside of the tank, and on the output, a tee fitting. Here it is:

Every minute or so, it burps and I don't know why. I'm only running the output of the MJ1200 for the skimmer through it, so I know it's not getting too much flow. Any idea's???????????

 

[lennyd19]

The tee in the back cap it off and drill a hole and tap it to fit a ro screw type valve. It works well I did it on my 75gal. If you need a pic let me know!

 

[surfnvb7]

I think you need to put an endcap/stopper on the top of that T, and then drill a small hole (start small).

I think that burping is coming from it sucking down too much air through the open part of the T connector. If you still get a burping sound, i've heard of people sticking sponges and other things into the overflow or T.

As for your lights, since you are getting a (2) Electronic ARO Model AS220 VHO Ballasts, why go with overdriving NO bulbs? why not get VHO bulbs?

if you get 4 VHO bulbs over that tank, you will be able to keep anything you want (and don't let anyone tell you otherwise), I've seen all VHO tanks myself, you can keep just about any type of SPS or clams, the color and growth is great.

VHO bulbs are also much better quality than NO bulbs.

As for what combination of bulbs, that depends on what corals you want to do...

Say, if you wanted to do alot of SPS, I'd say 3 URI Aquasun 10k's, and 1 URI super actinic. If you wanted to do mainly zoas, rics, some LPS, go with something closer to 3 super actinics, and one 10k. But color of the tank is strictly personal preference. You can go either way and it will look good.

I keep alot of zoas, they all tend to look better under bluer bulbs.

lennyd19: post a pic! i'd love to see how you did it since everyone has their own way of doing things. i'm always open to new suggestions.

 

[Jordan55]

Whats wrong with the T-5's? T-5's are just as good, if not better than VHO's.

I am not a big fan of SPS..... so I will say that a LPS dominated tank always looks cool... along with some sweet ricordea and zoos.