My new 20L Nano, progress thread

[Blazer88]

Here my newly setup 20L nano tank. This tank started as a QT tank but thought it would be fun to turn in into a nano reef. I'm going to use this thread for pictures of my progress.

Equipment:
-Standard 20L glass tank (30x12x12), black seal
-Home-built stand.
-MJ900 PH
-Penguin HOB Filter
-Catalina 2x65W PC lighting
-Stealth 50W heater

Livestock:
-25 pounds cured LR
-couple green mushrooms

I just set this up a few days ago. I tossed in a few mushrooms to "test" the water and see how they would do, and they seem happy so far. I'm going to use this tank for a softy grow-out tank since my main 65G is starting to become more and more SPS and many of my softies don't see to like the MH light. I am undecided if I am going to even add any fish or not (I don't really want a skimmer). If I do, it may just be one small one.

Upgrades in process:
-Adding a CPR CS50 overflow
-10G sump/fuge w/Mag 3 for return
-Adding a hood so my neighbors don't think I'm growing pot (these lights reflect and light up the whole room)
-Moon lights


I think that about covers it. Enjoy!

 

[aural]

i personally think that corals do better with at least a fish in the tank with them. its more natural. and i really dont think if you put a small fish in there you will need to have a skimmer. just do regular small water changes to remove waste and add trace elements and you will be good.

i like your aquascaping... it really looks awesome.

 

[Blazer88]

Thanks for the comments. As for the fish, I really don't know what to get if I were to get one or two. I already have a pair of clowns, shrimp goby, blenny, and firefish in my main tank. I'm sure I'll come across a cool nano fish someday and want to add it to the tank. In the meantime, I'm in no hurry.

 

[jasutton]

six line wrasse is pretty cool. swimlike crazy and are hardy. Just make sure you cover the tank.

 

[Blazer88]

That's a problem I am going to run into. This tank is upstairs in my loft and it gets pretty warm during the summer, so I was planning on leaving it pretty open to keep the temperature down. So any fish that are jumpers probably aren't going to work out for me.

 

[jasutton]

you can use egg crate, i personally havent used it but i heard it works

 

[ReefDreams]

Is the flow coming from the penguin strong enough to blow your sand ?

What about the MJ900 ? Enough flow ?

 

[Blazer88]

The penguin doesn't do much in terms of flow, not enough to blow the sand around. That is just a piece I had left when the tank was used as a QT. The MJ900 puts out good flow and doesn't blow the sand around. I'm getting my sump hooked up right now and am going to use a Mag 3 for the return. I should have around 450'ish gph of flow with both of those pumps. I've always used MJ's and have been happy with 'em. And I've heard of the eggcrate idea but would rather just find a fish that hopefully won't jump.

 

[ReefDreams]

because i was thikning of doing the maxi-stream mod on the MJ to increase the flow in my 20L project.. I was wandering if it'll be too strong...

 

[Billy1234]

Nice tank so far. I'll be following this thread as I have a 20L myself. Keep us updated with pictures etc. It looks like you're off to a good start though.

 

[Blazer88]

Wanted to give a quick update. So far everything has gone pretty well. I didn't have any cycle at all and everything I put in there thrives. I finally got the sump plumbed in. It's a standard AGA 10G with a Mag 3 for the return. I also made a durso standpipe for the CPR overflow to cure the "toilet" sound. I added more sand since I decided to get a shrimp/goby pair and figure they will enjoy it. I have also added some zoo's and xenia. I'll post a full tank shot in the next few days as the tank is still cloudy from the new sand. I also need to finish the door and do the trim on the hood, but that will have to wait a few weeks until I have the time.
Overflow:

Sump:

 

[aleiodubua]

I'm fixing to do the exact same thing with my 20L. Getting a Overflow, to make a sump and what not. Hope all goes well for your tankl.

 

[aural]

how did you make the durso for that overflow? where is your return plumbed?

 

[Blazer88]

I used 3/4" PVC pipe and just "stuck" it together. I didn't glue it together so it can easily be taken apart and cleaned. The return "U" piping is made with 1/2" PVC that I painted black with Krylon Fusion. I'll post some better pictures of that in a little bit. I got most of the info about the standpipe at www.dursostandpipes.com for those who are curious.

 

[Blazer88]

I finally got some time to post up some new pictures. The first ones are of a few corals that I added. The Xenia is a frag from my main tank and the zoo's I picked up at a LFS for $10. I also added a Randall (or candystripe) pistol that that will eventually be paired up with a shrimp goby. I'll post a picture of him when I see him again. Some people wanted to see the return plumbing and standpipe, so I added those. Enjoy

 

[aural]

very nice - i just might have to sump my 20L