Need advice for tank setup

[phenom5]

That's crazy, I don't think I've ever seen a tank that big that's setup like an all-in-one nano.

How big are those filter chambers on each side (sorry if I missed the dimensions)?

If they're big enough, I'd put a skimmer on one side, and a refuge on the other. Hide it all with some black acrylic, and be done with it. Normally I'd say drill it, but with this setup, maybe not. Why not use what you got?

You could probably pick up a used EuroReef or ASM skimmer for pretty cheap. You'd need roughly 1 square foot for the footprint of the skimmer (depends on the skimmer, but if you've got 12"x12" you should be good for skimmers in that size). Put a lighted fuge with macro algae on the other side. You could still drill it for a closed loop if you wanted, and you could put a huge ATO reservoir under the tank.

I would take a pass on the Odyssea light. Take that FWIW, I have no first hand experience with the units. But I haven't heard too many positives about them. As fishaholic said, from what I've heard they can work if you replace the bulbs & ballast, but if you're going to do that, why buy it in the first place? And, if it were me, and if you're going to use the 2 side areas for stuff, I'd want to hide it all with a hood over the tank, and some removable black acrylic on the sides.

That's what I'd do, just throwing another idea out there for you. The big thing is if a quality skimmer would fit in one of the sides.

 

[mcarpenterjr40]

Phenom- I still have yet to see another large tank with this design myself. Its so unique I cant pass up doing exactly what you mentioned in adding a skimmer and a fuge into the overflow chambers. As far as building a hood and hiding the components, I don't really want to hide it. Maybe it's because I'm new to reef tanks, but I think all the components are quite fascinating and that I will enjoy the ability to observe everything working together to sustain the reef. If it gets boring down the road I'll get you RC guys to help me build a hood. Thanks for the help.

I think otherwise I'm going to end up going with the cheap odyssea Metal Halides (unless a great deal falls in my lap this weekend)- I have researched and found mixed opinions of the brand, but the consensus seems to be that it is a decent system for entry level reefers. I will add a PC or HO fixture w/ actinics, to add additional blue light for observation if it ends up not being blue enough to make the colors pop. This seems to be the main complaint from RC members. Along with this is the complaint that the light is too yellow due to sub-standard ballast. If I encounter this setback I will upgrade the bulbs and ballast when it is time to replace bulbs anyway. Economically, this is still my best option to get up and running (empty tanks suck). For skimming I found a hang on back style that will handle my volume if necessary, but I hope to use an in sump with a small footprint that can be placed in the side overflow. There are three chambers on each side, the largest of which measures about 6"x5.5" (if I recall). Due to size constraints (if necessary) I will add smaller capacity skimmers, one on each side of the tank in the largest overflowchamber, a deep sand bed in one, crushed live rock in one and I'm not sure about the other two (LR w/ Macro Algea maybe?). I appreciate the Nano (all in one) feel of the tanks design (with side overflows built in) and I would like to maximize its functionality. I believe the designer must have known something about saltwater reef systems as it was built custom for a person with such requests. That being said, before I alter the tank (drill and install a sump), I will attempt to find stability within its built in constraints. To alter the builders design before such an attempt would be to condemn the design to failure without allowing the opportunity for success. The 20 gal. is doing awesome and the inhabitants are thriving. Thanks to everyone for all your advice- I'll update on the Odyssea fixture's performance and the filtration setup when I get it up and running.