New 20 Gallon Build

[dilligaf_biker69]

Just starting this "Nano" tank. At this time I have a Finnex 29 Gallon nano (AIO) that I am not happy with. So I have decided to enlist the help of the local shop and some friends and set up my own homemade Nano.
We started with a 29 Gallon Custom tank dimensions are 20 X 19 X 18.

I did not want to do a plain overflow box so I decided to to do one straight across the back. We drilled the tank for One 1" drain and two returns of 3/4".

I will use a 3/4 " SCWD and a Mag 7 for the return.

We will build a sump (not sure of dimensions yet) that will house my left over G-3 skimmer.

Lighting will be either a Coralife Aqualight Advanced Series Hang-on, or , 20 Inch Current USA 6x18W Nova Extreme Pro T5

Rick from The Fish Tank in Daytona Beach and Ron who is usually in there too has been a big help in this project. I have to give them thanks.

Well here's the pics and I would love some feedback.

 

[osiris4evr]

thats a pretty cool shape.... where did you get the tank?

 

[dilligaf_biker69]

Got it from The Fish Tank in Daytona Beach, corner of Mason and Nova

 

[dilligaf_biker69]

a few more of the project as it was ongoing

the sump and stand

 

[dilligaf_biker69]

another of the tank stand and the light

 

[dilligaf_biker69]

and some finally filled with the basics

thanks again to the my friends at The Fish Tank in Daytona..they fabed the sump and did the work on the overflow box

critters are next...any suggestions?

 

[pdkinsel]

Hows that Tunze skimmer doing?

 

[sflorlando]

Looks Awesome. Extremely clean looking.

 

[dilligaf_biker69]

Paul, Its only been running the one day....I am not sure I have it installed correctly...Im getting lots of bubbles and all but the level isnt coming up....I have the plate on the bottom...the overflow pipe in..and the one faceplate that I think should be on it....Im not sure how to get the level up...any help?

 

[pdkinsel]

Dont push the overflow pipe in too far or it can contrict the flow. I never got around to it but I have read that you can get a 9005 cup and replace the 9010 cup and it will collect more skimate as the cup is shorter. Also check the grate plate where the water flows into the skimmer. Make sure this is open all the way.
On my 55 gallon I noticed that the more stock I had the more skimmate.
When I first set this up it took about 3-4 days to get broken in. It is a tad bit finicky but it will get going for you.

 

[dilligaf_biker69]

Ill check those things....I actuallly had it running in my 75 gallon sump (on my 180) with my G4x skimmer and it did pull some skimmate....so we will see...once I get it stocked a bit...

added today,

pair of golden banded shrimp

a couple porcelain crabs

updated pics later

thanks again