Overkill 20G Long build

[darb85]

So this will be my Third tank and first one that Im going to take my time on planning!

Tank:

20G Long(30x12x12)

Equipment:
20G Long Sump(most likely)
10G QT
10G ATO tank(heated)
Rio Return pump(dont remember model, planning to upgrade to ehiem)
Skimmer to be named later(avast DIY is top on list)
Aquatic Life 4bulb T5-HO lights with LED supplement for shimmer.
250W Stealth Heater(for now....)
Korrillas if needed for flow(trying to avoid this if possible)
Reefkeeper maybe...

Plan:

I plan on implementing the Bean overflow system. I will fill the QT tank from the main tank(only fill, will be an isolated system when in use, and drained separate, once water is in QT it is drained completely and tossed) The Coast To Coast(well Mostly) overflow will double as surface skimming. Drain and return lines will be 3/4 inch, which by my calculations will handle more than enough flow for this tank, in fact, scaling down to 1/2 inch would have worked too, but like the extra just in case. Also Dont plan on having any more flow than the returns, but we will see how well that works out, may consider adding a small closed loop system, but haven't yet decided.

Will be a minimal rock set up, with lots of swimming room but plenty of coral space as well, plan on a mixed reef.

I will also be building a Custom Corner Stand for this that will enclose everything, not out of 2x4s, but true cabinet style.

A plumbing Diagram to start us off! Pay no attention to where the actual hole placement is on back diagram, Using open office draw has its limitations.

 

[JasonBJones]

Everything looks good except I would reconsider using only the return pump. This is going to lead to one of a couple of problems.

If you a powerful enough return pump to provide sufficient flow for the tank, you are likely to have problems with micro-bubbles from the skimmer and the overflows and you may have some noise from the drains. You will also be using more electricity to power a large return pump than you would to power a small return pump and powerhead. On the other hand, if you have a small enough pump to prevent micro bubbles and noise, you will not have enough flow in the tank.

You are much better off building a closed loop or adding a powerhead. I would personally go with the powerhead option. There are lots of ways to hide the power head to keep a clean look. Put it in the overflow box with just the outlet sticking into the tank, build a rock you can hide it in, etc...

 

[darb85]

Everything looks good except I would reconsider using only the return pump. This is going to lead to one of a couple of problems.

If you a powerful enough return pump to provide sufficient flow for the tank, you are likely to have problems with micro-bubbles from the skimmer and the overflows and you may have some noise from the drains. You will also be using more electricity to power a large return pump than you would to power a small return pump and powerhead. On the other hand, if you have a small enough pump to prevent micro bubbles and noise, you will not have enough flow in the tank.

You are much better off building a closed loop or adding a powerhead. I would personally go with the powerhead option. There are lots of ways to hide the power head to keep a clean look. Put it in the overflow box with just the outlet sticking into the tank, build a rock you can hide it in, etc...

Thats what I was thinking, If all else fails, The Tunze rock thing will be in there, or I might do a small Closed loop, But we Shall see. at 600GPH Turn over would be 30 times, so it seems like it would be enough? and its not the power head that bothers me, Its the Damn cords

 

[darb85]

alternate with CL

 

[darb85]

Down And Dirty Drawing of the Stand. Face will be either Quarter Sawn White oak, Or cherry, Or Something Cool. Top is 1"x1" travertine.

 

[darb85]

The inside of the stand. There will be another 10G or other containerr on top of the Stand to use as the ATO. There will be an el cheapo light above the QT under the shelf.

Wish I could figure out how to draw pipes to do the rest of it.

anyways, here it is.

 

[darb85]

Small change, tank will now be a 30x18x12. the look is great! and a little more water volume cant hurt!

I get it in a week hopefully.

 

[ange062]

Only problem with a closed loop like that is laminar flow. Still think you would be better off with a powerhead like Jason suggested.

 

[darb85]

Only problem with a closed loop like that is laminar flow. Still think you would be better off with a powerhead like Jason suggested.

wouldn't an attenuator work for this?

 

[darb85]

its alive..... big update on its way