Planning on Building a 20g Nano...

[REDDAWG43]

I have an extra 20g L tank. So I decided to create a nano tank with this and hold off on the biocube. This is what I am thinking.
I want to keep this tank set-up basic.
It will consist of
1. 20g L Tank
2. 20 - 30lbs Live Sand
3. 30 - 40lbs LR
4. Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel
5. 2 Tunze Nano streams or 2 Maxijets
6. A basic HOB filter, double sided...but instead of using the
carbon cartriage, it will have cheato.
7. Not sure which light fixture, but probably something with
either MH or T-5
8. Various zoos, and softies, cleaning crew, and 2 - 3 sm fishes.

Now Before I go any further on this project I want to hear from the more seasoned Nano veterans as to any changes I could or should make.
Thanks in advance.

 

[chocolateblnt]

Looks like your planning on a lot of light if you go with a MH for just regular corals ...

Also try incorporating a closed loop instead of putting powerheads inside your tank ... this should help keep it clean and spacious.

 

[REDDAWG43]

I know the light might be an overkill for reg corals, but it also helps avoid the possiblity of an upgrade in case I get brave and try harder corals.

Would a closed loop look ok on an open tank? This tank will not have a canopy.

 

[chocolateblnt]

You really should figure out what it is you want to keep otherwise you'll go through hell as I did switching to SPS from regulars once your tank has livestock in it ... check this link ... I'm helping this one guy with his CL problem ... most of the CL is actually behind your tank only your intake and output go into it ... so it's pretty hidden compared to powerheads.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1003941

 

[REDDAWG43]

Would it be difficult to keep both reg corals and SPS?
I don't want to jamp back the tank, just a nice amount.
But if I never go with SPS...the only down fall would be the cost.
A MH should not cause any problems or will it?

 

[chocolateblnt]

Well SPS have different requirements than regular corals ... i.e. SPS like flow and LPS such as hammer/torch/frogspawns don't, so it comes down to placement; if you have a low flow spot in your SPS tank than you could put it in but sooner or later that frogspawn will grow out into a field of high flow. However you can keep zoo's and other LPS. There are just certain things you have to be aware of ... SPS also hate when water parameters change so you'll need to keep everything stable all the time. Honestly if you don't already know this stuff it's probably a sign to stay away from SPS ...

A MH will put off lots of heat and in a nano it often means having to buy a chiller. I would go T-5's and regular corals from the sound of things ...

 

[REDDAWG43]

Thanks for the info...Just trying to learn.
I am very new to this hobby....

 

[chocolateblnt]

Yea no prob friend ... really do some hardcore research and find out what you want to keep. I built a nano that kept soft corals good and realized I want SPS because they are prettier and so I had to go through a big switch and a big learning process again ... I don't want anyone to have to go through that painstaking process.