skimmer, lighting and flow for a 20l

[reefinmike]

i am setting up a 20l(downsizing from a 125 soi i can take it in my dorm).

so far i have ordered a 4x24w t5 light with individual reflectors. This lighting setup should be able to handle montiporas and smaller clams up closer to the top... right?

as for the skimmer i am thinking of getting one of those aqua-c urchin skimmers because from what ive heard they are great skimmers for a nano tank, and the right price.

and lastly... i am stuck on the flow thing. ive been thinking of getting a couple tunze nanos, but on the other hand i have 5 ot 6 maxijets laying around and montipora can tolerate lower flows i know...


does this all sound good? improvements? criticism needed

thanks

mike

 

[Wetline]

The only thing that comes to mind is that your skimmer choice the Urchin is for sumps, while the Remora is hang-on. I think they are identical other then that.

20L are not deep tanks and i don't think you would have any problem with the T5's providing enough light for your coral or clams. The smaller clams rely more on plankton then the lighting anyway.

The Tunze nano's will provide more of a spread out flow compared to the maxi-jets.

Just my thoughts.

 

[reefinmike]

yeah, i also have a 20l sump for this i should have said, so the urchin should be fine. i know the tunzes, seios, and korilias provide a large wall of flow but im looking for peoples opinions on just throwing a couple maxijets, one on either end for flow would do

thanks

 

[Wetline]

I don't see why the maxi-jets wouldn't work. If you are going with sand for the substrate as opposed to a barebottom tank the maxijets may stir that up until you have the rock work adjusted to break up the flow streams.

 

[reefinmike]

actually i am going with a rubble bottom tank. this will allow me more room to place corals, and ive always loved the look of a rubble bottom tank

 

[da1jewfish]

I'm doing the 20l too, but its going to hook up to the main tank and have at least a 130 watts over it to propogate coral.
its a good tank because of its length and short depth.
But it would be more difficult to maintain proper levels (chemistry, and water) than your 125, but its better than nothing

 

[reefinmike]

it will be in the 40g range. i also have a 20g fuge for it.