Ultimate 20G Setup Journal - Pic Intense

[Hopeful Reefer]

Wow...that is definitely a ton of stuff more than what I got... (only about $50 in gift cards to a LFS but I guess that is better than nothing )...looks great and I agree...can't wait to see the updates / pics on the other stuff getting put in the mix...

 

[danoreef]

great job dsparks. I found the thread doing a search for 20 gallon set ups, very happy I found yours. earlier in the thread I seen that you were leaning towards T5's what happened with that? I will also do thread of the 20gallon set I do. I can only hope It looks as good as yours. I have 2 little boys and a girl on the way so It will probably take as long as yours, if not longer. Ha Ha!

 

[Nanopodreefer]

temps/evap?

temps/evap?

Was wondering how the heat issue is with the mh/hqi pendant, and the enclosed canpoy, can you post some numbers to give an idea of what temp your getting over the water with the pendant, w/fan or w/out fan? and how much evaporation your getting? thanks.

 

[DSparks]

Hopeful Reefer, likeI said, Santa was really good to me this year. I didn't deserve everything I got

Dano, you're singing my tune. Kids make everything take longer to accomplish, but I wouldn't change anything for the world. I now call my tank my Son's tank because he's getting old enough to "help" me work on it. Also, there are already a bunch of scuff and ding marks from him playing in the same room.

Nanopod, I haven't left the light on longer than a couple of hours at a time because I don't have a timer yet and the fan hadn't been installed. After installing the fan yesterday I left the light on for around three hours and the temp in the tank hovered between 76 and 77 degrees. I'll give you an update once I have the light running a full 8 to 9 hours.

 

[NickBee]

DSparks,

Awesome thread! I’m thinking about a build for a 25 long. You’ve inspired me to research an external box. I like the idea of more real esate, and more water volume.

My thought was to use bulkheads drilled through the back of the tank attached to loc-lines for the sump return and a closed loop (2 for the sump pump, 2 for the CL). Then I’ll have 4 “aim-able” returns going into the back of the tank. The sump returns would be high up and the closed would be in the middle somewhere. I see you have your loc-line riding up a bit above the water line. Are you having any problems with air bubbles? I saw that the loc lines are not necessarily air or water tight. So my thought was to make sure I put the return lines from the sump high up but still below the water line. I figure if I get a power loss only the water above those loc-lines will drain into the sump.

Any real world feed back you can provide would be great.

Thanks!

 

[DSparks]

Nick, I did just what you are describing on my 10 gallon. I didn't end up liking it because it does take up more space in your tank then you realize. Having them come over the top means more room for rockwork, and you also have more options if you decide to change the returns around.

I don't have any issues with bubbles so far.

 

[birdy607]

well i cant wait to see it when u have corals looks awesome

 

[NickBee]

Good Stuff D. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[sds]

looks great
keep us posted

 

[Ocean In A Box]

DSparks -

I have been following since beginning...keep up the good work!

If interested, I have just started a thread myself, finally:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=8875858#post8875858

All the best on your continued project here -

 

[saltwater4life1]

Wow nice job with the tank

 

[macawdad2003]

That is beautiful and has inspired me.. Very nice set up.

 

[DSparks]

Thanks for all the kind words folks.

Great news. The fan has pulled enough moisture out of the hood that my split corners are pulling back together. Just like my brother-in-law predicted.

I'm just about ready to add some live rock, start the cycle, and begin monitoring params. If all goes well I'll be adding my first coral(s) within a few weeks.

 

[DSparks]

Oh yeah, almost forgot. I added the second Nanostream. Wow, talk about flow. I've managed to position them so that there isn't a sandstorm. I can't recommend these units enough. Spend the few extra bucks and you'll be tickled pink.

 

[herostar]

So are you using two of the 6025 streams in addition to the return pump (mag7 if i remember right)? That's a ton of flow in that 20g!

 

[danoreef]

hey dsparks, how bout some fresh pics.

 

[danoreef]

hows the overflow issue going? I am about to drill for my 20H and I don't want to start until I figure out how the overflow will work. I also was thinking of using durso stand pipes but after reading this and other threads I am a little nervous now. So I am not sure what I am going to do. I have an external overflow with a u-tube but I didn't want to go that route with this tank. So I am following your thread to see how you resolve this issue. thanks for the great thread. I hope you don't mind that I am tagging along.

 

[tigga]

Nice setup dsparks especially your stand idea! Love all the custom addons to it such as switches and outlets. Your staining looks clean whereas mine seems so blotchy.

Anyways check out my thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1017959 whenever you have time.

 

[finless]

Danoreef, I wanted to use an external box but I had a hangon w/U tube. I just used the internal part and piped it down w/ bulkheads.You can see the pipes but you can cover them up w/ rock. I also use the gate valve method.
Dsparks inspired me to start a nano. It's been setup since Chistmas day. I've got a few fish and corals.
Sorry for the mess in the pic. Thanks Dsparks!

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[EWC88]

Hey I LOVE THIS TANK!! I've been always checking it out everyday to see the updates and I finally commented to your post..lol But keep us updated as much as possible. And the nanostream PH are amazing aren't they!! I got one and I love how it works. But yes keep us updated! Love the tank