20 gallon?

[reefjr12]

Hello everyone. I am deciding to enter the dark side of nano keeping (as I hear you guys have cookies). I am starting with a regular 20 gallon AGA. When I get my paycheck in two weeks I am going to start buying stuff for the tank. At the moment I have 30 or so pounds of base rock, a 300 watt heater, and a 24" florescent strip light (w/15w AGA brand bulb). I plan on picking up a tank for the sump, some plumbing, and diamond bit holesaw blades.
My questions. What size tank should I get for the sump, would a 10 gallon work? I also have a 5.5 gallon laying around but I don't think I will be able to fit a fuge into it. What size return pump should I get? I was looking into the quiet one pumps. Can some people post pics of there sumps and plumbing so I can get an idea of how to set mine up? And my last question is what corals will be able to be substained under 130watts of power compact lighting?
Thanks,
-Kevin

 

[v8eater]

I am using a 10 gal on my 20 long for a sump, I would suggest that you invest in a better light if you plan on keeping coral.

 

[reefjr12]

I plan on softies for my first few months than an upgrade for LPS and SPS.
I just want to get the hang of corals first.
-Kevin

 

[oceansidefish]

A 300watt heater is a LITTLE overkill

 

[v8eater]

Originally Posted by ReefJR12
I plan on softies for my first few months than an upgrade for LPS and SPS.
I just want to get the hang of corals first.
-Kevin
I still do not think that a 15watt light is going to be sufficient for softies. You should at least have 3-4watts per gal. And 6-8 for sps IMO for them to grow and not just stay alive, there is a big difference in those terms. If I were you I would just by a 130watt power compact.

 

[oceansidefish]

That light will not really support corals, definately upgrade the lighting first. Better just to bite the bullet now and go with either a t-5 or a MH light

 

[reefjr12]

No no no, I am not using the 15 watt bulb as just my lighting. I am getting a 130 watt pc fixture for christmas and that is what i'm going to use untill I feel comfortable enough to go anything besides shrooms, softies, and zoos.
Also I got a 200 watt heater for the tank instead of the 300 watt I was going to use.
What size return pump should I get? I was looking into the quiet one pumps. Can some people post pics of there sumps and plumbing so I can get an idea of how to set mine up?
Thanks,
-Kevin

 

[v8eater]

any pump that pumps around 330 to 350 gph will do great. I have a 20 long and use a Magdrive that is rated at 350 gph.

 

[reefjr12]

Thanks "v8eater" (nice turbo in your avitar btw).
BTW do you have a pic of your plumbing or sump that I could see?
Thanks,
-Kevin

 

[feelingfishy]

OMG THE LIGHTS ARE SOOO LAME!!!!!! Man if i was you i would get an 150 wat 10,000k Metal Halide. This is good enough for anything you want. If you cant afford metal halides than go with at least power compacts well before its over you will need about an grand for an good looking 20 gallon reef.

 

[reefjr12]

that is waht I said, I am getting a power compact system for christmas. Then in about a year I am going to upgrade to T-5s so I can keep SPS and Clams. Will LPS be ok if kept higher up in the aquarium under 130w Power compacts?
Thanks,
-Kevin

 

[v8eater]

First pic is the HOB Refugium, Second pic is the sump with Skimmer, And third pic is rock setup and moon lights, Yes it is a bare bottom tank (no sand)

 

[yerboy]

Originally Posted by v8eater
any pump that pumps around 330 to 350 gph will do great. I have a 20 long and use a Magdrive that is rated at 350 gph.
same here i use a mag 3 on my 20L