snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Oh yeah - I have a lot of fun with my 20g tank. hehe
Luvmyreef's 20g Nano Build
- Thread starter luvmyreef
- Start date
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
For $25, I think you should get the return kit. it will make everything look nicer - sleeker and more professional. It's also a good investment if you are going to keep the tank for a long time. Here's a pic of my return as it is now. The elbow that is in the water isn't glued in, so I can direct the flow anywhere that it's needed.
luvmyreef
Active Member
Sorry about all the questions lol. But....Ok, but one more question. Which return to get? They have two. a 1/2in or 3/4? I will go with the mag 3 if you think the 350gph is the right flow rate for this set up. I showed hubby a pic of a setup and he says he can take care of all the pvc pipe and stuff. I just need to get the kits for him. I have to pick up the stand tomorrow, but it is the standard aga black wood stand. Oh, and the remora c I have is a hob...but I can always change it. Thanks for your help btw.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
No problem, glad I can help - I envy your other tank. lol
Since the mag 3 has 1/2" output, I suggest sticking with all 1/2" return plumbing - including the kit. Make sure you get at least one union and one ball valve for the return. Never know when you will want to tone down the gph or use the union to remove the return pump one day. I also suggest getting a union for just behind the tank, so you can remove the tank if need be without having to take off all the return plumbing. (if that makes sense)
If that stand that you have isn't painted on the inside, I highly suggest painting it to protect it from moisture.
I strongly suggest looking into an auto top off kit...
Since the mag 3 has 1/2" output, I suggest sticking with all 1/2" return plumbing - including the kit. Make sure you get at least one union and one ball valve for the return. Never know when you will want to tone down the gph or use the union to remove the return pump one day. I also suggest getting a union for just behind the tank, so you can remove the tank if need be without having to take off all the return plumbing. (if that makes sense)
If that stand that you have isn't painted on the inside, I highly suggest painting it to protect it from moisture.
I strongly suggest looking into an auto top off kit...
luvmyreef
Active Member
Snake, would it be better to have a slower flow through the sump, esp. if I am gonna have a refugium? I am going to lowes tomorrow to get the galvanized pipe and wood to make the lamp tree. Will get some rust-oleum for primer, and black paint for the top coat. Which paint to get for the inside of the stand? Making a list here lol.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
I'de use either a gloss paint or a clear polyurethane coating...
A good idea, and one that I wish I did on my stand - is to also coat/paint the underneath of the stand with paint to keep it from wicking up any moisture from spills etc.
A good idea, and one that I wish I did on my stand - is to also coat/paint the underneath of the stand with paint to keep it from wicking up any moisture from spills etc.
luvmyreef
Active Member
Thanks Shawn. What do you think so far? Anything I should change? Plan on placing my order tomorrow for the glass holes stuff. Thanks again for your help. This is gonna be great!! I am gonna place the tank in the spare bedroom for when my grandson comes to spend the night he has it in there. 
He is gonna love it...
He is gonna love it...
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by luvmyreef http:///t/389771/luvmyreefs-20g-nano-build/20#post_3447030
Will do. Any thoughts on the slower flow. Benefiting or not?
I'm starting to think about this in great depth. I think that having slower flow through a refugium is honestly a mistake. Many people think that theoretically having less water flowing into the refugium means that the algae uses more of the nitrate and phosphate in the water to grow and makes the water cleaner - However, I really disagree. Because I rely heavily on algae scrubbers, I am really starting to understand the dynamics of algae and the effects of water flow and light. It is now my firm belief that it is better if the algae (whether it is a scrubber or macroalgae) gets more flow, the more nutrients can be delivered to the algae in order for it to grow. Also, most refugium lights are more underpowered than any other lights we use. The more intense the light is, the better the macroalgae will grow. Most people place a small 13w clip on light over their fuge and then wonder why their algae isn't growing so well... when it would grow 30x faster with a 60w + light and additional flow. Also, CFL bulbs and even standard light bulbs loose spectrum and intensity after 3 months of use! So, that light that you clip on and forget about will stop producing the results you are desiring if you never replace it after 3 months.
Because I've used algae scrubbers for awhile now, I can tell you first hand that a brand new bulb grows 10x more algae than a 3 month + old bulb.
Also, skip the substrate in the fuge if you can help it. I know that most likely you want to grow chaetomorpha - which doesn't require any substrate. So, if you pick an algae that doesn't have roots and doesn't need a substrate - then forgo it. It's easier to siphon out detritus from a barebottom sump than with a shallow sand bed. Chaetomorpha also requires a lot of flow and needs to be "tumbled" to get light to all sides. So, I say keep the pump you have and get chaeto ... (or an algae scrubber... )
Originally Posted by luvmyreef http:///t/389771/luvmyreefs-20g-nano-build/20#post_3447030
Will do. Any thoughts on the slower flow. Benefiting or not?
I'm starting to think about this in great depth. I think that having slower flow through a refugium is honestly a mistake. Many people think that theoretically having less water flowing into the refugium means that the algae uses more of the nitrate and phosphate in the water to grow and makes the water cleaner - However, I really disagree. Because I rely heavily on algae scrubbers, I am really starting to understand the dynamics of algae and the effects of water flow and light. It is now my firm belief that it is better if the algae (whether it is a scrubber or macroalgae) gets more flow, the more nutrients can be delivered to the algae in order for it to grow. Also, most refugium lights are more underpowered than any other lights we use. The more intense the light is, the better the macroalgae will grow. Most people place a small 13w clip on light over their fuge and then wonder why their algae isn't growing so well... when it would grow 30x faster with a 60w + light and additional flow. Also, CFL bulbs and even standard light bulbs loose spectrum and intensity after 3 months of use! So, that light that you clip on and forget about will stop producing the results you are desiring if you never replace it after 3 months.
Because I've used algae scrubbers for awhile now, I can tell you first hand that a brand new bulb grows 10x more algae than a 3 month + old bulb.
Also, skip the substrate in the fuge if you can help it. I know that most likely you want to grow chaetomorpha - which doesn't require any substrate. So, if you pick an algae that doesn't have roots and doesn't need a substrate - then forgo it. It's easier to siphon out detritus from a barebottom sump than with a shallow sand bed. Chaetomorpha also requires a lot of flow and needs to be "tumbled" to get light to all sides. So, I say keep the pump you have and get chaeto ... (or an algae scrubber...
)
luvmyreef
Active Member
Hahahaha. Like those algae scrubbers don't ya lol. BB all the way for sure LOLOL.. Well, I will get that pump then. I can always adjust flow too if needed. I found out something about the lights btw, legal issues. So I am gonna look at the evo100 dimmable led fixture thanks to the recommendation from acrylic. Thanks again guys.
luvmyreef
Active Member
Ok, I decided to check out all my stuff that my friend had given me a year or so ago, and this is what I found a overflow, sump, and auto fill system (new in box). Could I use anything out of this setup? Also, found a skimmer for a sump, but there is no name on it. What about this pump snake, even though I don't even know what it is lol. Should sell this stuff....I don't know what to do with it. lol.
nissan577
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by luvmyreef http:///t/389771/luvmyreefs-20g-nano-build/20#post_3447179
Yep. Time to upgrade the little 10g. Hope you stick around and give some input/advice!!!
i will what you need lol
Originally Posted by luvmyreef http:///t/389771/luvmyreefs-20g-nano-build/20#post_3447179
Yep. Time to upgrade the little 10g. Hope you stick around and give some input/advice!!!
i will
what you need lol
acrylic51
Active Member
Ok....have a bit of unloading time here so catching up on reading....I'm going back a few posts, but there was talk about the Mag 3 and 1/2" plumbing. To help the pump upsize to 3/4" vs 1/2". Better flow pump wise and then reduce it to 1/2" just as you go into the tank or bulkhead or whatever you desire.
Im actually following or agreeing Seth (Snake) on the fuge issue. Slowly flow is what you hear, but my logic/belief from way back is your charro or what not should tumble; not sit stagnant in the fuge. So with that said not blasting flow, but moderate. I don't see anything wrong with a bit of rubble rock and sand. I guess a personal preference, but a good place to allow pods to thrive.
Im actually following or agreeing Seth (Snake) on the fuge issue. Slowly flow is what you hear, but my logic/belief from way back is your charro or what not should tumble; not sit stagnant in the fuge. So with that said not blasting flow, but moderate. I don't see anything wrong with a bit of rubble rock and sand. I guess a personal preference, but a good place to allow pods to thrive.
