20g Reef Tank Build

Okay, this is going to be my first tank, hopefully i don't screw up!

Current plan: 20g L tank with a 20g H sump. I will be building the stand from scratch(another first) unless I get lazy... I will be drilling my own holes to add an overflow and return(never done that either....crap). I was thinking about making a rock wall for the backround of the tank like this;


I ordered an overflow kit from Glass-Holes.com already it should have arrived today, but i will see when I get home.

Furthermore, I will be ordering base rock & sand from Marcorocks.com
Additionally, The tanks should arrive at petsmart on Thursday; I will be awaiting there phone call!

I hav'nt decided on Skimmer, Lights, return pump, & return kit yet.

Other thoughts: Am I missing Anything?

Thanks!

 

I think you've got the main thing you need, covered already.

For lighting you could go with MH(metal halide), HOT5(High output), or maybe some PC(power compacts). Most people choose MH or T5. For a 20l, I would go with T5 as it is so shallow. Unless you got low wattage halides. It depends on what you want to keep.

For a skimmer you have quite a few options as far as brands.

Return pump, you will also have quite a few. Go with a recommended gph of 10x the capacity of your tank. I will have an Eheim 1260 on my 55g, at a gph rating of about 650. This is 11x.

You'll want some powerheads in there too to create water flow and surface agitation, which will help with oxygen. The amount of flow on these will depend on how much flow you want in your tank, dependent on, once again, your inhabitants needs (Note - Low flow:10x-25x. Med flow:25x-40x. High flow:40-100x water volume).

That's an interesting background.

 

Sounds like a good start. Just remember when drilling the glass to go very slow and let the hole saw do the work. Also dont check the smoothness of the cut edge with your finger. There'll be scalpel sharp edges left by the cutting. You can get some emry cloth and a leather glove to smooth the edges out.
IMO Lighting and Skimmers are the two most important pieces of equipment and you shouldn't skimp or try to save a bunch of money when buying them. I wish I'd learned that tid bit before I had to buy both twice.

 

Ya I will be adding the powerheads dead last. I was Thinking of a bubble magus nac6a for the skimmer, but i am still wating on a reply on that thread. As for the Lighting I will probably go with T5's I plan on keeping Sps, Zoos, mushrooms, etc.. The return pump i will decide on after I build my sump so I can see how far up the pump will have to push up to the return.

I've been reading a lot, I hope I get this right!

 

Yup, sounds good. You have this thought out already.

 

Ya I've always wanted a salt water fish tank ;D

 

Well I recieved the overflow from glass-holes.com and it seems to be very good quality, plus it came with free candy!! lol

I recieved my order from marcorocks.com on friday and everything seems superb.

The store hasn't receieved the tanks yet, but i'm in no rush! "go slow, Let it grow!"

I ordered the dynax Iq3 last night and that will be my qt tank! Can't wait to set that up when it comes.

I have some free time this weekend so i may start building the fish tank stand