Advice requested please. 20 GL High

Hello. So a buddy of mine has gotten me interested in this hobby and ive been collecting knowledge, equiptment and eaves dropping the forums for a couple weeks now. I think im getting close to starting my set up soon but was wanting some more experienced input on my plans.

Ive got 2 20 gl high tanks. Both fit on my stand. Im starting w/ a FOWLR w/ a DIY sump/refugium and go from there towards reef. My understanding is that 1lb LR per gal is what i need. If my sump is 20 gl would that mean a total of 40 lbs? Im not doing a skimmer or fancy lights yet till I get things established.

I'll be drilling my DT for the overflow. What kinda flow rate would be good? And would a drilled return hole be a good idea or just HOB? Would I need power heads or would directing my return do the job?

I want to put as much construction effort in now to eventually have a kick a$$ reef.

Any and all recomendations/advice is appreciated.

Thank you in advance.
Dan

 

Do not count your sump as space for rock vs gallons. That being said, don't worry about sticking to the rules... find a few good looking pieces that you like, and get a really good aquascape going. Do a search on here for aquascaping... I believe there was a thread of pictures of just rockwork. That should give you a good idea of what is possible and what you would like.

Drilled is definitely the way to go if you can do it.
As for flow rate, you will not need too much. Especially since you are doing a refugium as well. I used to run 300 GPH on my 45... so, that should give you a decent idea.

Welcome to the forums!

 

welcome to the forum! I'm sorry but I wouldn't be the one to give plumbing advice Many on here will help you!

 

Welcome to 3reef.

 

The fuge will do more filtration than the rock anyway once it s running properly, but you want the turnover rate to be slow. I drilled for my overflow but went over the top with my return, if I had the time I would have drilled for it as well. I dont know the rules for posting links and stuff as Iam newer here but if you want to PM me I will link you the overflow that I used and LOVE it is super easy they give you everything you need to do the job and it is quite.

 

Thanks for the replies. I been eying an overflow from glass-holes.com. But now I just saw a nifty skimmer overflow using PVC w/ a slot. Thoughts?

 

Get some rock arrange it as you like, don't worry about the amount. It does not take much, all recommendations are purely made up with no basis. Lot of minimalist tanks running with barley any rock and they do great. Don't over stock though. I would stick with 2 or 3 smaller fish in a 20H, but that has nothing to do with rock.


As for plumbing, you want power-heads with nice wide flow patterns. You don't need much for the return pump 100-200 gph would be plenty. Do drill the overflow, it isn't difficult and much, much more reliable. Look at glass-holes, they have nice kits. You may even find one used.


Oh, and Welcome

 

This is the skimmer/over flow bar I was talking about.

I reall like how this guy plumbed everything. I think instead of 2 over flow holes I would only do one and make the bar "T" out of the bulkhead.