Is a 20 long a good choice?

Thank you Inwall75 for your great explanations. I appreciate it alot. And your recommendation sounds like a very good one. May be after haveing softies for a while, if I am able to obtain good results on a consistant level concerning water quality without to much trouble, I may then try one SPS and see how it goes.

 

I think I may try to control pollution by limiting wastes, without a skimmer. If this proves to be to difficult/impossible, then I will add a skimmer. I assume that if my nitrate levels are out of control this would indicate the need for a skimmer. I have no idea yet which one it would be though. Thanks for your reply Pisces23 Glad to hear your tank is doing well

 

NP. Glad to help. +2 cents - I would strongly urge you to get a skimmer.

To answer your question, I had a 70w HQI halide and T-5 actinics. From my sig: "20 long (9/04 - 8/06) with DIY Rock, 70 Watt HQI Halide x 2 24 watt T5 actinics, Aqua Medic Turboflotor Multi Skimmer, Tunze Turbelle 7200 powerhead."

You can get more info from clicking the 'Tags' link in the top nav and going to the 'video' link and seeing my video and write up in there.

Yeah I read where reactors on little tanks can yank it down somewhere. I wish I could remember where.

 

Thanks Matt for the extra tips. Also thanks to all who have replied to this thread. I now have a much better understanding of what options I have and what I can expect from this tank.

 

Calcium reactors hit the pH of all tanks....it's just more pronounced the smaller you go in water volume. Often times, marrying a Kalk reactor for the higher pH with a Calcium reactor fixes this problem.

 

Sounds like if I were to use a Kalk reactor for the higher pH with a Calcium reactor, then I would likely be able to maintain a fairly consistant ph without exessive tinkering.. Therefor promoting heathier corals. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks