20gal Aio build

Smokeshow

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Had to downsize from my 125gal do to a move and not enough space. And it became completely overrun with bubble algea. So I started to convert my spare 20gal into a aio. Using the short side to make it a peninsula. Lighting is a black box led. And have a tetra 300gph pump. It's a bit loud though.





Sitting here typing this I realize that I have another 10gal tank that would make an awesome sump. And could use my BM curve 5 protein skimmer. A bit overkill for a 20 gal tank though.
 
You should have cut the surface skimmer slots and drilled a hole for the return pump before applying silicon. But I'm a big fan of DIY tanks and this is great :)
 
The return is going over the main baffle. I didn't have enough acrylic to make it tall enough to cut weir teeth into. It was left over from another project. Going to add another piece on top of the main for the overflow when the current pieces cure enough for me to move the tank around. The tube of silicone says it cures in 12hours but I'm doubtful. It's 100% silicone that adheres to acrylic that I got from home depot
 
So the silicone cured nicely.



Running a test now.
So onto the sump idea. I have a 3/4" bulkhead. I could drill the last chamber where the pump is and use a herbie overflow down to the 10 gal. And make it a refugium. Will need a better return pump though.
 

IF YOU HAD TO OPERATE EVERYTHING ELSE MANUALLY, WHICH AUTOMATED SYSTEM WOULD YOU KEEP?

  • Auto top-off

    Votes: 59 57.3%
  • Automated dosing

    Votes: 6 5.8%
  • Mechanical filtration / roller filter

    Votes: 4 3.9%
  • Automated water testing

    Votes: 3 2.9%
  • Automatic feeding

    Votes: 1 1.0%
  • Lighting schedule

    Votes: 20 19.4%
  • Controller and remote monitoring

    Votes: 4 3.9%
  • Leak detection and emergency shutoff

    Votes: 2 1.9%
  • Automatic water changes

    Votes: 3 2.9%
  • None. I prefer to operate everything manually

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Something else (explain in the comments)

    Votes: 1 1.0%
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