New Budget 20 Gal

[jdack]

Hello! I have a 20 gall tall tank that I'm setting up for a display tank for my roommates.

This is a project that will include left over parts, all of it. Even the water, sand, and rock was straight up jacked from my tank/sump.

Plan is to host a clown or two in a BTA, small one that is def a hosting strain.

Pictures speak better than words.

Ok, so, we have a powerhead/filter I use as a mechanical surface skimmer

Nameless proteinskimmer rigged to run off the canister filters exhaust line, hob filter for added bio filtration/flow. All in all with estimated flow, I'm at around 25x. I'm not sure how much LR I put in, I'm betting 15-20lbs. May add some more.


To be done ASAP

Steps to make the second hand skimmer waterproof, so it can be true hob, and not in tank, soon.

Acrylic top cover so I can use my 4x24" t5 vho. Also, will turn it into display status, not "look at my budget tank!"

Alas, its all a cheap setup now, but will turn it into a money sink soon enough, I'm sure lol

 

[ou12004]

Looks like a fun project, I really like to see what people can do without spending thousands of dollars on equipment.I have a 29 gallon with Frankenstein parts and I am always adding to it.

 

[jdack]

Awesome! Ya, ill spend the cash on "real" parts, when I have the money, for my main dt, then put the old ish parts on the spare tank. I might end up just using this tank as the QT, and set up a 40b for the DT in the living room area. Keep the 55 with the Eel in my room

 

[ou12004]

That is what I do, all the new stuff goes in my 100 and anything that is old or corals that do not like that tank for what ever reason get moved to the 29

 

[jdack]

Here's a few pics from today. Skimmer is working great!

 

[jdack]

All in all it works, but to simplify things, for more stability, and to open space up, im going to add a 10 gallon sump. Will build a simple hose overflow with a PVC weir, use my computer water cooling pump/controller for a return pump.

 

[Chac317]

Where'd you get the donut rock? Is that natural? I like it.

 

[jdack]

Got it from a 40lb box of live rock for $20. (Really just dry rock, had been out of water for a month) Had two caves, 3 large pieces of pukani, and assorted types. Most went into my 55

 

[jdack]

This is my plan. Skimmer will be ran by the inline external computer water pump.

 

[jdack]

 

[jdack]

Went with a much cleaner look for now.

My new addition to my salt tanks! My first rock with the rigid coraline!!

 

[jdack]

Better pic.

 

[jdack]

Parameters stable!
Welcome home!

 

[jdack]

They have relocated to the calmest part of the tank, think I'll turn the flow down a bit. I have about 300gph of flow.

Btw, if a canister is rated at 150 gph ( disregard any flow restrictions) is that 150 of flow at the intake, then another at the return? Or would it be 75/75?