20g newbie

[newbie2]

Hello all,

Just thought I would introduce myself. I am new to saltwater but have three 90g freshwater tanks with cichlids (GT, oscar, and a planted geo setup). A week ago I decided to take the plunge after lurking on many saltwater sites and use my spare 20g to do it.

I am thinking of ending up geared mostly towards softies and maybe some LPS in the long run. Right now I am a week into my cycle with my 20g running with an AC30, and 2 radion 425's. Have about 20lbs liverock and livesand in the tank at the moment. I am basically spending all my time on the internet searching a million different things, running around in circles. haha.

Really, the last straw to switching a tank to saltwater was visiting my insurance company in Ponoka and seeing the awesome saltwater tank setup there (turns out its Ponokareefers tank - told you I was lurking. haha)

Just debating lighting. Kind of like the Maxspect Mezzaro LED's. Anyone have these on a "nano" size tank?

Also, If I keep the tank lightly stocked - right now thinking a clownfish, royal gramma, and maybe a barnacle blenny - do I need a protein skimmer? I was thinking of eventually building an AC70 refugium but will start running out of space if I need this and a skimmer.

Anyways, just saying hello and I love the site!

[Nano]

welcome to canreef :)
nice to see some one else jumping on the LED bandwagon!

[troni]

Welcome! I'm pretty new myself, and from what I've seen your other 90s will become salt soon enough. I also have a 20g, just a heads up after your cycle is done you will get brown algae break out and some green hair algae I've read is normal.

There's a lot of debate over skimming a small tank. If you can I would. First thing i'd suggest is a sump. It'll hide everything plus you can put in a refuge aswell. Looks a lot cleaner.

[newbie2]

Thanks for the welcome!!

Yeah thought about the sump. Don't think I want to drill tank and not too sure about the HOB overflows yet. I'm still a little paranoid about the HOB type overflows well.... overflowing. haha. I'm sure that I will get a sump when I switch one of the 90's over.. I mean If right... If i switch it over. All kidding aside, I am just lovin the saltwater side of things. Its got all the kool gadgets and the coolest livestock!! plus the only hitchhiker you get on the freshwater side is ich!!

[troni]

Look into pvc overflows

[sharkbait]

Welcome to the salty side!!

I have had salty tanks ranging from 5gallon to 55gallon and I just love the nanos! I have been running a 15gallon nano for over a year and a half now and I have had HOB overflows (never slept soundly with those things, was always worried of overflowing the sump), but I have been using two AC90 on the back of my tank, and love it. They are filled with a lot of great rubble rock and cheato. I keep my tank very lightly stocked (clown and damsel, as well as a variety of corals) and my water is pristine! The ACs also provide excellent flow and aeration.

As for the LEDs, personally I am not a huge fan of them on small tanks. I find that you really see the spaces between the LEDs reflected in the water. I have a Current USA 4bulb T5 on my tank and get great coral growth. I often only run with 2 bulbs (48watts) so as to not bleach or burn my corals.

Good luck!