20G Nano cube build

[acsnanoreef]

Hi everyone! After a few years hiatus (and disastrous end to my first reef - a 40g breeder) I am looking to get back to reefing and I'm considering the following build:

• 20g Waterbox Cube
• Aqua Illumination Hydra 32 HD
• Aqua Illumination Nero 3 powerhead
• Some typical filter media (Carbon, Ceramic pellets, Sock, Poly filter pad and GFO down the line if needed/as needed)
• A similar return pump as the Vectra S2 (because that doesn't fit in the waterbox return chamber) So any recommendations would be great!
• Pre-aquascaped dry rock
• Caribsea Agra Alive Fiji Pink sand

I personally love the ability to sync the AI powerhead and lights to all sorts of routines and effects, I know its not NEEDED for a reef tank but if im going to spend this much money might as well have some cool features/streamlined capabilities right?

Is this a solid build? I have 4 top priorities in mind: Quality, Looks, Long-term costs, Up-front costs.

Let me know your thoughts, and if you have anything on this you would change. I'd love to hear about some of your builds and experiences!

 

[virtual reality]

Auto top off? The rest sounds good.

 

[Everything Aquatics]

Hi everyone! After a few years hiatus (and disastrous end to my first reef - a 40g breeder) I am looking to get back to reefing and I'm considering the following build:

• 20g Waterbox Cube
• Aqua Illumination Hydra 32 HD
• Aqua Illumination Nero 3 powerhead
• Some typical filter media (Carbon, Ceramic pellets, Sock, Poly filter pad and GFO down the line if needed/as needed)
• A similar return pump as the Vectra S2 (because that doesn't fit in the waterbox return chamber) So any recommendations would be great!
• Pre-aquascaped dry rock
• Caribsea Agra Alive Fiji Pink sand

I personally love the ability to sync the AI powerhead and lights to all sorts of routines and effects, I know its not NEEDED for a reef tank but if im going to spend this much money might as well have some cool features/streamlined capabilities right?

Is this a solid build? I have 4 top priorities in mind: Quality, Looks, Long-term costs, Up-front costs.

Let me know your thoughts, and if you have anything on this you would change. I'd love to hear about some of your builds and experiences!

Can wait for this build, I love this tank.

 

[cloak]

Good lighting, a couple powerheads for flow, maybe a HOB filter for things such as a mechanical/chemical filter and your set. Ultimately though it's up to you... Very daunting right off the bat, no doubt about it, but after awhile it all kind of boils down to the basics. Don't overfeed, don't overstock etc... MANUAL LABOR is a good thing... (for the long haul) GL.

 

[acsnanoreef]

Auto top off? The rest sounds good.

I'd love to! but I have to assess whether I have the space for a reservoir.
I'm sure a simple reef safe jug would do for a 20g but never attempted it before so I'll probably wait until my tank is finished cycling and then talk to the people at my LFS to see what setup is right for me. Preferably something very compact and not very noticeable so as to not impede on the clean modern look of the waterbox

 

[acsnanoreef]

Good lighting, a couple powerheads for flow, maybe a HOB filter for things such as a mechanical/chemical filter and your set. Ultimately though it's up to you... Very daunting right off the bat, no doubt about it, but after awhile it all kind of boils down to the basics. Don't overfeed, don't overstock etc... MANUAL LABOR is a good thing... (for the long haul) GL.

SO excited for this!

Even with an AIO you recommend a HOB filter?

And the goal is to one day have two AI Nero powerheads, but they're expensive so to start I think one should be fine.
Any recommendations on a strong but quiet return pump?

 

[IanK]

Go with a jebao return pump, mine is dead silent and it was less than $50. I have a 20 gallon tank and i get a lot of evaporation, i would highly suggest an ATO even if it's small. I was surprised how much fresh water i needed when my ato ran dry while i was at work