Wanting to build a 20 Gallon Long Setup

KSReefing · Nov 15, 2013

Hey everyone just got set up on this forum and I really like it a lot. I am thinking about setting up a 20 gallon long nano to take over my biocube because im tired of the all in one set up. I was curious to anyone out there that has set up a 20 gallon long with a sump. I am going to be going LED lights with a full blown reef with SPS, LPS, Zoas and all that good stuff. Just want to get some ideas from people!!

rdevoe11 · Nov 15, 2013

I recently had to take down my nano cube, work travel kept me away, but Im going to be upgrading soon as well. I think 20 longs look incredible when done right, big fan of minimal aquascapes in these.

What equipment (lights, pumps etc) are you looking into?

KSReefing · Nov 15, 2013

Well for lights I'm definitely going LED. I have ecoxotic modules in my biocube. I guess I'm not sure exactly which ones I want to put on for this tank. I'm in an apartment so I can't be hanging lights from the ceiling or drilling holes in the wall haha.

Whatever LEDs I end up going I want to make sure that I get 2 modules to cover the whole length of the tank because there's nothing that bothers me more then it really bright in the middle and darker on the outside.

Here's where I'm needing help for sump and plumbing. I think I want to drill the the top in the middle and get and inky box. I've heard this is the best way to keep it not as noisy as compared to HOB overflows.

I'm not sure what gph box and pump I should get so any recommendations for a tank this size would be greatly appreciated!

Water movement I have 2 hydor nano power heads that I will use until I put enough money aside for a MP10. Which shouldn't come too long after the tank is up and running.

rdevoe11 · Nov 16, 2013

Well you've definitely got options with LEDs. With a roughly 30x12x12 tank idk if 2 modules would actually be necesaary to get the full coverage, even without hanging them or putting holes in the walls lol. I think you could get away with 1 AI hydra unit with their tank mounting system or even 1 maxspect razor 120w unit. If you're deadest on 2, then maybe 2 of the AI nano modules or 2 of the maxspect nano modules. I have one of the maxspect nanos and it provides outstanding coverage (also looking to get rid of it but thats not for this thread lol). I'm not sure of your budget but obviously the ecotech radions are excellent lights but quite a bit more expensive.

I definitely agree with drilling the back glass for an overflow vs a hob. I am personally going to be drilling my new 40 breeder and installing a 700gph overflow kit (most of my flow will come from two mp10s). Which brings us to flow lol, two hydor nanos will work just fine IMO, but I don't think you can go wrong getting a vortech either. Perhaps a vortech running at a low output in wave mode coupled with one of the hydors could really boost the nutrient export in the tank!

caflyfisher · Feb 2, 2014

Did you get your 20 up and running? I only ask because I just joined about a month ago and currently have a 20L DT with a 20L sumo/fuge....T-5 lighting and a 600gph HOB overflow. Curious how yours turned out.