20 Gal Nano Reef Build thread!

[ryanb69]

Hey all, I am new to the hobby and the forums! I am starting my build thread for my future 20 gal reef tank. I have almost everything I need purchased to initially set up the tank! I just recieved a shipment from a big online order to j and L aqautics with everything from lights to nets to magfloats! I will post lost of pictures and more details tomorrow!

[bignose]

Welcome to canreef, it's always good to see new reefers!
Good luck with your new tank and feel free to ask lots of questions.

[ryanb69]

The tank:

The tank is 20gal total with approx 15 gal of display room. The dimensions are 24" long X 12" wide (8" in display, 4 " behind separating wall") X 16 " high. I purchased the tank used. There is a wall in the back 1/3 of the display for the HOB skimmer, heater, and whatever else i end up adding to the tank. Here is a picture to give you a better idea of the overal shape

(note: done on goggle sketchup:

[ryanb69]

Lights:

I purchased the Vertex Illumilux II LED fixture. It's 24" long, and 3.5" wide. The color is Marino Bianco(50% white and 50% royal blue).

I bought the illumilux bracketa ssembly along with the vertex acrylic Bracket( size B6-5mm)

I bought it all online from j and l aquatics and it came fast and was packed super safe It took 3 business day to get to my house with regular shipping!
The LEDs will be 4 " above the top of the water.

The assembly of the lights to the mounting assembly and bracket were very easy to understand and to do. The instructions sent had some pictures and were easily legible.

Let me know what you think!!

Now pictures!

[IMG][/IMG]

[Myka]

This looks like a cool little tank! I have done a similar DIY AIO 20 gallon nano myself. I have 4x24w T5 over my tank right now, and am considering trying out the AI Sol on my tank. I will be interested to see how this Vertex unit works out for you.

If you want to see my nano there is a link in my signature. I haven't updated it in a long, long time though. Maybe I should do that now...

[ryanb69]

I believe they are dimmable , if you purchase a controller

[ryanb69]

if you go to the vertex site http://www.vertexaquaristik.com/Prod...inoBianco.aspx it shows that the fixture I purchesed is dimmable, but maybe you have a different fixture?

[luvthereefer]

when i was at J&L the other day, the guy said hes heard about the dimmer module but hasnt seen it yet, so i dont think j&l has them in yet.

[ryanb69]

Oh ok, you meant the controller isn't available yet! I thought you meant a dimmable vertex lighting fixture wasn't available. My bad!

[ryanb69]

Thanks for all the info! I plan in building my tabs this weekend! Should be a fun weekend if it goes as planned, I will keep you posted