20 Gal Nano Reef Build thread!

[ryanb69]

Yes, I am putting rubble rock in the mini sump, although it is dead rock. I have an extra few pounds that I didn't want to put in the display, so I will break it up with a hammer and I plan on putting it in tonight! After a few months hopefully my rock isn't so dead anymore!

[NastayNatron]

Ryan when I sent home the RO and tank and everything I also sent a container about half full of carbon with a mesh sock to hold it for you. Once things get up and running you can fill that sock with carbon and give it a good rinse and then place it into the first chamber of your mini-sump.

[ryanb69]

Ahhhh I knew You sent the carbon but I didn't notice the sock inside, awesome! I added the rubble rock tonight, but added some of it to the display as well. I built up some rock in the little jut-out in the corner of my tank, where before I had none. I am unsure if this looks better or worse, so it is a temporary(maybe permanent) side wall. Let me know what you think! Does it look better or worse then before? Thanks!



Front view(on the right behind the live rock is the new rock)



side view(right side is new rock)



Top view(bottom part is new rock)

[FishyFishy!]

I like it! Love how it wraps around. Looks like you're off to a great start so far.

[Reefie]

Originally Posted by FishyFishy!

I like it! Love how it wraps around. Looks like you're off to a great start so far.

+1 on the wrap-around

It's looking good so far, can't wait for more pics. Are you planning to go SPS?

Vertex has not released the 1-10V module to dim the Illumilux yet. I know cuz I've been waiting for the last 6 months. Haha!

One thing you can do is glue frags of Monti Cap just above the wrap-around. It's plastic there and should be very easy to accomplish with the super glue gel.

[ryanb69]

hey all! Thanks for the comments about the wrap around, I am definitely going to keep it. I just got my protein skimmer and I have it rigged up and in the tank. The shrimp is starting to decompose nicely and I am getting anxious to add clean up crew! Hopefully I can add some snails in a few weeks!


decomposing shrimp

clear tank

[ryanb69]

well the cycle is well under way (hopefully completed soon). I will be taking a sample of my water to my lfs later this week, and if everything measures well I will be adding a clean up crew! Here are some pictures of the decomposed shrimp, my skim(hows the color? too dry? too wet?), and the brown algae that has started to form on the sand bed!

What used to be a shrimp lol

Brown sand algae

possible hair algae? (mid picture)

current temp

my skim (hows the color look?)

the tank