My 20L AIO build for $150 with 3W LEDs

[chrispmcgill]

I posted this on the nano board...but it gets next to no activity.

Well that is my goal at least. I have a 20L that was used as my sump for my 75G i started about a 2 months ago. I didn't like how everything was looking on the 75G build and the wife and I decided we would be in the market for another house within the next year. So being new to the hobby, I didnt want to continue to build out the setup just to move it 8-10 months down the road. Now i am in the process of tearing down the 75G. I decided on the 20L because I wanted to have something to keep some of my coral, two ocellaris, and a watchman goby in. Also a setup that is a little bit quieter, more aesthetic, easier to move and smaller. I settled on the idea of building my 20L into an all on one setup. I also have a JBJ 28G Nanocube LED setup and there is very little room to add coral/fish to. Here is my idea/price/equipment: (Please provide any and all feedback) (A lot of this stuff I have already)

20L: FREE
Thermometer: FREE
2 maxi-jets for return pumps: FREE
Return pump hose system: $15-20
Acrylic: $30 dollars/ I have some but will need some more
Sand: FREE
Microalgae: FREE
Rock:FREE
LED system: Either 24/36 LEDs http://www.aquastyleonline.com/categories/DIY-LED-Lighting/DIY-Dimmable-LED-Kits/ : $100-125

Sump:
Deep sand bed/Microalgae/PolyFloss (should I add rock rubble?) (need to figure out light source for sump) (I would like to run the sump light opposite of main display light. I have been told that helps with PH)

Here is the the very basic draw up:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6793535210_99c70a63d4_b.jpg

More questions:
I do not plan on running a Protein Skimmer as I will be doing 2-5G water changes every week. Will that be OK?
I like the look of a bare bottom tank. Anyone have any experience with nano sized bare bottom? Is it that much harder to have a bare bottom? I am assuming the deep sand bed in the sump will help with filtration. Or will it not?
I am thinking of building an ATO for the system. still need to do some reading on this one. Any ideas are welcomed.
Has anyone removed the top rim from a smaller tank?

[alton]

Chris is this just a temp setup until you get moved into your new home?

[allan]

Doesn't the goby prefer deep sand beds? If you go bare bottom you will want to ensure you have plenty of spaces for that little dude to hide.

[FireWater]

You can get away with running no skimmer as long as you are diligent about the water changes. I ran a BioCube29 for a year and half with no skimmer.

The sand in the fuge will help, but at that small of a volume I am not sure how much. Also, I agree with Allan that the goby would prefer sand.

Bare bottom is a personal preference. If you are doing water changes like you say then you will be able to keep the bottom clean.

[chrispmcgill]

Chris is this just a temp setup until you get moved into your new home?
yes you can say that. once we get settled in the new house, everything would be moved into a larger setup. Then I can use the setup for a frag tank. A whole nother topic, but I am looking at getting a 48x48x16 rimless.


Doesn't the goby prefer deep sand beds? If you go bare bottom you will want to ensure you have plenty of spaces for that little dude to hide.
Ya I was thinking about that last night. I would have to give/sell the little guy if i went bare bottom.


You can get away with running no skimmer as long as you are diligent about the water changes. I ran a BioCube29 for a year and half with no skimmer.

The sand in the fuge will help, but at that small of a volume I am not sure how much. Also, I agree with Allan that the goby would prefer sand.

Bare bottom is a personal preference. If you are doing water changes like you say then you will be able to keep the bottom clean.

Thanks for the info. Ya I would get rid of the goby if I bare bottom.

[allan]

Ya I was thinking about that last night. I would have to give/sell the little guy if i went bare bottom.


Don't mean to be a vulture... but if you decide to go bare bottom and have to find a home for your goby, give me a shot at her.

[chrispmcgill]

Don't mean to be a vulture... but if you decide to go bare bottom and have to find a home for your goby, give me a shot at her.

Sounds good. I will let you know what i decide to do.

[rrasco]

Did you get your LEDs yet?

[chrispmcgill]

Did you get your LEDs yet?

No not yet.

[chrispmcgill]

I am going to start this build tomorrow. I think i have decided to go with a sand bed on this one.

I will keep everyone posted.

I have a sand shifting starfish for anyone that is interested as I am tearing down my 75G tank and need to find this guy a home. I would like to trade for a couple of zoanthid polyps or any type of coral. PM me if interested.

[chrispmcgill]

where can i get some acrylic adhesive?

[rrasco]

Are you building your sump? If so, you want an acrylic solvent, not an adhesive. The solvent will melt the pieces together, like a weld. You can pick some up at Regal or Allied Plastics over near 35 and Rittiman. I'd get Weld on 4 and some 16 while you're there too. 4 to build with, 16 to touch up if necessary. You can build with 16 too, but it's not ideal. I'd recommend doing some reading up on the solvents and acrylic building techniques before you dive in head first.