andrews 20 g reef transition build

[aquandrew]

hey guys, I am starting up a 20 gallon high nano reef. as some of you may know, i will be getting this tank in november from my dad(75 gallons)

for this project i am getting the taotronics dimmable leds. in november i will get my new tank and once it is cycled, by the end of december, everything will be transitioned to the 75. but for now this will be a 20 gallon build. what I've got so far
20 gallon high tank($30)
aqueon 500 circulation($50)
7 lbs of dry rock(1.99 lb)
7 lbs of live rock(4.99 lb)
instant ocean 50 gallons(29.99)
api salt/fresh ammonia test for dosing pure ammonia(7.99)
crushed coral aragonite mix(i know the aragonite will sift to the bottom while the coral stays on top, this tank is only going to be set up until december)
i am ordering the saltwater master kit and reef master kit off amazon for 20 each.

the tank is at 1.025 sg and 3ppm ammonia(dosed it to 4 last night so looks like the live rock is already working a little) will be adding more rock next week. its at 72 degrees until i get a better heater on saturday. i only have ten gallons in it, because i don't have an rodi system yet and had to buy the rodi water in 5 gallon bottles.

here is the tank before a filled it last night

and after

and this morning

the live rock came with a bunch of mini feather dusters

should i switch to reef crystals after the regular instant ocean runs out?

 

[Breakthecycle2]

Why is the water so low?

 

[aquandrew]

Why is the water so low?

i only had two 5 gallon tubs for rodi water tomorrow it will be filled all the way and tuesday i will be adding at least another 14 lbs of rock

 

[carey]

I like the rock you have, looks neat. I love rockscaping and unique rock always catches my eye.

Good luck with your cycle, I bet it's a short one being as you already dropped 1ppm on ammonia. Also, if youre gonna add anymore live rock now is the time, while you are cycling. If you add it after you are cycled the live rock may cause a small spike in parameters so best to get it all in for the cycling.

 

[aquandrew]

I like the rock you have, looks neat. I love rockscaping and unique rock always catches my eye.

Good luck with your cycle, I bet it's a short one being as you already dropped 1ppm on ammonia. Also, if youre gonna add anymore live rock now is the time, while you are cycling. If you add it after you are cycled the live rock may cause a small spike in parameters so best to get it all in for the cycling.

thanks carey i get paid every tuesday and have about 100 dollar budget per week so next week i will fill it the rest of the way with rock and add another powerhead. then in 3 weeks i will order my taotronics dimmable leds then by the time they get here, hopefully it will be close to finished cycling

 

[ivan_dalmatia]

Try the Bridgelux LEDs, very good and you looking at $80 a 120w dimmable unit

 

[js198027]

Where do you find them for 80 bucks?

 

[ivan_dalmatia]

Where do you find them for 80 bucks?

http://www.lijie-ledlight.cn/

 

[ivan_dalmatia]

I got 4 units with 2 dimmers each, 1 for blues 1 for the rest, cost me $450USD with shipping with my own led spectrum!

 

[aquandrew]

this one? http://www.lijie-ledlight.cn/produc...mmable_led_aquarium_light_for_coral_reef.html
how well do they work for you?

 

[ivan_dalmatia]

Very happy
Lot better than my 400w t8

 

[aquandrew]

are they as strong as the taos? im new to leds i just want to be able to grow anything and those sound like a much better deal

 

[js198027]

Do they have just one plug in? Are they programable?

 

[ivan_dalmatia]

Do they have just one plug in? Are they programable?

You can get 1 or 2 plugs and 1 or 2 dimmers( 1 dimmer per ballast)

 

[aquandrew]

You can get 1 or 2 plugs and 1 or 2 dimmers( 1 dimmer per ballast)

what makes it two plugs? having two dimmers? are the fans quiet?

 

[ivan_dalmatia]

Ya they are pretty quiet, thank god

 

[aquandrew]

update:
added 15 more pounds of rock and it still doesn't look like enough
also added an aqueon fresh or salt pro heater and its working like a champ

i think its really starting to come together i will be ordering my lights next tuesday

 

[ivan_dalmatia]

How much LR Do you have in there so far? I'd go with like 30-40lbs

 

[aquandrew]

i have 28 lbs in there now

 

[ivan_dalmatia]

That's amazing! expect your tank to do very good, you'll be happy