[Glockcoma]

I have a 20 gall glass aquarium w/ an eclipse 3 filter, I am ditermined to make it work,
many people have told me it will be too small and too hard, but maybe with all the knowledge you guys have out there maybe we can prove them wrong.

Oh yeah, thin wallets for this project

[glampka]

A lot depends on what you plan on keeping. The Eclipse will probably turn into a nitrate factory so I'd get a HOT protein skimmer & some good lighting for starts. Minimum 20 lbs of live rock, 2 inches of sand. Powerheads for water movement, heater of course.

[Glockcoma]

will the protien skimmer fit with the eclipse and what type do you recommend,

[Glockcoma]

also what type of lighting do you recommend

[robe25m]

I have a eclipse hood, Just take the bio-wheel out and throw some live rock rubble in there, seems bio-wheels in the end turn into nitrate houses..

I put a nano protein skimmer in there (corner) and i could fit a big better one, i'm searching for one now..

I also upgraded the hoods lighting last night to a 65 watt retro fit, much better, but still lacking in my opinion...

You can make it work and last, just read up here..

[mestupidcat]

You'll need a fluorescent light for corals (50/50 okay for soft corals) and a nano fission protein skimmer will work up to 30 gallons (small too, have one in a 5 gallon).

Here's a very good, inexpensive site to buy from:

Here's the skimmer: <http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=1 4676&Ntt=nano%20skimmer&N tk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallp artial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1>

This site has LOTS of coral/saltwater lights to choose from. If you still have your light fixture, you can just get a bulb here: <http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2004+113 350>

Probably the most inexpensive way to get tank equipment, they even have a sister site that sells live fish/corals with 15-30 day guarantees.

Good luck!!

It's not too hard. I made a 5 gallon saltwater work from an old freshwater tank. Just got a new light bulb, power filter, protein skimmer; then: saltwater, live rock and live sand. Don't forget your hydrometer, thermometer (site has good combo), and test kit.

[Glockcoma]

would I be able to keep coral and fish in this aquarium

[mestupidcat]

Yes, soft corals and maybe about one to two fish(depending on size). After your salt water is in tank, put in 20-25 lbs of live rock and 20-25 lbs of live sand and turn on your equipment. Keep your lights on how you would if there were already fish in there. You're SUPPOSED to let it sit for at least a week to cycle.. don't put your favorite fish in yet.. until you've tested your water.

Yes, Ryan's Saltwater Start-Out guide says soft corals will do fine under fluorescent and power compact lights, but hard corals need stronger lights.

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Here's the 5 gallon. I put live rock and live salt in last Friday, had a damsel in there before putting in clown. This tank is temporary; soon I'll be converting a 20 gallon to SW as well (temporary too) for until I get the 55 gallon free (trying to rehome growing pacus).

[mestupidcat]

Here's my 5 gallon (temporary for clown). I plan on adding a soft coral soon. I'm using a 10 watt 50/50 Coralife power compact bulb and nano fission skimmer.

P.S. Research to make sure your fish won't destroy your corals.. it's possible.

Good luck!

[Fishhead Junkie]

all i know is, i rushed the heck out of my tank and paid the price and then some. i used to have a 60 gallon plexi-glass tank when i was a teenager that was freshwater at first, then saltwater, i think i like my 29 gallon bio-cube more. all the live rock, corals, fish, and invertebrates in this small space, so much going on, and so much to watch right in front of my face. good times.

steve

[beachsidejuj]

Originally Posted by Glockcoma

I have a 20 gall glass aquarium w/ an eclipse 3 filter, I am ditermined to make it work,
many people have told me it will be too small and too hard, but maybe with all the knowledge you guys have out there maybe we can prove them wrong.

Oh yeah, thin wallets for this project

hey Steve the have a great site ...it is called Nano-Reef.com...just what you NEED!! I have a 12g Eclipse....and that site has been lots of help!!

[Glockcoma]

What if I wanted to keep just fish, then what would I need?

[mestupidcat]

For just fish, no corals you don't need a fluorescent light, but it enhances fishes colors. SOME say you won't need a skimmer for a 20 gallon; depends on your bio load. LR and LS can get costly, but it is undeniably beneficial for your fish. Think roughly $25 per gallon to get complete set up cost. For me it was $15 for 10 lbs Live Sand and $40 for 6 lbs Live Rock.. shop around.

Aquarium Fish: Tropical Freshwater Fish and Saltwater Fish for Home Aquariums has very cheap live rock packages, they probably send you good looking pieces too. (We're ordering corals from them Monday, so I can let you know about this company's live stuff)

Welcome to International Marine Fish - Premium Live Rock has good prices on LR and LS and give free shipping.

I believe deals may be better online that at LFS. Same nano skimmer that's $22 online (plus $10 shipping) is $40 at LFS; not too much higher, but live rock locally can cost up to $10/lb locally.

Second website sells for LR $3.25-$3.50/lb and they'll send you pictures of what they have so you can kind of pick out pieces. LS is $40 for 20 lb bag and they have different kinds to choose from ($10 more than local-bought (for me, anyways), but free shipping saves you gas and it will surely get to you in 2-4 days, tops. They overnight live critters, but if you order LR before 9:30 a.m. Monday, you should get it Thursday (first site).

If you have a large enough triple power filter, you might get away without a skimmer, but if you have a heavy load (lots of fish crap), you'll want one to clear out those wastes that have ammonia.

Personally, I have a 55 gallon power filter on a 20 gallon tank (soon to be converted to SW). You could wait and I'll tell you if it works out with no skimmer. But if you don't have that much filter power you could maybe just get a second smaller filter (if you get the cheap black one from Wal-Mart don't let sand get sucked in or it will kill filter and you'll have to return it for another (I've done this at least 3x for husband). But, that's the same type filter I have on 20 gal, so we'll see.

Here's something though: my husband has a 10 gallon with some LS, a small (fist-sized) LR, and a $10 Wal-Mart power filter for his shark egg. The blue damsel has lived in there since last Friday and my maroon clownfish was in there for a few days.. so if you only want one or two fish it should work. Maybe other people have done this as well??

[Glockcoma]

Anyone have any recomendations on a place to get a good stand for a 20 gal tank?

[rlcline76]

I think the stands have cost me about as much for the tank set-up! Such a pain. Sometimes Petsmart has clearance on stands they are no longer stocking, but you might want to look into good strong study tables or put an ad in the paper with a price you are willing to pay.

[mestupidcat]

Craigslist.com is good search under For Sale in your area.