20G Long AIO RFA Penthouse- upgrade

[Klems]

The original 10 gallon tank is too small for all of the Rock Flower babies....so it's time to upgrade! Picked up a 20 gallon long and am in the process of figuring out the layout for the AIO sump area. I have come up with two options and wanted to get opinions as what is better or if it matters at all. The major difference has to do with the upper right side for the overflow weirs. Should the weirs continue thru the top of the Acrylic sheet or should I leave solid piece at the top for rigidity?

I created a small 1/2 shelf that the pump will sit on so that I can move the heater from the display of the current setup into the back where it can lay flat(finnex manual says it is better if it lays horizontal rather than vertical) I will leave space so I can easily remove the heater when necessary

 

[Klems]

Pump came in yesterday and the remaining plumbing should be arriving this afternoon. Need to finish up the overflow box and mount the filter floss holder and pump shelf.

 

[Klems]

Can't get the built finished fast enough...just found a new baby!

 

[Klems]

Here are some progress photos...

 

[Klems]

Added a black wrap to the sump compartment...covered the filter floss and media portion and the bypass where I might throw a UV into if necessary, but left the pump and heater portion exposed so that I can take a glance once in a while.

 

[Patio]

Looking good! This is going to be a nice setup.

 

[Kensington Reefer]

I recommend an external controller for the heater
Submersible heaters have unreliable thermostats

Very cool

 

[Klems]

I recommend an external controller for the heater
Submersible heaters have unreliable thermostats

Very cool

Yes, I have a finnex with an external controller

 

[Klems]

Getting closer....out of the garage an onto the stand. Time to start mixing some fresh saltwater!
Ikea shelving unit with two doors, one for electronics and one for supplies / testing equipment.

 

[Klems]

Sand and water is in...let the cycle begin!

 

[DaddyHook]

Do you have any RFA’s for sale?

 

[Klems]

Yes, I have a few....will send you a PM

 

[Klems]

Dr. Tims One and Only and Ammonia has been added...

 

[Srt4eric]

Dr. Tims One and Only and Ammonia has been added...View attachment 35605

Just sand for this tank no rock?

 

[Klems]

I will have some rubble rock in the overflow, but none in the display area....the Rock Flower and end caps stay in place better. And in the future when they spawn again, it is a lot easier to find them and move them from the sand bed as opposed to nooks and crannies of live rock.

 

[dochou]

Nice clean build so far!

 

[Klems]

Nitrite has start to show up, will wait for it to zero out before Addis g second dose of Ammonia.

 

[Klems]

First dose of Ammonia has cycled thru from 0 ppt of nitrites to 0.5 of nitrites and back to 0 nitrites. So, added my second dose (20 drops) of Ammonia.

 

[Klems]

It's alive...all corals have been transferred.