Advice on downgrading to a 24g tank

[sarahandkevin]

I have a 120g reef tank. I need to downgrade to a smaller tank with no sump. I have seen some really nice 24g tanks on this board. Any advice on what system and set up?

thanks.

 

[OctaviousMonk]

I enjoy the 24 gallon aquapod a lot. I have it modified with 2 maxi jet 900's, a tunze 9002 skimmer, a heater, a bag of carbon and a bag of phosban all in the back behind the wall with room tto spare. Others have fuges, etc. I also like the variety of stock easy to find lighting options. From a power compact closed hood w/ fans and moonlights to 150 and 250 watt sunpods. You can always make a canopy if you want to go the custom route as well.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I would look at the 34 solana from current it's nicer than the 24 pod from current use. No bow front and more room. If I were setting up new I would get that one instead.

 

[sarahandkevin]

just got back from the store- checked out the solana- has MH. talking it through... all the big lights on these little tanks have heat problems though right- and then need to drill in a chiller?

 

[jackson6745]

Most of these tanks use fixtures or pendants for MH lighting. I have no heat problems with my 24gal and 150w halide.
Actually I didn't have heat problems on my 120g with 400w halides. IMO much of the heat in a system is due from large pumps and or a poorly ventilated canopy.
Small tank with low wattage pumps and fixture suspended = little heat.

 

[BrooklynsReefMan1]

i think the key is that smaller aquariums such as my 20 gallon long is that its not as forgiving with parameters

 

[Chris5]

Hey Sarah and Kevin,

I remember when you guys came to pick up KuyaMark's tank ... that was an interesting day :tongue1:

Anyway, ive been through my share of tanks as well and my current 20G is coming along ... I personally like the smaller tanks at this point because it seems less involving - but i seem to always learn nothing is easy/less involving with this hobby!!:shhh: ....

I now see why people upgrade all the time, with all the hang ons in the back you def need a bigger tank/sump ... As for me i prefer to do sumpless, to each is own i guess, ....

I guess after what has happened with the flooding, you guys should look into something more reliable and safe ...an AP24 def sounds up your alley, and also give you more peace of mind in the long run ... the only thing i hate about the all in one tanks is the rounded edges, makes the tank seem smaller than it is ... .

Good luck

 

[m'akoyPINOY]

Found these pictures at Oceanreeflections. They have the Refugium measurements at 23"x5"x19.5" is this right?

and saving money for it..

 

[m'akoyPINOY]

its a C.A.D 39G series.

 

[PalmTree]

Hey Sarah! I just left a message on your phone. Sorry to hear about your flood. I'm sure your neighnors were more sorry! Give me a buzz.

 

[HaloStalker]

wow i just got a jbj 28 gallon but the thing above me is so sick me wanty:shhh:

lmao but what can a poor guy like me do lmao i didn't even stock my nano yet

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

just got back from the store- checked out the solana- has MH. talking it through... all the big lights on these little tanks have heat problems though right- and then need to drill in a chiller?

I got to sell some my LEDs, so if you don't want heat transfer to your tank, BUY MY CUSTOM LED LIGHTS :tongueani


Seriously, if you are using 150 MH I don't see any problem, it's not very bright nor is it very hot.

 

[rookie07]

I have a solana.....
My chiller is also my main return(credit to sean)...No drilling, I just have them hanging over the edge
Oh, and I turned the middle rear chamber into a fuge....but I had to add a small PH to increase flow in that section b/c bad algea was building up....

PM with any questions.......
I love the tank(for its size)

PS I had an aquapod 24, didnt like the bow front....and a few other things.... Upgraded to the Solana in december

pps-I have a 150w MH about 4"-5" above water level...and a cover(which traps in alot of heat)...hence the chiller, and my apt gets warm in summer w/out any AC on, so I need it then also, the temp never went above 83 before I had a chiller(that was in fall or winter only, never had a summer yet)

Here is my tank thread...a few pics, etc..
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/tank-threads/36361-my-34-gl-tank-thread.html

 

[Sean]

My chiller is also my main return...

great idea