My 5 1/2 Nano Tank

[Schadiest1]

Here's the start of my 5 1/2 gallon nano tank. Eventually it'll be a reef. This weekend I'll be starting to stand and canopy for it. Might seem a bit much for a canopy and all that, but I think it'll look cool. It's got a 18w PC light on it (50/50 bulb) for now.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/2.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/2-15-07.jpg

[pipper]

cool, keep us posted on ur progress

[clayspst]

cool red x's

[Schadiest1]

got the stand frame done, just need to widen the base and add panels, shelf, door, and trim.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/standframe.jpg

[FishMachine]

nice

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

more pik's...

[Schadiest1]

stand needs shelves, door and trim. Canopy needs front door and hinges. Going to stain in black and water proof it this week sometime. Coming along nicely though.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/10-19-2007.jpg

[tiffrobbins]

I admire all of you that actually build your stand before you set up your tank. I'm had mine running for 8 months and have never finished my stand. I keep playing with the inside of the tank and never have a budget for the outside of the tank.

[Kogo]

ive always had the same problem

keep up the good work and patience Schadiest1

[Schadiest1]

I keep telling myself, nothing inside the tank until the stand and canopy are done.

[Kogo]

if you win that battle everything else will seem easy!

[Schadiest1]

here's some more progress. Shelves are in and canopy just needs hinges.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/nearfinishedcanopy.jpg

[Schadiest1]

Got the trim on. Today I am going to stain the tank and put the doors on and it'll be done. Going to get my LR today and then order my sand and I'll be on my way.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/2-23-07.jpg

[amiricle]

very nice, I need a stand like that for my 5.5!

[Schadiest1]

Rocks are in and hopefully I'll be able to finish the stain today and seal tomorrow and be ready to go. My skimmer/filter will be here tomorrow. It's all starting to come together now.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/liverock.jpg

[fishes2889]

What filter did you order?

[Kogo]

looks like a rio powerhead

[Schadiest1]

I ordered a rio nano skimmer/filter. Like this one,
http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/protein_skimmers_rio.html

[Schadiest1]

Tank is now cycling with a shrimp, and it smells wonderful too...NOT.

[Schadiest1]

tank, stand and canopy.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/mar1.jpg

[wea747]

Nice, not a huge fan of the hinge choice but looks good

[murfman]

Not too shabby, for a Squid!!!! J/k looks great. Do a search on pocket hole drills. That is what I used for making the stand on my 125. Hides the screws and makes for very strong joints. Love the black stand though, looks great.

[kmmcgra]

looking good

[Schadiest1]

here's a picture of the new lighting and rock work.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/mar11.jpg

[Schadiest1]

DIY moonlight
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/100_1181.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/moonlight.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/moonlighting.jpg

[Matrajeous]

what did you use for your moonlight????? what kind of bulb is that ?

[OranguTang]

CCFL

[Schadiest1]

(2) 4" Cold Cathode lights (with a multi voltage power supply). They are made for computers, but in this case they make great moonlights.

[rodri075]

Uh oh... do I see a prizm skimmer?

[NanoKat]

What is your primary lighting? That looks pretty cool.

[Schadiest1]

The light was a 70w viper k2 halide until it burnt out. I now have a 70w metal halide retrofit kit on there. I'm going to get some pics of it today.

[Schadiest1]

New Lighting.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/retrofitlight.jpg

[Schadiest1]

Random Pics
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/cleanershrimp.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/crab.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/goby.jpg

[Kengaroo131]

this tank is amazing! you did such a good job on the hole thing!

[Schadiest1]

New aquascaping.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/newaquascape.jpg

[Kengaroo131]

how tall is your canopy? i think im going to construct one of these.

[Schadiest1]

The canopy is 6" tall.

[Kengaroo131]

thanks you. where did you get your tank i might be able to get it at my fish shop but i cant seem to find them online anywhere.

[Schadiest1]

Got the tank at petco.

[Kengaroo131]

ooh alright how much did you wind up paying for juat the tank if you dont mind me asking?

[Schadiest1]

$14.99

[Kengaroo131]

alright awesome thanks

[Agu]

Looks very nice but I would recommend priming and painting the wood inside the canopy. With the heat and humidity it's pretty hard on the wood.

[Schadiest1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9561326#post9561326 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Agu
Looks very nice but I would recommend priming and painting the wood inside the canopy. With the heat and humidity it's pretty hard on the wood.

I was going to do the inside too, but wasn't sure if it was safe to have those chemicals on the inside of the canopy.

[Kengaroo131]

if you have a second, what are the measurments of a 5.5 gallon?

[Schadiest1]

16 3/16 x 8 3/8 x 10 1/2

[Slakker]

You paid $15 for a 5.5 gallon tank?? That seems a little steep...most smaller tanks sell for $1/gallon.

You could probably have gotten a 10g for less than $15...but I guess that's not the point here, is it? ;)

The tank looks gorgeous(bravo on the stand, btw)...what fish/corals do you have planned?

[Schadiest1]

That seemed to be the average price around here. But a the 10g tanks were cheaper, how does that add up?

[mhummel]

Nice nano. I'm thinking of setting up a 5.5. How is the Rio working out for you? Does it produce decent skim? Is that all you are using for flow? If it produces decent skim at that price seems like a good deal.
mark

[Schadiest1]

I am using a rio 90 for flow.

The rio nano skimmer works great for me, it produces good skimmate.

[Slakker]

Do you think it would do well on an Eclipse 12 if I were to remove the standard filter and cut into the hood to allow it?

[Schadiest1]

The rio nano skimmer is rated for tanks up to 20g.

[Schadiest1]

This shroom has been in my tank since I started, survived through the cycle and all. I knew they were hardy, but not that hardy.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/PurpleMushroom.jpg

[murfman]

Schadiest1, looking good!!! What did you use for the moon light? Do you know the spectrum on it?

[Schadiest1]

the moonlights are 4" cold cathodes, I used 2 of them. I'm not sure of the spectrum though.

[Kengaroo131]

i want to get shrooms for my 5.5, how do the do in it?

[Schadiest1]

The mushroom has already doubled in size since it went into my tank. Shrooms will do good in any tank.

[Kengaroo131]

what kind of lights are you running? im going to get the 20 watt 50/50 compact bulb.would that do ok?

[Schadiest1]

70w MH and 18W 50/50.

Shrooms are low light corals and should do fine under your lighting.

[mhummel]

Where did you get your 70 halide retro? Put some small rock in my 60 for better curing and less cycle time. I like the look of some small rubble in there which I didn't think I would, but I'll have to put some in there when this is removed. Any update pics?

[Schadiest1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9632669#post9632669 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mhummel
Where did you get your 70 halide retro?

www.illuming.com

[Schadiest1]

Here's my goby
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/clowngoby.jpg

[Schadiest1]

King of the Janitor Crew
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/slim_schady/Nano%20Tank/bristleworm.jpg