Will This Work?

[illinifish]

Hello Everyone! I found this 5 gallon hex tank in my basement of my new house, and thought I would clean it up and turn it into a nano/pico reef if you all think it will work. I am new to the saltwater hobby so thought I would get some direction before I pursue this project. I would like to have LR/LS, zoas and mushrooms, a cleaner crew and perhaps 1 small fish IF there is room.

The tank can be seen here:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z261/illinifish/5gallon4.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z261/illinifish/5gallon3.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z261/illinifish/5gallon2.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z261/illinifish/5gallon1.jpg

So, a couple of questions:
1. Filter: it came with an undergravel filter, but I assume those don't really work in SW setups. I am not sure what kind of filter I can use that will fit on this tank based on the hood setup. And I have to have a hood (I have a proven fishkiller cat). I can probably get my dad to cut a portion of the lid to allow for a HOB, but I have no idea what kind to get.

2. Lighting: what sort of lighting should I get that will work with this fixture?

3. Any other equipment I need? I have a discount day next week at Petsmart, so I would like to stock up on anything else I'm going to need before I get started.

Thanks so much for all your help!

[SugarFox03]

Hi there! Nice little tank you found! I would make sure to clean it out real well first, before attempting to put saltwater, sand, or rock in. Then, toss the under gravel filter and probably that light fixture too. How wide is the tank? There's many different options you have with saltie tanks. I am setting up a 5.5g tank and just purchased the Coralife 2x18w fixture (around $50/ebay) and that should be plenty for what I want to keep, which is the same as you...softies, mushrooms, zoas, etc. Also, you can always put eggcrate over the top of the tank so the cats can't get in. I have a 26g bowfront with eggcrate that I painted black so my cats cant go fishing, and also so my fish cant jump out and be cat (or dog) food. You can buy a huge sheet at home depot for like $10. I painted it with Krylon Fusion spray paint from walmart. I barely even notice its there. As far as the filter, you can always do one of the AquaClear fuge mods. I plan on doing that with mine after my next paycheck. It looks simple enough, and its a great idea to have the fuge. For the most part, your live rock and live sand will be your filter.

I don't know that there's much as Petsmart you can work with. I think some sell salt mix and live sand. Thats about all I'd ever buy there. Maybe some tests or something also.

Anyway, good luck! Do lots of research, and don't rush anything! :)