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View Full Version : Sean's 5.5g to 36g Corner Bowfront Upgrade


HiImSean
07/23/2012, 09:15 AM
I started this little 5.5g on my desk at work back in November. It is my first reef let alone saltwater tank. i wanted to keep it pretty simple. after a few recent losses, i associate with the small volume of water and inexperience, i've decided to go bigger. i had a 36g corner tank, half a 60g cube, that i had set up as a freshwater planted tank. i took it down last fall due to limited space in my apartment.

so far i've got a few things nailed out on what equipment i'll use/have.

skimmer im going with a Bubble Magus NAC5E. i've ready great things about the skimmer and will allow for a bit larger of a tank upgrade in the future. the skimmer pump doesn't sit inside the tank like many others. another huge plus is it has a collection cup drain. im out of town a good bit and i'd hate to come back to a stinky office.

MP10ES will be used for flow. not sure if i will need to upgrade or add another so we'll see how one does for the time being.

light im going with an AI Sol Blue. i know people have mixed opinions about this light. i like what i've seen with it. if it doesnt work out i'll try something different. i plan on using 3/4" conduit to make a mount.

i've got an Apex Jr. that i purchased early this year hoping to put this upgrade in my apartment or home (after we finally find one). like i said before im away for work a good put and this will atleast help me monitor the temperature for now. i have the VDM module to control my AI too.

that's it for major components. i cant really think of anything else besides a heater, which i have. i want to find some finer sand that what i have in my current tank. i also have a good bit of rock to work with, all dead to avoid any unwanted pests. i've had a bit of a flatworm problem lately so no existing rock will be transferred over and all corals will have a nice FWE dip before being moved over. i want to try some more SPS in the tank but will also add more zoas and LPS. im debating if i want a BTA in the tank. my onyx clown fish, cleaner shrimp, and porcelain crab will be moved and i just have to figure out the rest.

latest 5.5g shot
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/HiInSean/1338317542.jpg

36g next to 5.5g
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/HiInSean/1342700730.jpg

benjaminoliver
08/20/2013, 08:34 PM
I am not sure if you ever followed through with this tank, but if you did I would love to see what you have now. I have the same tank, and really am looking for some more corner reef ideas. So if you have this tank up and running I would like to see some pictures!

HiImSean
08/24/2013, 03:42 PM
I've had the tank running for almost a year now. Overall it's done well. I have been battling GHA almost the entire time. I think it is my rock leeching PO4.

I kept more up with the tank on nano-reef
http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/308349-seans-36g/

I'm now starting a 90g so the 36g won't be around too much longer.