bennerkla's 5.5 AGA Nano Reef Diary (Lots of PICS!!!)

[bennerkla]

Hey guys. Well, I'm 17 and I really wanted to have a cool setup for my room which didn't take up a lot of space and was affordable. My main goal was to spend no more than $150 on drygoods. This was going to take a lot of searching and a lot of eBay. I visted my LFS to get the tank...

-5.5 Gallon AGA Tank : $12.99
-Aqua Clear Mini: $23.99

Then, I headed on over to eBay to get some more essentials...

-50 Watt Heater: $11.00
-79 GPH Powerhead: $10.59

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052nano.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052nano1.jpg

Hmm, that is about 60 bucks spent already, and I haven't even bought my lights yet...

After 2 weeks of eBay'ing I came up with these lights...

-Coralife 12" 2x18 watt 50/50 PC: $43.00
-Mounting Stands: $10.00
-Moonlight LED lite:$21.00

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052coralife13.jpg

I'm excited about these, because 36 watts should be plenty to have some awesome softies and LPS.

So I've spent about 135 dollars so far, and I still don't have any live rock. This is a corner that I don't want to cut, becuase it'll be my main source of filtration. I checked around on eBay and ordered LR...

-10 lbs. Premium Fiji Live Rock + Shipping: $43.00

Luckily, I'm taking live sand from my 75 gallon tank, so I won't have to buy any. Although I went over my money amount, moonlights are not needed and could be cut if you are following this procedure at home. Here are some things that I stumbled across...

-Should I turn my Aqua Clear into a refugium? Is it too small? I have a Aqua Clear 300 on my 75, and I could move it, would it then be too big?
-Did I completely overlook anything?
-Should I run the sponge and carbon in the mini? Or should I completely rely on my live rock for filtration?

My Live rock should be here sometime in the next week. I don't mean to keep you all on a dry tank, it'll be wet soon, I promise. My goal is to do a 1 gallon water change every Sunday. I'll let you know more about the details later on this week.

Here is my setup so far. What do you think? http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052nano2.jpg
I don't have the mounting legs or the moonlights yet. I'd love to have some opinions, and at the same time guide some newbies through my experience. I'm a newbie to nano reefing, so learn from my mistakes!

Take care,
Ben

[loyalty]

i have those lights over my 10 gal nano and love em. i've actually been thinking about consolidating my 10 into a 5.5, so i'll be keeping tabs on this thread...good luck

[bennerkla]

Sounds good. I think that Coralife is very high quality. Welcome aboard!

I'll post my livestock plans later this week. Hopefully I'll get my stand and moonlights tomorrow...

[loyalty]

does that light fit perfectly over a 5.5? i don't know the dimensions of a 5.5

[bennerkla]

No. the 5.5 is 16" and the fixture is 12". But the mounting legs will take care of the 2" on each side....

....at least I hope they will....

BTW here are the moonlights I will stick inside my fixture under the arcylic splash guard...
http://www.projectx.com/eBay/Auctions/LEDBeamwithBlueLEDs.jpg

I'm hoping that if I am them up at the reflectors, it'll cast a smooth, even glow throughout the tank. Can't wait to see what they look like!

[ninjafish]

Ben,
I am really looking forward to this thread! I love those lights - I may have to start a 5gal myself.
Nice job!

- Chad

[Daemonfly]

The mini is too small for a refugium, imho. An AC 500 fits well on the back, but I'd support it from the bottom, not let it hang with all the weight on the glass. Have one on my 5.5g and it leaves about 2" of room on one side. AC 300 would work too. If you think you can DIY some acrylic work, you could make your own CPR aquafuge with acrylic & pvc parts, then add a powerhead.

[bennerkla]

I'll set up my Aqua Clear 500 to the back tonight and snap a picture, and we'll see how it looks.

[zombiereef]

where did you get the moonlight ? that is very cool. i have a single, blue led that works great on my small tank, but want something a bit larger for my 180g. i think a couple of those may work.

[Sugar Magnolia]

This looks like it's going to be a really great set up! That light should work out well. Post up some pics once you've gotten the mounting legs.

[Jordan55]

You will regret putting the AC 500 on the back. I have a AC mini on my 5/5 and it has enough flow not to kick up sand. My sandbed is like 1.5 inches and if you go anymore than half the power it has... it will blow your sand. The 500 would kill sandbed. Don't worry about the AC fuge. It isn't worth it on such a small tank.

[bennerkla]

Chad- Thanks! I can only hope you enjoy mine as much as I enjoyed yours.

mbunakeith- I got them from eBay, and they can be found all the time. There are two types; the one I got is the smaller of the two.
Moonlights (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4381427370&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT) Check that seller out because he usually has them for sale. I hope they aren't too powerful for my tank, but I thought it was better to buy too powerful than not powerful enough. I figure I can always wrap some blue tissue paper over the lights or something like that.

Sugar Magnolia-IT IS YOU!!! You're 2.5 gallon pico rocked soo much it was you and Chad that inspired me to make this nano!! I didn't know it was you until I checked your gallery. I saw that pic awhile ago and that is what started all this! How ironic... I will definately post pics once I get the mounting legs.

Jordan55- Yeah, I was definately worried about that. Do you think my 1 gallon water changes every week would be good enough for this tank? Should I run the sponge and carbon in that Aqua Clear Mini?

UPDATE
Just checked the mail today, still no moonlight or mounting legs :( I was hoping to get them today, but they should be in tomorrow. About 3 more days until the eBay auction for my LR closes, so I guess I'll have about 5-6 more days until I get this tank some water. My main concern right now is the filter and the powerhead. Is this enough flow for Xenia or other corals? I thought it would be perfect but I tested it in my sink and I couldn't even feel the water flow very well at all. 80 GPH and the mini pumps about 100 GPH, so maybe like 80 GPH with the media in it. That is like 26x flow. Hmmm....

I will get a black/blue background tomorrow as well. Stay tuned!

Cya guys...
-Ben

[burrito]

very nice work keep us updated

[bennerkla]

Wait, what if I used my AQ 500 on my nano, but used the mini impeller with it? The size of the filter wouldn't have anything to do with the flow, wouldn't this setup work for a refugium? Which is more important, a fuge or a sponge/carbon combo?

[bennerkla]

Here is my Aqua Clear 500 (I think) that I have running on my 75 gallon. Don't really need it, it's just running a sponge and carbon. Could I use it on my nano? Nano is 16" across. I could use my AQ Mini impeller, just like what Magnolia did with his 2.5.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052aqua.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052aqua1.jpg

[Sugar Magnolia]

Ben, the impeller on the 500 isn't swappable. (is that a word?) I'm going to have to disagreee with Jordan about the AC 300/70 not being a good addition to the tank. I've had my AC 300 running as a fuge for months now on my tank and it is definitely worth doing. You're looking at a small volume of water in a 2.5 or 5.5 and if you can add an additional volume of water, toss in some LR rubble and some chaeto you've got yourself a rather small, but functional excess nutrient removal system. Of course, sticking such a small fuge on a larger tank, say 10-20 galllons wouldn't offer the same benefits it does on the smaller tanks. Also take into consideration the water displacement due to the amount of LR in the tank. The tank's volume empty is 5.5 gallons. Add 10 pounds of rock and you no longer have 5.5 gallons of water volume.

I actually do run a small poly/carbon pad in my AC 300 to remove the gunk before it hits the main chamber and gets trapped in my macros. It's amazing how much gunk is produced on a weekly basis.

[Sugar Magnolia]

BTW Ben, that's the 300/70 model you have.

[Mork]

bennerkla - great tank setup, I'm going to be setting up a similar rig myself. How are the Coralife 12" working out for you?

Sugar Magnolia - Which brand of poly/carbon pad do you use in your AC300? Have you changed the impeller in your AC300, or is it running with the regular one?

[jaynboom]

I second the pre-filter before the macro. I had built a fuge into the back 2.5" of my 10 AGA. Last night I shook it a little. The amount of crap in it was unbelievable.

I just went to a 10 with no fuge. Maybe I'll set this one differently.

[bennerkla]

Mork-Thanks. The lights look awesome so far, but I can't tell until I get it setup. Very excited about them, though, but nervous how I'll fit the moonlights in it. Should be fun to see what they look like...

Sugar Magnolia- I would like to know exactly what Mork said. Did you alter your impeller? Where did you buy the poly/carbon pad?

Hopefully I'll get some goods in the mail tomororw. Until then, have a nice night.

[Sugar Magnolia]

I use a millenium 1000 poly/carbon replacement pad. It slides into the left side of the main chamber, just to the right of the intake tube. In the picture below, you can see just a little bit of the blue poly sticking out - that's where the pad is. The only alteration I made was to use an impeller from the AC mini. Those can be purchased separately from most online vendors that carry the Aqua Clear filters.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/AC300fuge.jpg

[bennerkla]

Ben, the impeller on the 500 isn't swappable.

magnolia Is the impeller on the 500 not swappable, but the 300 is? Would I be able to swap it onto mine with my Aqua Clear Mini impeller?

I like the sound of this, I'll try it out and snap a picture of it tonight.

[bennerkla]

Well, I got some good news and some bad news.

Good news first- my mounting legs and digital thermometer came in today. Also, my Aqua Clear mini impeller fits perfectly into my AQ 300.

Bad news...- The lights just BARELY fit on my tank. See for yourself in the pic below...
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052setup.jpg

I stretched the lets as farrr out as they could go and they still couldn't completely get the 16" across my tank. Urgh, isn't working out too well so far.

Then it gets worse. I was so pumped that my mini impeller fit on my AQ 300, but once I put the AQ 300 on the back, the light situation went from bad to much, much worse.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052AQ300.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052AQ3001.jpg

The rear legs don't even sit on the tank at all, the light completely rests on the AQ filter. This sucks. Unless, maybe it doesn't matter? I figured the salt kreep would be horrible on the light if I were to do that. I don't have much real estate to work with.

The AQ Mini fits on the back under the lights. Therefore, should I try to work out this AQ 300 fuge, or just run an AQ mini with carbon/sponge? I need your opinion!

On a lighter note, here is my tank from my bed...
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052room.jpg

Thanks guys.

[Dwarfpufferfish]

If you do go with the smaller filter one thing you could try is to heat the bottom parts of the legs for your light up a bit and bend it out. You are very close to fitting so it wouldnt take too much!

[bennerkla]

Not a bad idea. I looked at the tank again and don't see the harm of having the lights rest on the HOB filter. Of course, I would need to support the filter.

Mini or 300/fuge?

[impur]

Originally posted by Dwarfpufferfish
If you do go with the smaller filter one thing you could try is to heat the bottom parts of the legs for your light up a bit and bend it out. You are very close to fitting so it wouldnt take too much!

Was just going to suggest this!!

If you don't want to do that, i would just use the mini with some carbon and LR rubble in it, no sponge.

[Darold]

Looks great! How many surf/beach fans are there in central Ohio?

[bennerkla]

Why no sponge? Wouldn't it be okay if I cleaned it every Sunday with my water changes?

[bennerkla]

Darold, not too many ;)

[impur]

Yah if you clean it regularly it would be fine.

[Andrew]

Looks like a good start

[bennerkla]

I would much rather go with the Aqua Clear mini because it could pull out gunk with the sponge nicely, and the carbon would really help clear the water. Plus it is small, would fit beneath my lights, and I couldn't have to have a separte fuge light. I would be very diligent about cleaning the sponge and replacing the carbon every 4 weeks(?).

Having said that, is the benefit of the fuge worth it to make me make this work? I think I can do it, but it would be a lot more work and money.

So, here is the poll.

1) Aqua Clear Mini /or/ Aqua Clear 300 Refugium?

[impur]

300 fuge

[Mork]

Sugar Magnolia - Thanks for the advice, those pads are perfect. Are you using a reverse photoperiod for the fuge? Any problems with light spillage?

bennerkla - you could always build a simple hood for the light to fit into, raising it slightly above the filter. This has the added advantage of hiding the filter and the light fixture for aesthetic reasons.

[bennerkla]

How would I build the hood?

[Andrew]

DIY forum. Theres some great examples there.

[bennerkla]

Shouldn't I be able to keep my nitrates down enough with water changes every week? This 300 might cause problems.

[bennerkla]

Update 5/25/05
Got my thermometer and mounting legs, but still waiting for those moonlights. Nothing really turned out how I wanted them to today, but it'll all work out.
What I'm trying to decide...

=Fuge? or mini w/ carbon/sponge? Mini would be easier to set up and manage but a fuge might be better in the long run. Or would it?
=Are my lights okay if they rest on the aqua clear 300?

Thanks guys, I'll give you some more updates tomorrow. Cya.

[bennerkla]

Okay my main tank has no filtration right now, just a skimmer, because the sump went out of order. It needs the 300, so I'm going to use the mini for the beginning part of my nano and see how that works out. If I do want the 300, I'll have to buy another one.

Any objections? the Fuge might be the better way to go but I need that filter on my main tank and the AQ Mini shouldn't be too bad, right? With sponge/carbon?

Hopefully I'll get my moonlights today!

[ChloroPhil]

bennerkla,

I use an AC Mini and a Whisper Junior on my 2.5 and the combination works out really well. Why don't you try using your Mini and an AC 200 on your tank? You'll still be able to use traditional media in the Mini and have a refugium in the 200? That will provide you with more than enough flow and the filtation options would be a lot greater. I think the 200 is shorter too so you shouldn't have the interference problem with your lights that you do with the 300.

Regards,
Phil

[bennerkla]

Cool. I'm going to have the mini to start, and I just called my uncle and we are going to build a canopy sometime this summer. Once I get the canopy, I'll upgrade to the refugium.

My moonlights still haven't come in :(

My live rock should be here in about 4 days, once it comes in my tank will be set up!!! I'm very excited.

Any comments, questions, concerns?

[loyalty]

doesn't AGA make an 8 gallon tank? it may fit your lights better if you don't want to go the canopy route

[bennerkla]

I don't really mind going the canopy route.

I bought a new Aqua Clear 300 filter today, so can anyone direct me towards the DIY aqua clear 300 refugium? I've searched the boards but can't find what i'm looking for. Moonlights still haven't come in but my liverock is ordered!

Thanks.

[impur]

Here are pics of my ac500, the ac300 would be the same just with a smaller return area. Its not hard, just cut the baffle from some acrylic, silicon it in, let dry and your good to go.

The baffle is 6" high.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/impur/PA060015.jpg

[bennerkla]

What light is that? How does your auto top off work?

[impur]

The light is from one of the Viaqua betta .75g tanks. Has the tiny filter and light. The auto topoff was very simple. A 1gal rubbermade jar from walmart, battery powered airpump, float switch, and some air tubing. I drilled 2 holes in the jar, put a piece of hard tubing down to within an inch of the bottom of the jar, the other hole had some tuping sticking in about an inch. When the float turned the pump on, it pumps air into the jar thru the tubing that only sticks in 1 inch, and water comes out thru the stiff length up to flex airtubing to the tank.

[bennerkla]

Cool. Should i run carbon in my AQ Mini during cycling?

[Sugar Magnolia]

Ben, your PM box is full. I'm DIYing another AC 300 and will have a thread with pics up either tomorrow or Monday. (One more piece to silicone in and I'll do that today.)

[bennerkla]

Awesome, can't wait. Let me know.

[Sugar Magnolia]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=601201

[ninjafish]

Ben,
Your setup is looking awesome! As for the lights, you might be able to build a moulding or frame that sits on the front and sides of your tank. You could make it to custom fit the stance of your mounting legs and it would also raise the fixture up a bit so it isn't on your ac.
Or, you could scrap the ac and use a modded cannister filter with a chaeto fuge instead. That's what I would do... er, did. :p
Whatever you do, this tank is gonna be nice.

- Chad

[Sugar Magnolia]

Rats...hang on, wrong thread. I shall return.

[bennerkla]

Ninjafish- Thanks for the kind comment. My live rock will be here sometime next week, so I'm trying to get that into my tank and cycled before I worry about my lights. I'm thinking I'm going to build a canopy, though. They don't look that difficult to build, just some wood and some precise measurements looks to do it. It's too late to scrap the AQ, I bought it yesterday and am following sugar's thread about building it into a refugium. I have a question though, I'll also have an AC mini running sponge and carbon, should I run the carbon while it's cycling? If so, how long? How long to use once it is cycled?

Thanks, my damn moonlights haven't come in yet!!!! Oh well, hopefully Monday.

Cya guys.

[ninjafish]

Cool cool. Lately I have been thinking about adding a moonlight to my tank so I am looking forward to seeing how it works for you.

- Chad

[bennerkla]

Thanks Chad. Anyone have any ideas on my carbon during cycling question?

Update 5/29/05

I think I've compiled a list of livestock that I want. Please help me alter it and see how it is.

Fish:
-None

Inverts:
-2 Sexy Shrimp
-4 Nassarius Snails
-2 Creith Snails
-3 Astrea Snails

Corals:
-Pulsing Xenia
-Finger Leather(small frag)
-Zooanthid colony
-Feather Duster
-Blue Stripped Mushrooms

Others:
-LS from tank and 10 lbs Fiji Premium LR
-Chaeto in fuge

What do you think?

[Daemonfly]

For your lights leg problems, you could probably just fab up your own legs out of some 1/4" plexiglass, if you think you have the skill for it. Just would have to design the shape, and cut out 4 equal pieces.

[bennerkla]

I think my legs will be okay temporaraly until I build a canopy. Thanks though.

[ninjafish]

Ben,
I don't know what the right answer is but I personally wouldn't run carbon while cycling. If the water is too clean it might prolong the process. I would stick with water changes until you have cycled and then once you have livestock, run carbon if you want/need. I am using it in my system because I like how it makes the water nice and clear. I am not concerned about removing nitrates or anything because my system stays pretty clean already.

- Chad

[bennerkla]

Alright, but should I run the sponge only in the aqua clear mini? My liverock will be in the tank before my refugium is set up. So it will be curing with only a sponge in the filter (with a powerhead and lights on). Is that okay?

[bennerkla]

BTW, Chad, what do you think of my livestock list?

[ninjafish]

Again, just my opinion but I would run the sponge. And as for your livestock, I think you've got a great plan there (except your featherdusters crept into your coral list - those dang things :D ) The only thing that I would add to your list would be a porceline anemone crab. They are probably THE PERFECT nano addition. They don't bother anything, are always out in the open, are easy to care for, and are so captivating to watch that they quickly become the main attraction. JMO

- Chad

[bennerkla]

Where can I buy one of those? I'm sure my LFS will not have one.

Is this one? (http://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11_03/product_info.php?products_id=181&parent_category=4&category_search=63&root_parent_id=4)
...or this one? (http://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11_03/product_info.php?products_id=170&parent_category=4&category_search=63&root_parent_id=4)

[bennerkla]

BTW, is my feather duster fine with no supplements or feedings? What would I feed a tank with this livestock, nothing?

[loyalty]

phyto would make your duster and other filter feeders happy

[Gujustud]

Looks like a good start.

Totally offtopic question, where did you get that picture on your wall? (the beach/palm tree picture). Or any idea who published it?

[loyalty]

yeah thats a cool piece..noticed it the other night. also, someone on the board has an avatar of a tribal looking sea turtle artwork..looks real cool

[bennerkla]

Thanks for the comments about the poster. I love it and think about being on that beach every morning, it helps me get through my day. Relaxes me. I acually bought it on eBay, here is the link....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=60434&item=7326308137&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V

I got it mounted on a piece of styrofoam, which was very expensive, but it makes it look clean and finished. I also thought it would look good over a nano reef.

[bennerkla]

Finally, they came! :D They are definately high quality lights, but see so for yourself....

First, here is my tank with the full lights on. (All pictures were in my parents closet because it's very dark.)

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052fulllights.jpg

Here is my tank with the moonlights attached in the right hand part of the PC hood.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052moons.jpg

Check out how nice of an even light ray they cast out, now that's quality!!!

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052light.jpg



Now, I don't really know how to place them in my hood. I guess I'll just have to wait until i get the water in, but where do YOU think I should put them?

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052setup1.jpg
The one below has the LED's pointed at the reflector.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052setup2.jpg
This one below is pointed directly downwards. Maybe it's too bright? Maybe it will only highlight the center? We'll find out this weekend.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052setup3.jpg

I think they are very nice lights, but what do you think? BTW, my live rock will hopefully come Friday, and my tank will be up!

-Cya, Ben

[Darold]

Maybe I missed it, but where is that moonlight from? It looks realy nice!

[scbauer]

WE NEED ROCK!!! This thread is making me want to start another tank. So far, the setup looks great. Are you sure you don't want to put just one fish in there? Can't wait to see the tank finished...

-Scott

[bennerkla]

scbauer- Thanks for your comments. Rock is coming at the end of this week!!! You think I could put a fish in there? 5.5 gal? I would love a small clownfish, ocel. or maroon. Don't really want a goby, but maybe. Any recommendations?

Darold I posted on page 1 where I got the moonlights.

[bennerkla]

Look what I found!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=46310&item=4342331072&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V

[bennerkla]

I just ordered a "free" cleaner package....

http://aquaticisland.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=189

Shipping was only like 2 bucks, I really don't think I'll even receive this package, but it was worth a try. Why would they just give away livestock? If I acually get these things, I will buy from this company again because they look to have great prices.

Why not try it for yourself? 2 bucks, can't go wrong to give it a try...

[scbauer]

Hey, thanks for the link... if I just lost $1.75 then that sucks... if not, then that ROCKS!!!

All I can say is I hope the "cleaner crew" is alive when (if) I get the package.

-Scott

[bennerkla]

I'm in the same boat ;)

What fish would you recommend for my tank?

[bennerkla]

I just tested my moonlights and they are WAY too bright for my tank. Any suggestions?

[slave-of-rock]

I just read threw this thread and nice man! I'm 17 too and i know how it is with a budget, and with gas prices.... Can you take out two of the bulbs on the LED light? maby that might work, or cover two of them up with something, like electrical tape? Depending on how hot that light will get, which I doubt should be too hot, the electrical tape should work. Run the lights for a few hours and see how hot it gets.
-Kyle Kaz

[Sugar Magnolia]

The cleaner package is being shipped priority which is 2 -3 day shipping. Not sure how those critters will be after a few days in a bag. If one dies, it has the potential to wipe out everything else.

Ben, we gotta step back a minute here and regroup. you don't have your LR yet and you ordered clean up critters, and the amount that you ordered is too many for a 5.5 gallon tank IMO. First, the LR. You ordered it right? Shipped LR usually arrives damp, not fully submerged.That means it will need to cycle which can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending upon how cured the rock is. Even if it is labeled as fully cured, you'll have some die off from the shipping. You don't want to add anything to the tank until it's completed it's cycle. If you havne't done so yet, buy your test kits so you'll be ready when the LR arrives. Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. You'll also want a pH test kit to start testing that once you see your nitrate level falling. Hydrometer, or better yet, refractometer to measure salinity.

Once you have your tank cycled you'll be ready to add the clean up crew. Since you've already ordered them and since they can't go in the tank with the cycling LR, you'll have to set up a QT tank for them.

As far as putting a fish in there goes, I'd suggest not doing so. Let the tank establish itself for several months before you try adding a fish. And even if you do add a fish, which I don't recommend. (;)) you're extremely limited with your choices. Basically you'll have to choose one of the smaller goby species that stays under 2". You'd be surprised at the impact the fish and feeding the fish will have on the system's biological filtration.

I say sexy shrimp. :D

[impur]

Great post! All good info. He is right about the fish, maybe a small clown goby at most. Sexy shrimp rock, i love the way they sway back and forth. Looks like its coming along well though, just need to slow down and take your time. Its tough, but worth it in the end.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Sorry Ben, forgot about your 75. You can toss the clean up critters in there.

[Brooks_McClary]

I am getting the same coallife light for my 5 gal. It is the eclipse tank with a brace in the middle to keep the light out of the water. I think you tank will be awesome. I think Im going to go with a HOTB Biowheel 100 filter. I will send some pics when I FINALLY feel comfortable putting in coral.

[bennerkla]

Thanks for the replys.

Sugar Magnolia- I was planning on adding my critters to my 75 gallon, then, if they survive until my tank is cycled, add them to my nano. Check out my livestock list on page 3 or 2 about what I want to put in the tank. I already have test kits and a refractometer, along with all the other essentials. I know for the most part what I'm doing, so you don't need to worry about me rushing this. Completely understandable post, though, because you did'nt know. I'm just assuring you that I will not do anything stupid with this tank. If it is borderline, I'll ask it on here. That is what I use reef central for. You have been a big help to me, and I thank you for that, but you're not dealing with a newbie ;) (thankfully , right?)

I am perfectally content with keeping 2 small sexy shrimp. Ninja fish recommended a porceline anenome crab, any thoughts on that? How about my clean up crew from page 3, how does that look?

impur-Yeah, I'm really excited to see how cool the sexy shrimp look. This will be very different from my 75. My main reason for starting this tank was because my 75 has had sooo much stuff go wrong with it, that I wanted to do a small tank setup that I could get right, THE FIRST TIME, and not waste money down the road. I chose a 5.5 gallon because the smaller, the cheaper. Plus I often miss the thrill of a small snail eating algae. You pay attention to the little things in a nano, and the big things in a 75.

Brooks_McClary- Thanks! I'm sure your tank will rock too, be sure to post pics!

Update 6/1/05

-Last night my LR was shipped, so I should be receiving it towards the end of the week/weekend.
-I bought an AC Mini impeller from ebay, which will slow down the flow into my HOB refugium.
-Bought a 16" Black/blue background. Wasn't comfortable with painting, and I might get sick of 1 color. Only 7 bucks.
-Bidding on a 9" hood w/ 13 watt 6500K for my refugium. When my live rock is curing, only the sponge in the mini will be running. I assure you, before I add ANY livestock, my refugium will be up, running, and established.



Sorry to keep you guys waiting for so long, I know how it is when you want to just see the damn tank with water in it. But as they say, patience is the virtue, ESPECIALLY with nano-reefs. I'm going to clean my tank today, and start to mix up some saltwater either today or tomorrow. Keep the comments coming, and if you are following my thread at home, let me know!!

Thanks guys, and don't worry, LR is on its way!!

-Ben

[Sugar Magnolia]

Originally posted by bennerkla
but you're not dealing with a newbie ;) (thankfully , right?)
:thumbsup: Yup...totally blew the 75 gallon tank. I realized it after posting this morning, then looking closer at your sig profile this afternoon. Open mouth, insert foot. At least you are the understanding sort, and I have to give you kudos Ben, for taking this bit by bit and planning ahead. Too many people jump into this hobby and rush it only to meet with failure a few weeks or months down the road. This isn't a cheap hobby and it's a shame that there aren't more people like you out there. ;)

[bennerkla]

Thanks for the kind words. One interesting point I thought of, if I don't have a fish, do I need to feed the tank? If so, what kind?

[impur]

I wouldn't feed. Just another thing to screw up the chemistry. If i didn't have fish in my tank i wouldn't feed.

[bennerkla]

slave-of-rock- Thanks for the idea about electrical tape. Check it out, it looks MUCH better and the lights seem perfect!!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/mod1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/mod.jpg

In my tank, is there a concern about how bright moonlights are? I don't want my livestock to not get any sleep if the light is too bright. How do I know?

[bennerkla]

BTW, anyone have any good ideas for a quick 1 gallon water change?

[clown fanatic]

just throw a minijet or something in there with some tubbing on the output and then place the tubbing inside of a gallon jug.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Heck, I just use a clean plastic take out tub from the chinese place and scoop out my water. I do about 2 quarts a week on my 2.5.

[bennerkla]

Well, i was talking about filling it with fresh saltwater. Can I store 5 gallons of it, or would the water "get bad?"

Update

-Bought 2 5-Gallon jugs today, one for my water changes and the other for my auto top-off. Should be an interesting setup.
-I'm mixing saltwater tonight and filling half of my tank with water tomorrow along with the sand.

[bennerkla]

All right guys, things are looking good. The water is mixing and my refugium is near complete. I'm currently bidding on Chaeto and lights for my Aqua Clear fuge, and my LR will be in on Saturday or Monday. It had to come all the way from California to Ohio so I'm outta luck there.

I've included some pictures about my progess in case you're following along at home.

That baffle in my refugium was a MAJOR PITA to get to fit correctly. Probably took me a solid hour and a half to cut it and sand it to perfect measures. Very happy with the final result, though. Note the rounded corners.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/sandpaper.jpg

Then I syliconed in place...

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/baffle.jpg

Here is my saltwater mixing station/ tank room.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/salt.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/setup.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/tankshot.jpg

Very excited about my live rock, tank is almost complete! My background and mini impeller should be in soon. Goodnight.

Cya guys,

ben

[slave-of-rock]

Nice tank! Glad my advice helped you :D, GL with the rest of it man!

[CPT. MURPHY]

Looking forward to updates! :)


CPT.

[bennerkla]

Update 6-3-05

Hey guys. I got my Mini impeller and my background today. My 300 fuge is sitting there, completed, just waiting for the light I bought and the chaeto. BTW, if you are following along at home, this is a PERFECT light for a AC 300 fuge...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4386136602

That is the exact light I bought. Looking forward to getting it.

------------

Also got my background today, both black and blue, check out the pics...

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/cutting.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/black.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/blue.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/viewfromdesk.jpg

It's too early to tell which one I'm going with, but I'm going to start off with the blue and see how I like it. The lights weren't cooperating with me in that black background shot.


My tank water is at 84 degrees, right now, and the heater has been off for hours. This is a HUGE problem, and I'm not quite sure how to fix it. I'm hoping that the temp will settle down in my tank. I think I'm going to go ahead and add the water to the tank tomorrow, and get my Mini w/ sponge and powerhead running. Live sand will be added on Sunday, and LR will be added on Mon/Tues. Once I get my LR set up, this thread will get very interesting!! You all will finally be able to see some real tank shots now, instead of just dry ones!!! Well, at least I'm excited. Once I get my chaeto and lights in after my LR has arrived, I'm done with my tank's equipment I think.

I tested my moonlights in my hood w/ the 2x18 W lights, and it was VERY, VERY, VERY hot. I could'nt keep my finger on any part of the hood for more than a second, and I could almost smell burnt plastic from the moonlights. I'm not too concerned about it heating up my tank, though, because my lights aren't in a canopy and there is enough circulation around them. IDN, though, I could be wrong.

I really have no idea how I'm going to fix these moonlights. If I raise them too much, there will be dead spots on the tank b/c of the hood. Any suggestions?

I have SAT tests tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM, so I'm going to bed early tonight. I'll update tomrorow afternoon; maybe, by some miracle, my LR will arrive tomorrow. I'll keep you updated.

Cya guys,

Ben

[bennerkla]

I will put the LS in on Sunday, I'll post more pics then. I'm also getting an Auto-top off system, so that'll have some interesting pics!!!

Cya guys...

ben

[lawngnome]

i think the lighting changes with the water so you should fill it up first then test the backrounds because when i got a nother freshwater tank there were 2 actinics that made it look really blu but when i filled it up, it was almost pure white

[bennerkla]

Hey, it's about midnight here, and my Coralife fixture is driving me absolutally crazy. For one, I can't put the moonlights in the hood because it is way too hot. Secondly, they simply do not fit above the tank with the mounting legs. I tried resting it on the AC's but the only result was the lights falling into the tank. Like I said before, I want to do everything right with this one. I'm going to talk to my uncle tomorrow about possibly building a canopy and base this weekend.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052coralife13.jpg

Would I be able to take out those reflectors and bulbs and attach them to the top of the canopy easily? This would also solve my moonlight issue very nicely. This way, I could also install some fans to help cool down my insainly hot room.

My LR didn't come today, but hopefully it'll come on Monday. I'm adding the water and LS tomrorow. Hopefully my uncle will get back to me tomorrow and I can get this canopy out of the way. It'll be a PITA to build everything, but I think I'll be very pleased with the results.

Cya guys

Ben

[bennerkla]

Update 6-5-05

I'm goign to my uncles house on Thursday or tuesday to work on my canopy. I'm very excited to get this thing done! I think I'm going to have to install fans into the tank, though, so that is like another 27 bucks. I'm going to take apart my light fixture and mount the bulbs/reflector at the top of the canopy. I got the water in the tank, but when I tried to take sand from my main tank, it was an absolute disaster. I got a tiny bit of sand and a huge milkshake. So I'm forced to buy sand for this, anyone have any ideas where to get some? that Argo-Live stuff looks sweet, but 35 bucks!! Any other ideas?

Here is the tank, first shot w/ flash and second w/o. Notice the DIY fuge in the back.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/water.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/waterwo.jpg

Hope you guys are enjoying this, LR will be in tomrorow!! (or should be...)

Cya guys,

ben

[bennerkla]

Update 6-7-05

Hey guys, school is done on thursday, so I'm making the canopy thursday and then mounting the lights and whatnot on friday. My LR STILL hasn't come in, I'm not happy at all. I did, however, fill my tank up with Carib-Sea Sand today, check it out.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/sand.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/asnd.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/sand1.jpg

I rinsed it a few times before I put it in, so I'm hoping this storm will settle down in the next couple of hours. If it does, I'll snap a shot before I go to my last day of school tomrorow!

CYA guys

[Gujustud]

Originally posted by bennerkla
Update 6-3-05

My tank water is at 84 degrees, right now, and the heater has been off for hours. This is a HUGE problem, and I'm not quite sure how to fix it. I'm hoping that the temp will settle down in my tank.

Few things. Your lights are probably adding to the heat problem. And now if you're making a canopy, thats gonna hold in the heat even more. Make sure you add a fan to the canopy. If you can get a fan to blow air towards the surface of the water, that will also help with the temp.

Another thing I noticed, get rid of that heater you have. I bought one of those about a year ago when I first started out, to use to heat water changes. Well from the slight splashes it got on the screw and inside the heater which turned to rust. The next day when I looked at the water is was brown!! I would not trust those heaters.

[bennerkla]

Okay, thanks for the input. What heater would you recommend? probably 25-50 Watts.

Should I have 1 fan blowing air out of the canopy, or 1 blowing in air? Or 1 blowing in air with a hole on the other side, or 2 fans that have 1 blowing in and 1 blowing out?

I'm on a very tight budget, I'm sure 2 fans would be best but is 1 with a hole enough?

[scbauer]

I would think one fan would be okay. Instead of the fan blowing air in and the air going out the hole, I would have the fan sucking the air out of the canopy and the hold to simply let the air flow unrestricted across the bulb.

Good luck with the tank... Looking good so far.

-Scott

[bennerkla]

How big? Where should I get the fan?
Thanks

[Gujustud]

Keep in mind, if its a tight canopy, and only one fan pulling air OUT, it will be pulling salty air out which will corrod the fan over time.

[bennerkla]

So would you recommend 2? Or 1 blowing in?

[jcm1229]

I've built canopies for 10g, 12g and 5.5g tanks. Never used fans, but the canopies had open backs, and I only kept the glass top on the front half of the tank to avoid saltwater splash when I used my magnet cleaner on the front glass. My evaporation was greater, but use of an auto topoff takes care of this. I've only experienced temperature changes of a degree or two using this method.

[bennerkla]

Thanks jcm.

I GOT MY LIVE ROCK TODAY!!!!!

Here are some pics, I"ll post more later but I'm off to a Modest Mouse concert now, I"ll post more tomorrow. Enjoy!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/rock.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/rock1.jpg

Looks like awesome fiji premium to me, I'll take pics tomrorrw once it clears up.

[bennerkla]

Update 6-9-05

Here are some more live rock pictures. I'd like some comments on my aquascaping; it is very hard to work with rock in such a small tank. The water will start to clear up after I add carbon after the cycle. I also got my refugium light in, it is absolutally PERFECT I'm very happy.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/package.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/fullrock.jpg

Right side...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/righttank.jpg

Left Side...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/lefttank.jpg

Right rock...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/rightside.jpg

Left rock, my main rock...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/leftside.jpg

Here is my refugium light, bought from eBay.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/ref.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/ref1.jpg


My free snails came in today, there are a couple dead but most seem to be okay. Good deal for 5 bucks shipping.

Any comments?

Thanks guys, cya tomrorow.

Ben

[Gujustud]

Lookin good. Can you post a link who you got the fuge light from?

[bennerkla]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4385722364&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT

Check that seller out, he constantly has those lights for sale.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Aquascaping suggestion. Take that larger rock on the left and move it over to the right side. I see you have the other rock snug agains the glass, so do the same with that larger rock. Use the rock you currently have on the bottom right over on the bottom left. You should be able use that rock thats on the upper right to create a cave by trying different positions with it until it can be wedged into a decent position over on the upper left. It looks like it's got a great shape, so it should fit into position pretty easily. Just a thought.

[impur]

Aquascaping suggestion #2. Take a couple of those rocks out, use a hammer and screwdriver and break em in half. Will be much easier to aquascape with smaller rocks.

[bennerkla]

Thanks guys. I'll try magnolias method and if I don't like it, I'll try to break them.

I'll post pics of this tonight.

Cya.

[bennerkla]

Hey guys. I went over to Doug's house today, a local CORA member, and made my auto top off system and my fan for my canopy. I'm building my canopy tomorrow at 2:00 PM EST and hopefully it'll be done this weekend. I need to find an acrylic elbow so I can mount my float switch. Anyway, enjoy the pictures, hopefully they can help you out.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/fan.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/autotop.jpg

[TC3modena]

its comin out pretty good

[bennerkla]

I made my canopy today! I'm very excited, my uncle really helped me out. I posted in the DIY forum, here is the link and some preview pictures. I'm so pumped that I have something better than those crappy mounting legs and I now have a place to mount my moonlights! My fan keeps it at a cool 78 degrees. Check it out!!

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=610210

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/fullshot.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/inside.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/moonlighting.jpg

[clown fanatic]

wow that looks really nice. good job

[bennerkla]

Thanks!

[clown fanatic]

no problem! hey hurry up and update this thing more! i need something to look at.

one thing that pops into my mind about the new hood is watchout with the endcaps on those lights they may not be water proof. i saw someones tank awhile back that burned down but was finally put out once the aquarium melted. scary looking stuff. my guess is try to put some plexi glass in front of the lights or something idk.sorry if it sounds like im trying to rain on your parade but i just thought id warn you because you never know.

[bennerkla]

clown fanactic- are the end caps the 4 pin connectors? I added a 1/8" piece of glass to the canopy, so I think that'll take care of the problem as long as it's okay to maybe get a little bit of moisture. Look closely and you can see the glass in these pictures. There will not be any H20 directly in contact with the top of the canopy anymore. I also added a dap of silicone to all the screws.


My base will be done soon, just need to recut it.

Keep giving me comments!!!! Thanks, cya.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/glass.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/glass1.jpg

[bennerkla]

oh BTW I ordered a Tronic heater today thanks to a previous members advice about how bad these heaters are. It'll be put into my HOB refugium once I get the chaeto.

[clown fanatic]

o ok i see it. nice work. idk if you already went over this but do you have any plans for a fish? if i had a tank that small i think a clowngoby would be pretty cool for it.

[bennerkla]

I think I'm sticking to just corals and inverts so I can keep the water perams under control. IDK know, I might consider a fish if I think the tank needs more movement.

[Krypticol]

Well, i think you've convinced me, I think I'll be picking up one of those little AGA tanks this weekend...nice work.

[bennerkla]

Very cool, be sure to keep us updated! Post pics, and if you need any help just ask.

[Birdlady]

Here is a quirky little trick for the background. I notice that in some of the pics it is a little spotty, when water gets in front of it and so forth.

I take the background off, smear the whole back of the tank with a thin layer of Vaseline petroleum jelly, place the background over it, and smooth it down with a ruler or squeegee...some type of straight edge. Smooth out all the bubbles , then tape the edges on all sides. It looks painted on, and keeps for a verrrrry long time!

It gets a little messy on the hands tho!:)

The tank looks great! :)

[bennerkla]

Ahh, very good idea. Once I decide what color I like I'll try that out ;)

[Birdlady]

I like the blue, unless you will be putting things inside the display tank, such as heaters, powerheads, and stuff with cords. All that looks like crap against the blue, but blends in pretty well with the black.:)

Nice IPod Dock. The hubby just got the same one (Bose?) and it sounds Kickin!

[bennerkla]

Cool, I'll try the blue out later whenever I get the base on it.

Yeah, the sounddock by Bose is unreal, it has such amazing quality, but it is a pricey 300 bucks. Worth it, though, IMO.

[FishMachine]

nice tank!!!!!!!!!

[ninjafish]

Looking good bro.. keep it up!

- Chad

[bennerkla]

Thanks for the kind comments.

Update 6-15-05

Today I changed my aquascape, turned the blue background up, and finished my base. I will post pictures tomorrow. I took out a piece of live rock becuase I thought it was just too much rock in this tank (12 LBS).

I will be getting my chaeto, magnet cleaner, and heater in the next couple of days. I'll be sure to update you on that and post pictures of the new base.

Cya,

Ben

[bennerkla]

Update 6-16-05

Hey guys. I got my heater in the mail today and added it to my DIY AC 300 fuge. It works so well and looks really nice. Also it's only 6" so it fits perfectly. Here is a picture, and thanks for previous advice, fellow members, about getting a new heater. I love how this heater has a dial with numbers so it's easy to set the temperature.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/heater.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/heater1.jpg


Ahhh, PERFECT!!! Finally!!!!


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/heater2.jpg

I apologize about the messiness of my desk and the tank in the pictures, but I was in a rush. I'm waiting for my magnet cleaner to clean the sides of the tank. As you can see, I took out a piece of live rock, and look much much water that thing displaced!!! I cracked it in half like a previous post told me to, and this is what I got...

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/rock2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/rock11.jpg

Is this "safe" to add back to my tank? It looks really white and slimey. Oh well, I like the new aquascaping better because it allows more room for corals and it doesn't look so cramped. Let me know what you think.

Also, I finished the base for my canopy. As you can see, I made the sides a HAIR too short (gotta love the technicalities in woodworking ;) ) so the black border is barely visable, but it doesn't really bother me. I hope you like the work I did to it and my new aquascaping/background color/tank setup!

Let me know!! Thanks guys.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/base.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/baseright.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/baseclose.jpg

Cya, Ben

[gumbybc]

what kind of thermometer is that? That is a nice looking tank!

[bennerkla]

The thermometer is here, 7 bucks, very accurate, can't go wrong. Highly recommended.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12089&N=2004+113769


I hope that once I clean the glass and get some corals in there I will love it even more and it will look even better. Thanks.

[Andrew]

Change you'r background to black. Looks better when taking pictures. If you have antinics then it will look really neat.

[impur]

Looks great! The new aquascaping will give a lot more room to mount corals. Keep em coming :)

[Andrew]

Originally posted by bennerkla
The thermometer is here, 7 bucks, very accurate, can't go wrong. Highly recommended.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12089&N=2004+113769


I hope that once I clean the glass and get some corals in there I will love it even more and it will look even better. Thanks.

Do you know how much it cost to ship?

[FishMachine]

i think about 7 dollars. i always order equipment from them.

[bennerkla]

Thanks :)

Anyone know about the live rock?

[agarza]

If in doubt and smells really bad, scrub it until all the slime has gone and re-cure it on a 5 gallon bucket with power head for a couple of weeks.

cheers

[FishMachine]

i like hand picking my lr from my lfs to ensure quality and to arrange the rock in my likeing

[Birdlady]

I had that thermometer and the probe end got brittle and cracked in less that 6 months...just FYI:) Just be careful if you are moving it around.

[impur]

Originally posted by bennerkla
Thanks :)

Anyone know about the live rock?

Just rinse it off it will be fine. I almost always break my rock in half for better scaping.

[bennerkla]

Cool, I might try it out tomorrow. Hopefully my chaeto and magnet cleaner will be in by then as well. I'll keep you updated.

cya,

Ben

[bennerkla]

Update 6-18-05
Here is an updated shot. I got my cleaner in today, but no chaeto. The magnet is really nice since it's only 1/4" deep and I can clean any part of the glass I want to. Too bad it doesn't float. I also changed my rockword around a little bit, see so in the picture. I've decided I don't want the other piece of rock, so if anyone wants it let me know. It's fiji about a 3-5 pounder.

BTW that rock is in my bucket, so I can't do a saltwater addition until I get it outta there, but I'm buying a 2 gallon bucket tomorrow. Enjoy the pictures, see you all tomorrow! I'll do my first water test tomorrow too.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/tank.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/rockwork.jpg

Cya,

Ben

[FishMachine]

looking good

[bennerkla]

Thanks.

I might get the base's wood recut, that small black border line is driving me crazy. URGHHHHH why didn't I just cut it right the first time?!?!?!

[eljefe]

very nice tank, my situation is very close to yours... Ive got a 75 mix reef up and running... progress has slowed down because im anticipating a BIG move (UGH) but once set up and going Im wanting to start a Nano too. (how was the modest mouse concert? I love them) Keep up the good work

[bennerkla]

eljefe Thanks. The modest mouse concert was unbelievable, one of the best I've seen next to Interpol and Bruce Springsteen. They started out with 3rd Planet, my favorite song of theirs, it was awesome.

Hey guys, today I bought 2 light sockets and I'm going to try to add 2 of those 20 watt Coralife bulbs into the canopy for a total of 76 watts PC. I don't know if it'll fit, but I hope it will. I'll let you know tomrorow at 4:00 PM with pictures.

Cya,

Ben

[eljefe]

3rd planet is a favorite of mine too... have you thought any more on your stocking situation? im really interested as to whats going to go in this thing

[bennerkla]

I know I don't want a fish, that will just complicate things. The reason why I built this nano was because I don't want to miss out on the little things in the ocean. I have a 75 gallon with 2 tangs (no flaming) and a clownfish, and I love them to death, but I miss out on the snail slowly cleaning my glass, or a critter in the live sand in search for a piece of food. With a nano and no fish, I should be able to look at all the little things, because I think that my 2 shrimp will be so much fun to watch.

I also chose a nano because I wanted to have corals inexpensively. If I put a rock of mushrooms and xenia in my nano, it is completely alive, yet if I put those same size corals in my 75, you would barely notice them. I started this tank with a lot of knowledge, unlike my first, so this tank I'm trying to get everything right the first time, which is why I built a canopy, bought moonlights, whole bunch of PC, and auto top off.


Stocking situation is tentative, because I'm going to get a lot of coral frags from my good friend Doug in CORA (Central Ohio Reef Association).But, here goes...

-2 Sexy Shrimp
-1 Porcelein Anenome Crab
-3 Cerith Snails
-4 Nassarius Snails
-1 Margarita Snail
-2 Astrea Snails
-No hermits (Love them, but I don't want them eating my flipped Astreas or Ceriths)


-Blue Stripped Mushrooms
-Pulsing Xenia
-Several Misc. Zoanthids
-Any other low light frags I find
------------------------------------------------------

Oh well, I'll just see how things go. I have yet to do a water test, but I've done 2 1 gallon water changes (I'm just letting the cycle do its thing).

oh BTW eljefe The World at Large was unreal, so awesome what they did with the trumpet and how Isaac sang it. Do you have the Lonesome Crowded West? Only CD I don't have :(

Here are some pictures for your enjoyment, it is hard to get a good pic, but trust me, it looks saweeeeet with the moonlights.

Cya,

Ben

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/moon.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/moon1.jpg

[bennerkla]

Oh BTW guys, I don't need those mounting legs anymore so if anyone wants them get them on eBay now for cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3981485884&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

[eljefe]

yea got that one off iTunes and went straight on my ipod :D, the world at large was the song that got me hooked on them. im going to a jack johnson concert in august, cant wait.

back to the subject... haha... i got like 9 porcelein crabs as hitch hickers and i love them. good choice on the sexy shrimp too. im wanting to get like 3 to host in my xenia in my 75 gal

[bennerkla]

Urghh, Jack Johnson is my absolute least favorite "singer" of all time. I hate him even more than Journey or Hansen.

[bennerkla]

Nothing against you though, eljefe :)

[eljefe]

wow that hurts... lol jk i love him hes like my favorite... different strokes for different folks i guess. when are you going to start socking this thing? im very interested, once my move is over im gonna set up either a 5.5 or maybe even smaller... im just starting to get research

[bennerkla]

Definately get a 5.5, it's perfect for a nano. A 2.5 would drive me crazy, having looked back on my aquascaping and water changes and stuff. I almost bought a 2.5 but I'm glad I didn't.

http://store1.yimg.com/I/wetpetsusa_1849_8378412

I just bought 2 of these bulbs from Big Al's Aquarium and I'm going to put them into the sockets that I installed today. Oh here are some pics.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/201.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/20.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/20full.jpg

As you can tell from the last pic, if the length of the light becomes a problem, I will simply move the socket over a bit. This might very well happen.

Well, I'm excited for 76 watts of PC!! Should be able to have just about anything.

Cya guys,

Ben

[clown fanatic]

looks sweet man. ive been following this thread alot and i like the progress youve been making. i think it would be cool to have a tank like this but i just recently upgraded to a bigger tank so i wouldnt have to take care of two:) . will those new bulbs interferre (im a horrible speller) with the coralife light?

[bennerkla]

Yes, they probably will interfere with the other 18 watt lights, but I really don't care. Maybe it will subtract 10 watts at most, (complete guess), but with that much light in there I should have no problem at all keeping corals.


Thanks for following the thread, I appreciate your interest in my nano.

Any questions, please ask! I've learned a lot in a month.

[FishMachine]

good luck. i cant wait to see the extra lights. thats 8 more watts.

[Philby]

Originally posted by bennerkla


Thanks for following the thread, I appreciate your interest in my nano.

Any questions, please ask! I've learned a lot in a month.

Just thought I'd let you know I've been following and very interested because I'm going to be setting up a 5.5 in about a month!!! It'll be my first SW tank - so I'm sure I'll have many questions for you. I am already planning on usting the same light setup - although I might not add the extra lights you did - we'll see. I'm also hoping to DIY a little skimmer to fit in the HOB filter. I'd like to find a filter with 2 chambers - one on either side so I can have a skimmer on one side and a fuge on the other. I'm also planning on going BB since it'll give me a little more space (important in a nano) and because my GF is a neat freak - and dirty sand will drive her bonkers (as this nano is "for her" and will be sitting in her office at home - its important to keep her happy).

I've already gotten some ideas from you and I'm sure I'll get more as you start putting some life in your nano!

great job so far - thanks for documenting your setup so thoroughly!

[bennerkla]

No problem at all, glad your interested.

I chose to have my salt mix take care of my skimmer. With weekly water changes, I should be able to keep my perameters at bay.

I'm at a friends house right now, but my chaeto SHOULD be at my house right now, so I'm going to go check and drop it down in my fuge. I was thinking of installing a piece of wood that came off the back of my canopy to house my refugium light. IDN though, as that would be a PITA and maybe unnessesary.

I really should water test, I'll do that today as well.

Cya guys,

Ben

[bennerkla]

Originally posted by FishMachine
good luck. i cant wait to see the extra lights. thats 8 more watts.

What do you mean, 8 watts?

[impur]

You might consider painting the inside of the canopy white to refect more of the light. Just a thought.

[ninjafish]

Ben,
It's amazing what you have done with the tank so far. I have really enjoyed watching it unfold right from the start!

- Chad

[bennerkla]

impur-I thought about painting the inside white, but once I remembered doing it the lights were already drilled. It would be hard to paint it now. That is another reason why I got the 2 20 watt screw ins, so I wouldn't have to worry about lighting as an issue. Whether I paint the inside or not, I should be able to keep all the corals I want to keep. Good thought though.

Ninjafish Thanks, I too can't believe how far I've taken this. I wanted it just to be a quick little room project, but it has turned into much, much more.

My chaeto didn't come!!!!! It's rediculous, but I'll just wait until tomorrow.

Cya guys,

Ben

[jcm1229]

Just curious, 1 month after the start of this project, how are you doing compared to your budget of $150 on dry goods?

[bennerkla]

*Laugh* My $150 budget has gone completely downhill. I will outline my expenses here...

(Prices are approximated)
-5.5 AGA tank - $12
-Carib-Sea reef sand - $20
-50 watt heater - $12
-New 50 watt heater becuase old one sucked - $19
-Background - $7
-Live rock - $33 (GREAT deal here, could've easily been upper 80's)
-79 GPH powerhead (have yet to decide if needed) - $12
-AC Mini - $20
-AC 300 - $40
-Silicone, plexiglass, 13w light, chaeto for fuge, mini impeller - $44
-3 pack carbon for AC mini - $7
-2 x 18 watt lights - $43
-2 x 20 watt Mini PC - $28
-Fan w/ power supply - $10
-Auto top off relay w/ power supply - Free (lucky)
-Float switch - $9
-2 5-Gallon buckets and 1 2-Gallon bucket - $8
-Powerhead for auto top off - $10
-Sockets and cord for new screw in lights - $10
-Canopy/Base - Free DIY (VERY LUCKY, this could have cost about 80+ bucks.)
-Moonlights - $20
-2 55 gallon bags of IO salt - $20 (buy one, get one free)
-Test kit/ hydrometer - Used from previous system
-1/8" glass - $5


I think that's all, but I am almost sure I missed some stuff. Let me get out the calculator here and add this up...

Total - $389

Hmmm, well, screw it, close enough :) oh, I forgot the Master Card ending...

Having a coral reef in your room - Priceless

[impur]

Originally posted by bennerkla
impur-I thought about painting the inside white, but once I remembered doing it the lights were already drilled. It would be hard to paint it now. That is another reason why I got the 2 20 watt screw ins, so I wouldn't have to worry about lighting as an issue. Whether I paint the inside or not, I should be able to keep all the corals I want to keep. Good thought though.

Did you coat it with anything? Sealer? Varnish? Not sure about the effect of saltwater on untreated wood but i'm sure it can't be good. Just driving down the coast here in Oregon most of the wood houses need to be resided every couple years. I imagine the same effect would happen inside your hood.

[jcm1229]

I paint the insides with a high gloss white enamel. Three coats and in 5 years none show any problems.

[bennerkla]

I talked to my Uncle, and he really didn't see a huge problem as long as I kept that glass on to protect from the evaporation and the fan going. If he's wrong, though, I will try to coat it.

[FishMachine]

i meant 8 more watts per gallon

[FishMachine]

i meant 8 more watts per gallon

[bennerkla]

yup :)

[bennerkla]

Update 6-22-05

All right, I got my chaeto today, but I've encountered some minor problems. First off, the chaeto looks great I think. It'll definately be a nice addition. I added some sand to the bottom of the AC for pods. The only problem I've come in to is the lights. Well, first here are some pics.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/cheato1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/chaeto2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/cheato.jpg

You see how I have my top-off tube set up? Well, I like it there, becuase it gives the water a chance to mix a bit before the main tank. Also it is out of the way and seems to be okay. The light, However, doesn't really fit too well on top of it. So this is my plan...

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/chaeto3.jpg

This is just a quick sketch, so shut up. I'm going to extend a piece of wood off the back of my canopy to house the 13 watt light so it is clear of the auto top off tube and my heater. Will this idea work?

Well, I g2g to the pool now, but I'll post more once I get back. Comments welcome.

Cya guys,

Ben

[bennerkla]

Hey guys. Well, since you were all to busy to comment on my plan ( ;) ) I decided to just go for it. So far it is working out much better than the previous one, and it looks much better IMO. Notice how I took Sugar Mongolia's advice and added the Emperor 1000 filter in the fuge. There are a couple things I wanted to ask...

1- Is the light okay with the acrylic splash guard? There will not be any water splashing up into the light as I see it. And if it does, the ballast is out of the way. Is this to worry about?

2-Is it okay to bring in my new freshwater into my refugium? Will that hurt my chaeto at all?


Thanks guys, enjoy the pictures, and I'll keep you all updated! I leave for Europe this Saturday and I won't be back until about July 8th, but once I get back my tank should be about done cycling.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/4.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/5.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/6.jpg

Cya guys,

Ben

[clown fanatic]

i would think that your ballast and everything should be ok as long as it has the splash guard. your chaeto should be ok i think, i dont see what the problem could be by adding freshwater through your fuge.

thats awesome that your going to europe! i would like to visit there and see how diffrent things are from here in the USA. i didnt comment earlier on your lighting design because i wasnt sure what it was that you were showing me:) . o well, it looks great BTW. hey when are you going to get some shots up of the new light you just added. im anxious to see how they will fit, and what i was going to say is that if they dont fit too good you could use them to light your fuge more.

[impur]

Good plan with the light. I'm with clown fanatic, it will be fine if the splash guard is in place, thats what its for :) The chaeto will be fine with the FW being added to the fuge. Have a good trip!

[bennerkla]

Thanks guys!! I'm very excited about the trip, I can't wait to share pictures when I get back.

The ballast should be okay, but the light has no splash guard. Will the light and connecting cords be okay?

Clown- I think I'll get my 20 watt bulbs tomorrow; don't have them yet. You can bet your last dollar that I'll post pics like crazy when I get them up. You can count on me, I take pics of everything!

[bennerkla]

BTW that piece of paper behind my AC fuge is to avoid salt creep against the wall; ruins the paint.

[bennerkla]

Speak of the devil...

right when I pressed submit reply, the doorbell rang, and my lights are here!!!!!! They just BARELY fit, I am very lucky. Althought they don't make the tank as bright as I had hoped, I then realized, how much brighter could it get?

Enjoy.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/cora.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/cora1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/cora2.jpg

This below pic is just the 2x 18 watt originals.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/justcora.jpg

This pic is just the 2 20 watt new bulbs.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/justcora1.jpg

Here, below, are both together.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/both.jpg

Cya guys, any comments welcome.

Ben

[FishMachine]

nice

[agarza]

Nice work! :thumbsup: you've got the best nano thread going on, your way of documenting your progress step by step is amazing :eek:, thank you for sharing. Congrats on the new lights and as you mentioned, even though the difference is barely noticeable, more watts are more watts and surely you'll be able to keep almost anything you like.
Have a great trip, bring back lot's of pics and double check on that auto top off before you leave.

Cheers :beer:

[FishMachine]

the lights probobly are not as bright because they dont have reflectors.

[bennerkla]

agarza- Thanks a lot man! I'm really glad you found my thread awesome; that was my goal. I'm also hoping that I inspired someone to start a 5.5 gallon themselves, because I think they are the coolest size tanks: plenty of room for rock and corals, but definately keeps the nano-feeling. I've had so much fun with this tank: just when you think you're done, stuff comes back. For instance, I thought I would spend 150 bucks on drygoods. HA. What a joke. I also thought my canopy was done after I first brought it back. DIY'ing really isn't that hard, the hard part is getting past the first step of saying "this isn't going to work." I'm really pleased with this tank; it has turned out to be much, much more than I expected it to me. There isn't even any corals in it! I can't wait to see how it looks like corals. Oh well. BTW I noticed the additional lights much more when I walked in my room later on today. The front of the tank is much brighter than it used to be, it just didn't seem that way because my hopes were too high. It was worth the 28 bucks for the bulbs and 8 bucks for the sockets and cord. Crap, I'm beginning to ramble.

FishMachine- The lights are using the reflectors from the other lights that are right above them. I tried to put aluminum foil on the front of the canopy, but that didn't do much. Maybe I should put reflectors towards the front? If so, where can I buy reflectors?


I can't wait until Europe, I'm spending 3 days in Paris, 3 days at the beaches of Normandy, and then we're off the the Ardennes Forrest to see Battle of the Bulge stuff, through the Rhine River and Rhineland to see the castles, and into Germany to the concentration camp of Buchenwald, plus a whole bunch of stuff in between. I'll post a lot of pics when I get back. I'm a WWII buff, so looking at the D-Day beaches will be a moving experience for me. Big time.

Cya guys, I'll post tomorrow.

Ben

[FishMachine]

when you get an incendecent fixture, they come with 2 small reflectors that i think would be good. have fun in europe.

[bennerkla]

Cool, I'll check that out.

I thought these were some interesting before/after shots. Time elapse: 21 days.

Right after this below picture, I was quoted saying "Tank is almost complete!!"

BEFORE:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/tankshot.jpg


NOW:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/after.jpg

----------------------------------------------------------------
BEFORE:

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37052room.jpg

NOW:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/after1.jpg


And here are some more pics just, well, because I love pics. And people look at tank diaries to see pics, and lots of them! Enjoy.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/sidefinal.jpg

All for one tank! (And some desk stuff)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/cords.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/thrufan.jpg

Cya tomorrow!!!

Ben

[FishMachine]

many wires like me.

[bennerkla]

I'm waiting for it all to just blow up.

[FishMachine]

i got a little water on mine during mainence and it steamed up so i got a 7 outlet one and it is very durable.

[jcm1229]

Just a couple of thoughts.

Definitely get those plugs off the carpet - its a firehazard. Try using 1 or 2 6 outlet striplights and maybe tacking the strip light to the desk. Cable tie cords that won't move often.

When you are off to Europe, make sure you have enough water in your top-off reservoir, maybe add a glass top to limit evaporation, and only use one light. In a tank this small you definitely will get big salinity swings if you don't watch the evap over the course of 7-10 days. Even with no fish or corals, it will stress other living organisms - pods, worms, other rock hitchhikers etc ...

[jcm1229]

I though I'd add my observations on adding a small aquafuge to my 5g to this thread since it will be a good place for others to research.

My first idea about adding the fuge was the extra water volume for more stable water params.

Pluses
Added 2.5g of water volume.
Great refugium for the small tank
Lots of space for heater and more rock

Minuses
Had to remove HOB filter (or run it off the side of tank)
Less water movement
No water agitation = less oxygen exchange

Some of these can be averted by adding powerheads etc ... but in a small tank where real estate is at a premium, everything takes up valuable space. I'm going to let it run this way for a bit and see how it does.

[bennerkla]

Thanks jcm. I knew it was a hazard, that's why I posted it. I'll try to get it figured out today.

[FishMachine]

me too

[FishMachine]

is it bad to put 2 powerstrips in one pair of plugs?

[clown fanatic]

those pictures of those wires reminds me of when i had a 25gallon and this mod that i tried to copy resulted in a 4gallon spill on the carpet! and on top of that the spill was right on top of all of my powerstrips. needless to say it was a "palm sweater" when i went to unplug them!!

[bennerkla]

Any ideas on how to make that stuff safer? Elevate it off of the carpet?

[agarza]

Yes, as jcm said, elevate them, get a couple of six outlet power strips and fix them to your desk. If possible make the cables hang below the powerstrips so that in the case water drips over them it will drip to the carpet and not over the outlets.

Cheers

Alfonso

[bennerkla]

Great, thanks. I wish I could do that tonight but I just have too much packing to do. My dad is at home while I'm gone and I'll just tell him to do it.

[FishMachine]

ill try it.

[clown fanatic]

ive been meaning to post a suggestion to you about something IMO would be a pretty cool tank addition. when i was battling a little of cyano i bought a strombus conch because ive read up about some conchs eating cyano. this guy is pretty cool i must say. i t is really entertaining to watch him clean the sand bed. sometimes it will be totally submerged in the sand and all you can see is its eye and skinny snout sticking out of the sand and eating whatever food. idk how one of these would do in a 5g tank but its just something cool that i thought id reccomend and that maybe you could read up on it. everytime i look in the tank and see the little guy going about his buisness i think of this thread and how you thought youd go fishless to savor the little things in an aquarium.

[bennerkla]

I would love to have a conch, but I'm pretty sure they need a bigger tank than 5.5 gallons. Could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure. Any thoughts, anyone?

[FishMachine]

i want to get one for my 10 gallon.

[leeweber85]

Where did you get your heater, and how much did it cost after shipping?

[bennerkla]

I got it off of eBay, and it was 18 bucks after shipping. Best 18 bucks I've spent on this tank, it keeps the tank between 79.7 and 80.3 every second of the day. It's awesome.

[bennerkla]

All right guys, I'm off to Europe! My auto-top off should have plenty of water, everything else should be stable. Just waiting to complete the cycle. I'm going to have to turn the skimmer off on my 75 gallon, hope everything is okay. Feel free to post whatever you want to, I'll read it all when I come back in about 12-13 days!

Cya, happy Independence Day, and honor those veterans who risked their lives for you!!!

Ben

[FishMachine]

bye

[FishMachine]

have fun

[Mork]

Have a great time in Europe - the tank setup looks awesome - just a quick question. With such a small amount of space in your hood - do you have the fans blowing in or out?

[bennerkla]

Hey guys. im in Europe right now, just thought Id check in. I called my dad and my tank is doing fine. Im looking forward to hopefully adding livestock when i get back. Ill be home in a couple of days, and Ill post some pics of Europe. It is gorgous.

<b>mork</b>i have the fan blowing into the canopy, and since the back is mostly open, I thought that there would be enough flow where I wouldnt have to drill a hole on the other side.

I turned my 2 20 watt bulbs off before the trip, so it will decrease algae slightly. Ill post again when Im back in USA. See ya guys,

Ben

[bennerkla]

Hey guys. I just got back and my tank appears to be fine. Some algae is definately growing, looks like hair algae. Green plant looking things are growing on the rocks, like hair algae but maybe not, idn, I'll post pics tomorrow. My water perameters were fine to put in a hermit crab, which I did. I had a great time in Europe, and I'm very tired from the plane ride and whatnot. I'm off to bed now, but I'll update you all tomorrow and here are some pics from Europe in the meantime. Enjoy, cya all!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/IMG_3302.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/Europe/IMG_3536.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/Europe/IMG_3296.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/Europe/IMG_3265.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/Europe/IMG_3255.jpg

These are just a few from Point de Huc, and me with Patton, I also went to paris and other cities in Germany but I still have to upload those.

Cya guys!

Ben

[Gujustud]

Love that last pic.

[agarza]

Welcome back, I know you´re tired and all but:

We want pics!! We want pics !

:D

[FishMachine]

i cant wait to continue the thread. nice pics.

[bennerkla]

All right guys, I like the enthusiasm!! My tank seems to have a lot of algae on the rocks and sand, but I'm not quite sure which it is. Hair algae, maybe, and maybe cyno on the sand? Should be no problem a clean up crew can't handle. (I hope) I must say, though, that I'm very impressed with my 13 watt lighting setup for my refugium. My chaeto has grown like crazy under that light setup! See for yourself.



Before......................

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/cheato1.jpg



Now............................



http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/chaetonew.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/chaetonew1.jpg

It was really hard to get a close up of the long, wavy, green plant like thing that is on my rocks. Is this hair algae? If not, can anyone ID it?

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/back4.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/back3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/back1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/back2.jpg

All my tests were 10-4 and I added a hermit crab from my main tank to make sure. He is doing fine. If he continues to be okay, I'll add my clean up crew, then shrimp, then corals.

I'll post after some replys, but I'm off to a REO Speedwagon concert (Yes, I know....but girlfriend loves them....)

Cya guys,

Ben

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/back.jpg

[kharn101]

Looking good!! God darn 50 post limit to sell items!!!

[FishMachine]

nice pics.

[bennerkla]

Thanks. Any thoughts about the algae?

[clown fanatic]

thoughts.....as to what it is? if thats the case id say hair algae...im kinda suprised that your macro hasnt leeched out anything in the water that the hair algae would be using for food. it maybe a good idea to get some crabs and do more frequent water changes. the tank is still new so i wouldnt think this algae will be there in the long run

[bennerkla]

I do 1 gallon a week. Which crabs would you recommend? The problem with crabs, though, is that I want to keep corals, and I don't trust "reef-safe" crabs.

[Birdlady]

Looks like hair algae...I would go ahead and do like a 50% water change...see if that helps. It is nutrient fed so....prune some of the chaeto and hopefully it will grow a bit more vigorously and take up more nutrients!

Nice pics from Europe and the tank is looking good!

[bennerkla]

Okay, great, thanks. I'll do a 2 gallon water change today then. Anyone want some of this chaeto for free? I would hate to just throw it away. Could I feed it to my tangs?

[clown fanatic]

im not too sure on what type of crabs, ive never had hair algae my self :) you could try some blue leg hermits or maybe an emerald crab. ive heard alot about emeralds eating corals but when i did more research i found that the are an opportunistic feeder and will eat what is available to them, so if it doesnt have some sort of meaty or leafy food to chow on it would most likely go for corals. ive never kept one,but i would think your hair algae would keep its hunger satisfied and if it cleans that out i would say try adding nori rubberbanded to a rock,and some meaty food to be certain it doesnt turn to corals.

sounds kinda complicated i guess lol but id rather have a cool emerald crab than a bunch of hair algae. i myself would like to do an emerald crab but the LFS never gets them and im short on $ right now :(

[bennerkla]

Well, I'll see how this water change does. I always wondered why people pruned the macro, but is it because once its filled its area, it stops growing, and stops removing bad nutrients?

Thanks.

[Birdlady]

Pretty much....you will notice that now all the chaeto on the bottom is not getting any light...can't grow without light and it will start to die...

Keep it pruned and growing! Also , once it gets to certain size, it needs a minimum amount of food, and your system may not be producing enough nutrients to support such a large ball of chaeto:) which is a good thing..

[TippyToeX]

Well done thus far bennerkla! :thumbsup: :D

[bennerkla]

Thanks for the compliments and tips, guys. I'll prune and change my water tomorrow. I'll have some more pics too.

Cya,

Ben

[LukeP77]

I have been following your thread for a while now and I have to say your tank looks amazing. Every time I take a look there is some thing else I want to do with my tank.

I have a 5.5 also I am going to be building and plumbing in a 10 gallon sump into mine to increase the water volume. I want to have the water volume so that I can keep a small goby with out any problems.

Keep up the pics, and great work.


L

[bennerkla]

Thanks a lot man, really. I'm off to work right now, but I'll snap a lot of pics later on today.

Anyone want some free chaeto?

[bennerkla]

Update 7-11-05

Well, too late for the chaeto, I just tossed about 1/4 of it out the window. Didn't realize how bad that stuff smells. I also rotated the ball of chaeto so the bottom now gets some light.

If people are reading this thread and thinking about starting a 5.5 or any size nano for themselves, one of the most important decisions to make is to dedicate yourself to the maintenance. For this nano, I chose to go with the "super sized" Berlin system, meaning that I bought nice LR for natural filtration, but I have other means as well.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/5.jpg

As you can see, I have 2 HOB filters. One is an AC Mini (now called and AC 20, I think) and the other is an AC 300 (now the AC 70.) Both serve different purposes. The AC 20 is the mechanical and biological filtration, I believe, because it has the sponge and carbon inside (I have yet to add the carbon, I will once the tank is done cycling and run it 24/7 replacing monthly.) The AC 70 is modded into a refugium in order to remove deadly nitrates and other nutrients and add more volume. So far it has worked out wonderfully. Remember to use a low K rating for the light above the chaeto. My light is a 6,500 K 13 watt bulb, and the chaeto has grown magnificiently. I also have a poly pad in the AC 70 to remove any "gunk" from the tank. I rinse both mechanical filtration materials weekly with water changes.

Water changes are the most important way to filter, IME and IMO. Not only is dilution the solution to polution, water changes add back trace elements that your corals and livestock need to thrive. If I didn't perform water changes, my tank wouldn't last very long, and if it did, it would not thrive. Below is how I perform a 1 gallon water change; this information is for nano reef beginners who want to get a sense on how much effort this takes.

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Step 1- Buy a 2 gallon bucket and another powerhead, if you already don't have one lying around the house. Salt and water are obviously required as well.

Step 2- Mix your saltwater. Put 1/2 cup of salt / gallon of RO water. Let the powerhead mix this water for 24 hours. Some people think that just stirring until the salt is gone is good enough, but I highly recommend mixing thoroughly. Add a heater if needed. I didn't, because the water mixed up to about 80 degrees anyway.

Step 3- After 24 hours, the water is ready. Remove your hood/canopy and start to either syphin the water out or use a cup. Most people like to syphin the crap off of the sand bed, but I like to leave it for my clean up crew, so I just used a cup and a milk jug. The jug is 1 gallon, and the funnel makes it easy to accurately measure the amount of water I'm adding or taking out. I use this jug for adding a gallon of water into my 2 gallon bucket as well. Remember, turn off any equipment that will not work properly without the water level. For me, I just turned off my auto top off system.


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/water4.jpg


Step 4- Add new water SLOWLY. I dumped mine into my refugium so I wouldn't stir up the sand. In the pic you can see the bucket I used to mix the water and the AC I dumped the water into. Slower is better in the saltwater hobby.


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/water2.jpg


Step 5- At this time, I usually clean the piece of glass that I have in my canopy to protect my lights, and I also rinse my sponges. I also clean the saltcreep off of the black borders of the AGA tanks and on the AC filters. Just do everything slowly and you should be okay. Check out how disgusting the water is that I removed!! Obviously I'm glad I did this water change. It is kind of like realizing what your protein skimmer pulls out; imagine dumping that stuff back into the tank......


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/water3.jpg


You're done. Estimated time 8-15 minutes, depending if you have to rinse your media. Very, very easy to do. On a larger tank, say 75 gallons, water changes are more of a PITA, and it is understandable why people rarely do them. But on a nano, it's painfree. Here is a recent shot of my tank after water change.


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/water1.jpg



I hope that helped some of you out there, and I will test my water sometime this week. I'm taking a sample into the fishstore because my Doc Wellfish testing kit is a piece of crap.

Check out my hermit crab going to town on some algae, he's doing great.


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/hermit.jpg


That is about it for today, I might put some snails in later this week. If you have any questions please ask.

Cya guys,

Ben

[JustFin]

Originally posted by bennerkla
this information is for nano reef beginners who want to get a sense on how much effort this takes.


wow, clearly laid out, nice job


your method is almost exactly how I perform my water changes, except my waste water goes into another 2G bucket instead of the gallon jugs, I'm lucky enough that when the water reaches the tip of my highest piece of LR I know that I've taken exactly 2 gallons out, but refilling the jugs for a guide is a good tip...

after hearing all the stories about aquarists struggling to "dial there skimmers in" and skimmers taking out too much water or not enough skimmate, water changes seem like less of a hassle and is one of the perks of keeping a nano

[agarza]

Hi bennerkla I read on another thread that you had just started another thread about your cleaning crew, could you post the link please.

Thanks

[bennerkla]

JustFin- Thanks. I definately think that water changes would be easier that slapping a big skimmer on the back of this tank. There are so many reasons. I was surprised about how easy this water changing is becuase my 75 gallon is a pain. There are definately pro and cons to both, and that is why I have both and not just one :)

agarza- I was refering to this thread, but I will be adding a clean up crew very shortly, and when I do I'll post a detailed post about exactly why I chose this crew and why I didn't choose others. It should give 5.5 gallon'ers a good start on inverts.

[clown fanatic]

i notice you changed your avatar! im guessing thats you to my left (obviously) and is that your mom to my right? or should i apologize to your girlfriend lol. you sure dont look your age, are you sure your 17? reminds me of Bad Boys II "**** you at least 30"

on a more serious note the tank looks a lot better after that water change. what all do you plan on having for a clean up crew?

[Sugar Magnolia]

Great post above Ben. I'm concerened about that hair algae though. It seems to be growing a bit more each day rather than diminishing. It might be time for some manual intervention. Next time you do a water change, save your water in two separate bowls, and pull your rocks one at a time and scrub with a soft toothbrush in one bowl, then rinse in the other before placing the rock back in the tank.

Also, dont forget that about once a month, you need pull that fuge and clean out the inner chamber, pull the impeller and give it a good cleaning. I just rinse the inner chamber with hot water and scrub the impeller housing and impeller with a wire brush. You''ll be surprised at how much funk builds up over a months time.

Great job so far Ben! I certaianly agree with you about the maintenence on these little tanks. I easily spend 4-5 times more time working on my 30 cube as I do on my 2.5.

[bennerkla]

clown fanatic- acually that is your mom to the right. (rest of this post is censored)

lol, yeah i decided to post that pic because my girlfriend acually looks happy with me ;)

I will post my clean up crew later on this week, once I get my water tests back. My poor hermit crab was used as a tester, (although my tests came back fine with dc wellfish, i hate that kit) and he is doing fine.

Sugar Magnolia Thanks, and I'm concerned as well. It definately is growing quite a bit. I think I'm going to mix more salt water tomorrow and do another 1 gallon water change on wednesday. Having seen what the water looks like once it comes out, I want to get as much of that ugly water out as possible. I really would like to not have to scrub the rocks, as whenever one takes rock out it is IMPOSSIBLE to get them back to the same position. Could I just put my hand in there and pull that crap out?

Is there any way I can clean my fuge without taking all the water out of it? In order to put the impeller in, I had to unscrew the motor of the AC. Is there a way to clean the impeller without having to do such a thing? I also have sand at the bottom of my fuge....

When should I add the carbon to the AC 20?

Thanks for your compliments on the tank. What happened to your 2.5? Did you loose interest? I saw a recent pic of it; having your experience with your 2.5, which corals would you recommend and not recommend for my 5.5? Not star polyps? lol

Cya guys, I'll post more pics tomorrow. BTW I use Instant Ocean salt becuase it was on sale, but if I could have any salt i would have Red Sea.

Ben

P.S. Sugar- the reason why it is growing rather than diminishing probably is because I haven't done anything about it until today. I'll post a pic tomorrow and hopefully it'll diminish.

[Oyster]

Nice looking tank!i really enjoyed this thread.....thanks.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Originally posted by bennerkla
Sugar Magnolia Is there any way I can clean my fuge without taking all the water out of it? In order to put the impeller in, I had to unscrew the motor of the AC. Is there a way to clean the impeller without having to do such a thing? I also have sand at the bottom of my fuge....

You don't have to unscrew the motor. The impeller is accesible through the inside of the intake chamber. Just under where the intake tube sits is a piece of gray plastic, you can pull that up, then use a pair of needle nose pliers to gently pul the impeller out. The gray plastic piece will feel like it isn't supposed to come out, but it does, just a tight fit.

Did you baffle the sand into it's own chamber? If not, you'll have issues with sand getting into the impeller area and the impeller will stop, causing the motor to burn out. (been there, done that.) I skipped the sand with my newer version of the AC fuge, and added a baffle to keep the chaeto/pods and such from getting into that area.

[bennerkla]

Great, thanks. I was thinking I could do something like that. Yes, the sand has its own baffle. I'll post an updated pic today, mix new saltwater, and water change tomorrow. We'll see if water changing can help diminish this stuff. Are there any snails or things that would take care of this, without being an emerald crab?

[AttackDonut]

I did a 5.5 AGA some years ago, you might find pics on here from it. Easy to care for, surprisingly, just used a CPR bakpak for everything and it really did quite well.

Squamosa clams, Rainfords goby, lemon goby, all kinds of good stuff.

Of course, the 130 watt PC lights helped too.

[bennerkla]

Yeah, I would love to have a skimmer too but just no room. I don't want to do a sump since I'm taking this to college. And if my college won't let me, I'll put this up for sale. 130 watts? Wow, that is a lot. Did you get a lot of algae with that amount of lighting?

Update 7-12-05

Here are some updated shots of my tank. I added carbon to my AC mini, and scraped the glass. My hermit seems to be eating the algae verrrry slooowly, any comments on the tank?

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/carbon.jpg

W/ flash.......
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/712.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/7122.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/7121.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/7123.jpg



Thanks guys, I'll check back later tonight too.

Cya,

Ben

[Sugar Magnolia]

Time to add some snails Ben. 2 nassarius snails, 1 cerith and two astreas ought to start taking care of that alge for you. Nass snails are detrivores, so they'll clean up the sandbed of dead organisms from the cycle. Ceriths and astreas are herbivores.

[bennerkla]

Awesome, I'll get those once I get my water tested. Should I reach in there and grab some of it out?

[agarza]

If you do that it will only grow back, it's better to allow nature to do it´s work, helped by a well trained cleanup crew

[Sugar Magnolia]

Originally posted by bennerkla
Should I reach in there and grab some of it out?
Absolutely. Better yet, pull the offending rocks. :D I know you don't want to do this, but it really is the best way. To put it into perspective, when iIhave to yank rocks out of my 30 for whatever reason, it's much more painful that pulling the ones from the 2.5. Speaking of which, I need to do that in the next few days to rid myself of those darn hydroids.

If you pull it off in the tank, be sure to syphon out the gunk. Good luck!

[bennerkla]

Here's what I'll do. I'll pull some of it out tomorrow, water change 2 gallons, and if it comes back I'll scrub. You win, sugar :)

I was thinking of adding a small cleaner shrimp to my 5.5, and then dumping him in my 75 when he matures, is this okay to do?

I still have no idea what I'm going to feed my sexy shrimp and porceline anenome crab, and possibly cleaner shrimp. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[Brooks_McClary]

I dont know about feeding the shrimp but adding a few snails and such does the trick for me. I have 1 mithrax, 1 hermit (the most useless of the bunch), 1 nass, 1 margarita snail, 1 little conch, and one turbo snail. They keep my 5 gal CLEEEEEEEEN. I would recommend diversity in such a small tank. If one little critter doesn't eat something, someone else will. And, I can always threaten them with adding a mantis (like the mighty TIM) if they fall down on the job. I'd never do it but it keeps them on their toes.

[bennerkla]

I'd rather not put a turbo in there; if he dies my water perameters are going to go crazy. What kind of conch do you have? Any pics?

[bennerkla]

Update 7-13-05

Hey guys, I'm about ready to pull out some of that hair algae and do a water change right after, hopefully this'll work. I bought 2 nassarius snails today, and they immediately completely buried themselves in the sand. I can't even see one of them anymore. Here is a pic....

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/bennerkla/nass.jpg

My LFS didn't have any Ceriths, Margaritas, or Astreas, so I'll need to venture outside my safe zone for those. Also, my LFS might be going out of business :( he said everyone is just buying online now-a-days. I felt bad for him.

I'll probably post more pics tonight. Should I fed these Nassarius anything extra?

Cya,

Ben