5gal Fluval Spec

[eodmike]

So I had some store credit at my lfs and thought its been a while since I've done the saltwater thing maybe I should get back into it with a pico. Well I left the store with some live rock (may need to get a little bit more), 5lbs of "live sand" just the cheap stuff in a bag, the 5 gallon fluval spec, a box of reef crystals, and a new hydrometer.

I have got it set up now and waiting for the dust to clear then I'll take some pics for this thread.

Planned mods so far:

-Upgrade the pump. From what I understand a Mini-jet 606 will fit with some mods.
-Upgrade the lights. I want to use the stock arm and make a custom hood to hang on it. I'm thinking 2 or 3 strips of stunners on a 6"x20" rapidled heatsink? Thoughts and suggested color combos?
-Remove the included filter media and add a bag of purigen or ChemiPure back there. Also find a heater to throw in that chamber.

Planned stocking list:
I'm thinking a mushroom and zoa tank. I want to keep it stricktly inverts. Maybe a few cool shrimp and crabs. My wife would like a fish. I'm not sure I do but if I was to try a fish in here I'm thinking Yasha Goby.

So thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[deebs]

Welcome back! sounds good so far, another suggestion though perhaps some kinda ATO to keep the salinity levels steady. I look forward to seeing this little tank, they look cool. Post pics!

 

[eodmike]

Thanks Deebs I plan on doing some sort of ATO. Just want to figure a good way to do it.

I know they aren't reef rated but I wondering if the Marineland Double Bright might be enough for my uses? Thoughts?

 

[eodmike]

Ok I looked into specs on the double bright and even if it was enough light it isn't in the right spectrum from what I read. So RapidLED DIY or other suggestions? T5's might not be bad.

 

[deebs]

im not familiar with the double bright. But as far as lighting on a tank so small, I would stick to leds over anything to avoid heat and evaporation that could eventually cause problems later on. RapidLeds are good also ecoxotics LEDS are some to consider, they are a little more expensive but theres tons of videos and good reviews on them.

 

[eodmike]

I think I'm going with RapidLED's. I talked to Vince and he thinks 6 LED's will do. I was stuck between that and the 12 LED version.

I guess what I was thinking is I want enough to do anything I get in my head to do. 6 might be enough for that?

 

[deebs]

From my knowledge the rule of thumb on leds is 3 watts/per gallon of tank water.That is to grow sps as well and not just lps.

 

[eodmike]

So I will have more than enough with the 6 x 3watts each. Ok that settles that I'm putting it on order now.

Any thoughts on stocking this tank?

Any thoughts on a heater that will fit in the back?

Do you think the mini-jet 606 will be enough for this tanks flow?

 

[deebs]

ya that should work great!

i think any small submersible heater thats rated for your tank should work just fine. just find one at the LFS that fits away nicley.

not sure on a pump for these smaller tanks. cant help much there.

 

[deebs]

Pygmy Wrasse! i'm gonna buy next time I see one.

I think its 10 gallon min recommended, but I have seen many in 4 gallon tanks.

 

[eodmike]

Ok so here is a pic of the rock scape so far. What do you think?

 

[deebs]

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=15+2124

theres some other smaller nano fish too look at.

 

[deebs]

I dont see a picture

 

[eodmike]

Hmm thats weird.

Does that work?

 

[deebs]

ya looks good!