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

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

Got my new moonlights!!!!!

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.)

37052fulllights.jpg


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

37052moons.jpg


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

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?

37052setup1.jpg

The one below has the LED's pointed at the reflector.
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.
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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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
 
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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