djconn's 5.5

[djconn]

Below are some pics of my new 5.5 nano setup. I purchased the custom hood and base from Matt @ http://www.reefcanopy.com. I was more than impressed with his work as you can see below. The tank fits perfectly into the base.

Here is the top and bottom

Here is the front

Here is the right

 

[djconn]

I purchased the Custom Sea Life 32WX2 retro kit from Premium Aquatics to mount onto the hood of the tank. It came with the reflector so with a little drilling, I got it all secured. I bought some rubber screw-in clamps to secure the ballast wires to the hood.

The 10K daylight and actinic PC bulbs came with the setup but Premium Aquatics forgot to send me the metal clamps that hold the bulbs in place. [-X With a quick phone call, they were on their way. I plan on adding plexiglass and a small fan to the setup soon.

 

[djconn]

I also purchased a AquaClear 150 for flow locally for $25. I tossed in a handful of wiregrass with some rubble rock to create a mini fuge. With the flow turned all the way down (yes, its adjustable) it has the perfect amount of flow for my 5.5. I also got mini Eheim powerhead for flow and it's working great.

 

[djconn]

Nanorock

Added some water, pure aragonite sand and some nanorock from Premium Aquatics. See below...

The tank is on its 3rd week of cycling and I'll post full tank shots soon.

 

[djconn]

Everything is looking good now in my 5.5. It took a few weeks longer to cycle than the 2.5 which is interesting. After many water changes, the tank has cleared up and is looking good.

Current inhabitants:
2 sexy shrimp
2 turbo snails
4 small hermits
Corals:
1 monti frag
various zoanthids
1 galaxy frag

 

[Anonymous]

Could you tell us the dimensions of that tank?

Thanks

 

[djconn]

Hey MarkyMark- its the standard all glass aquarium. Dimensions are 16"L X 8.25"W X 11"H. Dimensions are in US inches. It cost about $12 US.

 

[Flame Angel]

Sure, the hood and base is nice looking, but....I can't really justify paying THAT much for something you could probably have made yourself for less than $30. I guess that's just the DIY in me.

-Flame

 

[djconn]

Believe me, I could not have replicated the hood and base he made me. It was perfect and just as I imagined it. I have absolutely no woodworking materials or tools and that kind of DIY project would require much more than just your simple old handsaw. I'm happy with it.

 

[djconn]

Here are some updated pics from 7/26/04. I added tons of frags from my 20 gallon that I've aquired within the last couple years.

 

[djconn]

Updated pics! I've added a few more candy cane frags and and nice orange zoanthid piece. My xenia is growing like crazy. Might need to frag them soon.

 

[djconn]

9/12/04 update

Notice the new green ricordia

new orange ricordia too

 

[djconn]

Just an updated pic

11/10/04

Blazin orange/red zoathids!

 

[Jennie]

Its amazing that when a tank is aquascaped just so, they appear to be larger. Your tank looks wonderful! Do you scrape the coralline off of your glass?

 

[djconn]

Yeah, I use the ol' credit card technique. I even clean the back glass. Its lots of work but if I do it every month, its no biggie.

 

[bbkid43]

nice tank! it looks really clean. How many lbs of live rock do you have in there? nice corals too.

 

[djconn]

Hmmm...I'd say between 4-5 lbs. Not really sure after I started adding all the corals, etc. Thanks for the compliments.

 

[djconn]

updated pic after my move

2/16/05

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Looks great! 8) It looks alot bigger than 5.5 gallons.

 

[leaffish75]

how much did the hood and base cost? if you dont mind me asking.