5 1/2 gallon set up

[salisbury a d]

I have a 5.5 gallon tank that is set up for freshwater but I want to convert it.
What should I get for filtration and lighting. I already know the lighting has to go and possibly the filter. It has one of those small hang on filters.
Is this a good Idea or bad to set up a tank so small?
What could I keep in it?
I would like to have live rock and sand and for that I think my larger tank can spare these.
To cut down on the cycle could I take what ever the filter uses ( the one for the 5.5) and put it in the large tank to for a month then when the time comes mix half new water and half water from the large tank and put it in the 5.5 with the filter media. Then add ls and lr from my larger tank.
Adam

 

[zack schwartz]

Hi
Glad to see you are trying a nano reef. I would keep the samll filter for circulation just remove the carbon and such inside. I would recomend going with about a one to 1.5 inch sand bed and like 2 pounds of lr. For lighting I would go with like 2 13 watt pc one 10k daylight the other actinic. With that kinda lighing you could go with all kinds of soft corals like mushrooms and polyps! Good luck!

 

[salisbury a d]

What about a protein skimmer? What would the filtration be just the lr and ls? Can you do that?
Any fish? Clownfish?
Goby?
The demensions of the tank are 16" by 9"
Adam

 

[glazer]

You asked if it was good/bad idea for a tank so small.... I think it is a great idea, you'll love it.
I would keep your HOB for water movement, but as Zack said, take out the media. I would however seriously recommend more rock though. I have a 5.5 with 11 lbs of rock and 15 lbs of sand in it(ten argonite, five LS from established tank). Your rock and sand are going to be your number one source of filtration so don't skimp on it. Small frequent water changes and you should need nothing else in the way of filters.
Your lighting is going to depend on what you want to keep. If you want only some 'shrooms and maybe some polyps the 2 13 watters should be fine... I have a 2x32 watt hood on mine with one 10,000K and one actinic. This combo is doing great for me, have a few SPS frags that are showing great growth and color. Decide what you want then decide on your lights.
Here's a pic of mine (need to take a new one soon! to show off the frags,hehe). It is set up with a 3 gallon overhead refugium. Good luck with it and let us know how it's going.

 

[keisersosei]

I have that shelf unit, Glazer. It will hold some weight. Nice tank.

 

[salisbury a d]

I think all I would want is mushroom corals feather dusters and maybe a fish. Something small like a goby or clownfish or damsel. I would definetly go with more live rock, as much as I can take without making my large tank look bare. I was looking at lights and it is 169$$ for a 2 by 36 watt pc hood. I might have to hold off on that. Might have to go with a flourescent hood.
The tank is in a corner in our kitchen. It is right on the counter and space is at a minimum.
***THe only problem is, will a microwave hurt it. There happens to be one right next to the tank and there is no other place for it. It has never hurt the freshwaterfish.
Adam

 

[salisbury a d]

Glazer your tank looks great. What kind of light system is that, how much, and where did you get it? Thanks
Adam

 

[glazer]

Salisbury,
First off, about the microwave... I would hope it wouldn't bother the tank. I mean if it is leaking microwaves you prolly got a third eye or blowhole by now from standing in front of it waiting for the popcorn to be done. (no offense intended to any member that MAY have a third eye or blowhole, hehe)
Thanks on the tank The light on it is a CustomSeaLife 2x32 ABS fan cooled hood. It fits great and the light, both intensity and color is great. I bought it online and it was about 150 with shipping. Not sure I am supposed to mention where though...
There is other cheaper alternitives as well, you can go with a plug 'n play retrofit kit if you have or can make a hood. About the longest bulb you are gonna get over your tank is a 32 watt, but there is 28, 18 and of course 13 watters that will fit.
(If you look around you can find all of these kits... you know like type in an address on your browser and um, hellolights Heck ya may even want to try putting some w's and a com with that even. )

 

[salisbury a d]

Thanks
Adam

 

[tjkohler]

My sig has my setup for my nano.