G-funk's 55g reef journal

[garfunkle]

I finally decided to make the move to a bigger tank. I caught word that a lfs had a deal on 55g tank so I drove down there today and picked it up. I think I got a pretty good deal. I paid just under $100 for a Marine Land 55g with a two part hood/light assembly. I am taking tomorrow to build the stand and hopefully start the cylcling. Cabinet building has been in the family for years now, so it shold be a fun project. I will post more pictures as the project continues.

 

[rcdude1990]

wow thats awsome, keep us updated, dont wrry about cycleing now, get the filter heater, salt first, then start doin the saltwater stuff like mixing the salt, adding the sand and putting LR

 

[garfunkle]

Definitely. I am actually in the middle of building the stand right now. It's going to be really nice from the looks of things. I'll post some more pictures tonight.

 

[monalisa]

Originally Posted by Garfunkle
Definitely. I am actually in the middle of building the stand right now. It's going to be really nice from the looks of things. I'll post some more pictures tonight.

Can't wait to see it!! Is this going to be another tank, or are you going to be transferring from your other tank? What's the scoop?

Lisa :happyfish

 

[garfunkle]

Originally Posted by MonaLisa
Can't wait to see it!! Is this going to be another tank, or are you going to be transferring from your other tank? What's the scoop?

Lisa :happyfish
Its going to be a gradual transfer. I am putting the lr in first, then the fish in order of aggressiveness.

 

[monalisa]

Originally Posted by Garfunkle
Its going to be a gradual transfer. I am putting the lr in first, then the fish in order of aggressiveness.
Best of luck with the transfer. Post any questions you might come up with during the process. What kind of livestock do you have to transfer?
Lisa :happyfish

 

[garfunkle]

Originally Posted by MonaLisa
Best of luck with the transfer. Post any questions you might come up with during the process. What kind of livestock do you have to transfer?
Lisa :happyfish
For fish, a Coral Beauty, two blue damsels, and a Purple Pseudo. For LR, all I have is 16#'s at the moment. It is going to look bare for a while until I order the next 20# batch. For coral, all I have is two frags of Colt coral (what is the best way to transfer coral?)

 

[monalisa]

Originally Posted by Garfunkle
For fish, a Coral Beauty, two blue damsels, and a Purple Pseudo. For LR, all I have is 16#'s at the moment. It is going to look bare for a while until I order the next 20# batch. For coral, all I have is two frags of Colt coral (what is the best way to transfer coral?)
How big is the coral? Is it on a rock? If it's not too big, I would think that if you can fit it into a bowl or pitcher or something, transfer it that way covered in tank water...I think that goes for all livestock actually (damsels might be a different story...difficult to catch).
As far as LR, that stuff is expensive. As long as you can get cured and add to the tank gradually that way, it's a good way to build your stock...as long as it is truly cured.
How long before you've got everything moved? Post pics as you go along, 'kay?
Lisa :happyfish

 

[garfunkle]

Originally Posted by MonaLisa
How big is the coral? Is it on a rock? If it's not too big, I would think that if you can fit it into a bowl or pitcher or something, transfer it that way covered in tank water...I think that goes for all livestock actually (damsels might be a different story...difficult to catch).
As far as LR, that stuff is expensive. As long as you can get cured and add to the tank gradually that way, it's a good way to build your stock...as long as it is truly cured.
How long before you've got everything moved? Post pics as you go along, 'kay?
Lisa :happyfish
When the coral is opened, it is no more than a baseball size. I am building the stand right now actually, so I should be done, minus stain, tonight...if all goes well and I don't get tired. I'll post more pictures soon.

 

[garfunkle]

Alright guys, this is how far we got tonight. So far the only thing left is the back and the doors, oh and the clear coat. The overhang on the front of the tank is going to be a food/whatever storage area. Tell me what you guys think!
This shows the support added to prevent and bowing (just precaution)

You can see the overhang here. It will have a front piece and a hinge door on the top as well

This is the bottom support.

 

[rcdude1990]

(in borats voice) "VERY NICE"
lookin cool and the little food area thing is a great idea

 

[sign guy]

Lawrenceville, GA eh now im nosy as to who sold it to ya I know it wasent under the wave. that guy likes money too much

 

[garfunkle]

Originally Posted by sign guy
Lawrenceville, GA eh now im nosy as to who sold it to ya I know it wasent under the wave. that guy likes money too much
Unfortunately, Under the Wave closed a few months back. I got the tank from a store called Pet Supermarket on the corner of Sugarloaf Pkwy and Five Forks Trikum Rd. I saved $25 over the same tank at the Petsmart near my house. ***** didn't offer anything other than a full freshwater setup. I only needed the tank and light hood, so it didn't make sense to pay $200 for unwanted stuff.

 

[garfunkle]

Ok, here is what we have done today. As of now, the only thing we have not put on is the top molding and the 4 doors. Hope you guys like it!
This is the front, notice the French toe kick on the bottom molding. Gotta have detail!

This is a top view. This is a good view of the storage trough. We still need to cut the lid for it and hinge it on.

I am putting the tank on tonight, so I will post more later on...

 

[monalisa]

Wow, that looks awesome!! I agree, the storage area for foods and such is a great idea. Can't wait to see it set up. Good job!!
Lisa :happyfish

 

[garfunkle]

Originally Posted by MonaLisa
Wow, that looks awesome!! I agree, the storage area for foods and such is a great idea. Can't wait to see it set up. Good job!!
Lisa :happyfish
Thanks a lot! I am really excited to get it running. I will keep you posted as it progresses.

 

[garfunkle]

Ok, this is pretty much the final product. The only thing missing, is the two small doors on the left and right and another coat of stain/clear coat....oh and the tank!!! I am putting on the tank today, so I will keep you guys in the know as soon as I get more pictures.

 

[reefkprz]

thats one sweet looking stand.

 

[garfunkle]

Originally Posted by reefkprZ
thats one sweet looking stand.

Thanks man. BTW, I think you are the genius who found the Walmart moonlights. If you are, thatnks a ton for that info. I got one today, and I love it. I may get another, so I have one for each light hood. Thanks!!!

 

[reefkprz]

Originally Posted by Garfunkle
Thanks man. BTW, I think you are the genius who found the Walmart moonlights. If you are, thatnks a ton for that info. I got one today, and I love it. I may get another, so I have one for each light hood. Thanks!!!
that was johncat not me.