I set up a 5 gal frag tank!

[alexa11]

I decided to set up a 5 gal frag/qt tank in my bedroom so I can start trimming back my DT. I used all things that I happened to have around the house, which were the tank, crushed coral (i know it's not the best, but it does regulate ph some), a walmart filter and light made for a 10 gallon. The light has one 15 watt bulb that is meant to support some corals (laughable i'm guessing; what do you think? mushrooms? xenia? zoas? or nothing?).
Question: What is a good, inexpensive light for this size tank to support frags?
I put chemipure from my DT in the filter with some puragen(sp?) and will put a clump of chaeto in there once the water clears. I might also attempt to make a rack with eggcrate.
Any suggestions? I will add live rock as well. Does this sound OK?

 

[tang master]

for 175 you can get a k2 viper halide. to expensive?

 

[alexa11]

Im thinking along the lines of T5s or PCs for such a small/shallow tank. Something inexpensive, like under $75 if possible.

 

[jerryatrick]

Nova Extreme has a 20 inch HO T5 fixture (18Wx2) for under $75.

 

[rebelprettyboy]

Sweet. Im setting up a 5 gal tank as well!

 

[salt210]

Originally Posted by JerryAtrick
http:///forum/post/2768469
Nova Extreme has a 20 inch HO T5 fixture (18Wx2) for under $75.
they have a 18in too that I believe is 20x2 for under 60. pm me your email and I will send you the info on it

 

[nissan577]

yay now we all are starting frag tanks

 

[alexa11]

i already have a piece of krill (was dried) in it to try to start the cycle : )

 

[nissan577]

do u have a pic?

 

[alexa11]

 

[alexa11]

I'll get some black or blue tank paper to put at the back. Do I need a powerhead for this small tank?

 

[subielover]

I would get a small powerhead, most corals are gonna need at least some flow.

 

[alexa11]

I actually had gotten a new one for my 20, but it was way too strong and seemed to blast the whole tank. If i can figure out how to set it in the 20, maybe behind a rock, so it's not too strong, i can take the old one in there and put it in here! It's not working as well as it used to, but will be fine for a 5 gal

 

[rebelprettyboy]

Im not gonna be using a powerhead in mine. Unless I can find one small enough, but I doubt I will./ Ill just be using the filter for flow. its rated 100 gph for a 20 gal tank

 

[salt210]

aquaclear has a 80gph ph

 

[alexa11]

OK, ammonia is at .50 ppm (lime green). Should i take the dead krill out now?

 

[alexa11]

 

[alexa11]

that is a 5.5 lb piece of lr

 

[rebelprettyboy]

Nice lookin 5 gal tank! i set mine up last night as well!

 

[alexa11]

Thanks, I am going to try to make some eggcrate shelves for the left and right side. Maybe down the road another piece or 2 of lr.