New to SW, 5g upgraded to BC14

[Phoenix91]

So update. Sorry it's been a while since i've been on, been super busy with work and other things.

This tank is currently still up, however due to crappy flow and the fact that i want more space i bought a 14g biocube, so as soon as my RO/DI system is installed this tank will be getting upgraded and probably being put back into storage as a qt tank.

but, until then the tank is still going so here's some photos as an update:

latest FTS:

fts.JPG

Mushie and some green star polyp:

mushie & gsp.JPG

Zoas:

zoas.JPG

[Nuclear_Glitter]

A bigger tank sounds like a lot of fun

[Phoenix91]

Yeah i can't wait. My dad is helping me install a RO/DI system tomorrow since i am not to be trusted with plumbing. Then i'll get the tank up and running by maybe mid week.

[Phoenix91]

Like the title says the 5g hex is being upgraded to a BC14, the hex has very poor flow and just doesn't have the space i want if 'm going to get more corals (which is my hope).

So after 3 hours and a trip to lowes, plus getting to use my hammer and chisel i have a new scape for my lovely biocube. BC unfortunately needs a new fan, the one in there is rattling away. I did buy it second hand so i figured i'd have to replace some things. It's an easy fix so i'm not too concerned.

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So far i really like it. I've left room in the back right hand corner for the bigger piece of LR from the 5g, it'll probably make it look ugly but i can deal with that as long as it brings it's cycled self and life along with it.

Stocking plans are 2 clowns and as much coral as i can afford. I'd like to have my green star polyps grow out to cover the right section so i could get a column of it growing.

I got the rock from reefcleaners and i cannot recommend them enough. The rock is so nice, very easy to work with.

[ILoveLola]

I have a 6 gallon nano cube (similar to BC) that I kind of want to get running... You make it very tempting!

[Phoenix91]

I thought it was going to be so hard but i'm really enjoying it. I think honestly the most fun i've had so far was using my hammer and chisel and breaking up that big piece of rock. I say go for it, at least with the cube there shouldn't be issues with flow/dead spots. My hex has so many dead spots and is currently breaking out with cyano. I had to take out one of the rocks because the gha just wouldn't go away, i'd clean the rock and treat it and the next day it would be back full force. I think because of the shape and lack of flow to it i just couldn't stop the problem.

[Nuclear_Glitter]

When you say "clowns" do you mean clown fish? If so, that tank is too small for even one clown fish.

[Phoenix91]

How much tank volume for 1 clown fish?

Maybe i could get clown gobies

[Nuclear_Glitter]

I have always been advised you need 20 gallons for one clown fish alone. From what I have studied (you will want to look into it more) you could house 1 clown goby, as they require 10 gallons at least.

[Phoenix91]

The sw tank was mostly for coral growth, that's why i started it. I'll do a bit more research into what fish i could properly house, if any. Maybe i could go with some cool inverts instead, i bet sexy shrimp would be fun.

[Nuclear_Glitter]

Inverts are so cool lol. You could probably keep a fairly large CUC in there with some awesome corals.

[Phoenix91]

Haven't updated in a while. Tank has been up and running with cycled LR for nearly 1 month. Got some nice additions including frogspawn, yellow palys, kenya tree coral and some more zoas. My stocking plan as far as fish goes is 1 yellow watchman goby and a tiger pistol shrimp. the tank has lots of nice caves they can explore and the sand bed is good for digging.

So updated photos:
fts

fts 12.22.11.JPG

Kenya tree:

tree.JPG

Palys:

yellow palys.JPG

Everything is happy in the tank, showing new growth or budding new heads which i'm pleased about.