Tom_Ucf Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 Hey guys! This is my first post on Nano-Reef so I can't wait to hear some feedback. I'm looking into setting up a 5.5 gallon reef tank to have in my apartment. This tank is going to be lps dominant (Mainly hammer coral, torch coral, and fox coral). I ran a 75 gallon reef for a few years before my parents took it down after I left for school, but something this small is new to me. After countless hours of research and reading through various forums, I really can't figure out a proper way to set it up. I already want it to be bare bottom for easy cleaning, but what about all the other aspects? Flow from a powerhead or hob filter? What kind of lighting would be best to allow high coral fluorescence, but also promote good growth? Would a tailspot blenny be suitable for this tank? Is there anything I can do to maximize the overall health of the system? I'm sorry for all the questions, but there's so much I need to learn before attempting this... Link to comment
petkingdom619 Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 You could do an aquaclear hob filter with a refugium built in. You probably won't be able to get to many LPs in a 5 gallon, but a few you can. Also go with an led setup if you can afford it. Link to comment
nanoreefer11 Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 I would personally go HOB filter converted to a refugium. I believe several others on here are using an AC70 on a similar tank. For lighting, I'd recommend LED personally. There are plenty of great options to chose from, and AI is coming out with their new light the AI prime in a few months and it's very affordable and comes with great features. I've been bouncing between a few for my next upgrade but keep going back to it. I personally wouldn't put a tail spot in a tank that size, but I haven't kept one personally so I don't know their behavior. Link to comment
Tom_Ucf Posted October 25, 2014 Author Share Posted October 25, 2014 Thanks for the replies! I'll dig around and find that AC70 refugium build. I know I've looked at it before. The AI prime looks like a great light. Any idea if it comes with the mounting arm in the pictures? Link to comment
zamboni200000 Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 Unfortunately, it does not. The light itself will be selling for 200 and the mount is another 50. I'm grabbing one too, for the nuvo fusion 10 I'm starting up, looks like a great light! Link to comment
Tom_Ucf Posted October 26, 2014 Author Share Posted October 26, 2014 Hahaha that's always the case. What are your opinions on T5 HO lighting for a tank this small? I remember seeing a few nanos on here running a Current USA 18" fixture, and their tanks looked beautiful. Link to comment
FlamingPrawn Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 You could always look into a par30 or 38 in the beginning. Many individuals use them on small tanks. You don't have the dimming capability unless you get the higher end coral compulsion 18k par38 bulb. I am in the process of getting supplies for my 6 gal nano. Planned on running an AC70 turned into a fuge and potentially a canister filter since I have it lying around until things stabilize Link to comment
Dr.Brain Coral Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 I would go with a par 38 if I were you. Your coral selections are all fine. For a filter an AC70 like you mentioned is perfect Link to comment
frags Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Tank that small u can focus on water changes for your main filtration. Link to comment
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