Chaloupa's 5.5g Primary Colors tank build

[Chaloupa]

Well, after much debate with a 10g we had or finding a 5.5...we ended up going with a 5.5g as in the long run that is soooo much fun!



Picture with Space Alien;
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/nanotankbuild.jpg



Picture with Nano Reef Survival Kit;
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nanotankbuild2.jpg




COSTING TO DATE; (updated with each purchase)
FREEBIES per the rules;
Tank; free
Stand; free (but did cost $41.33 for wood just as an FYI)
Mag Float; free
Live sand; free (but did cost me $40.00 as I couldn't steal any from my other tanks....)
Rock; free

ITEMS FOR THE BUDGET
Light; $59.95 from Dragon's Lair Pet Store in town...can produce receipt
Maxijet 1200; $26.95 x .75= $20.21 (I already had it...and that's the J&L price at 75%)
Sump; custom built by Jim (whiteice669) $20.00 as it's all used glass

To date; $100.16

ADDED TO BUDGET OCTOBER 27/08

Zoa frag (bluish); $10.00
Yellow polyp frag; $10.00 (going on the GSP pricing?)
2 red and blue mushrooms; $10.00
1 red leg hermit; $1.45
1 blue leg hermit; $1.29
1 Astrea snail; 1.69
TOTAL FOR THESE; $34.43

Total to date; $100.16 + $34.43 = $134.59

ADDED TO BUDGET NOVEMBER 6/08

Zoa frag (RPE); $5.00
Zoa frag (yellow); $10.00
Blue/Yellow Damsel; $4.95
Blue Porcelain Crab; $9.95
TOTAL FOR THESE; $29.90

Total to date; $134.59 + $29.90 = $164.49

ADDED TO BUDGET NOVEMBER 14/08

Zoa frag (bluish2); $10.00
Zoa frag (blue); $5.00
Zoa frag (redish); $5.00
Zoa frag (blue/yellow); $5.00
added more Yellow polyps; $10.00 (was a small piece that I chopped into 3 tiny ones)
2 Red and Blue Mushrooms; $10.00
1 Red Mushroom; $5.00
1 Blue Cloves (very sparse on disk); $10.00?
TOTAL FOR THESE; $60.00

Total to date; $164.49 + $60.00 + $224.49


Full tank shot November 15, 2008 (budget is up to date for today also!)

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/NanobuildFTS.jpg

ADDED TO BUDGET DECEMBER 1/08

WF Wicked Blue Zoa; $45.00
WF Double Red Zoa; $40.00
WF Aussie Zoa; $35.00
Blue Clove; $10.00
TOTAL FOR THESE; $130.00

Total to date; $224.49 + $130.00 = $354.49

Just an FYI...I have been bumped into the 10g category so have their budget now which originally was $300.00 then with the added on budget of $95.00 my budget total is $395.00...I am cutting it sooooo close. I really wanted to keep it low...but then I saw these few Zoa frags and well...bit the bullet as I had room in budget. Soooo there you have it. My update!

FTS for December 15, 2008 (budget has not changed since last entry)....I think I may have found one of the red and blue shrooms that survived...but not 100% yet...fingers crossed!!!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_0018.jpg


FTS for January 15/09 No budget change as nothing has been purchased

(I will be replacing this picture...battery was dying, and I just realized the date...OOPS)
I've had several rock falls at the "bridge" area....so tank is a bit sad looking today...but next month will be back to looking good. The red mushrooms have taken off...I have 3 now....2 bigger and 1 small....everything else is growing well.....


http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/NanoJan.jpg


FTS for February 15/09 No budget change as nothing has been purchased

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/NanobuildJan.jpg


FTS for March 15/09 No budget change as nothing has been purchased

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/MarchNano.jpg

March 19/08 WOOOT, turns out I can't add!!!! Thanks to Josh for pointing out I still have $ in my budget to buy something with!!! YAYAYAYAYAY

ADDED TO BUDGET April 6/09

Yellow and Red Gorgonian $15.00
TOTAL FOR THIS; $15.00

Total to date; $354.49 + $15.00 = $369.54 under budget!!!! YAYAYAYAY

FTS for April 15/09 Budget updated for Gorgonian

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild9.jpg

[noirsphynx]

Another Sphynx owner and wine lover, cool, lol. I'm going to do a 10g and I'll have to take my empty tank shot with my Sphynx.

[Chaloupa]

That is soooo very cool! Can't wait to see the picture!

[PoonTang]

Can I have a frag of that Space Alien Frag once its grown out? Man I've seen more hair on a Millepora!

[Borderjumper]

He/she needs a bigger shirt. His bums going to get cold.

[JDigital]

I would prefer the Nano Tank Survival Kit (in red) over the space alien.. LOL :biggrin:

[karazy]

i so know what im buying when im older.

and its not the kit :P

[noirsphynx]

i so know what im buying when im older.

and its not the kit :P

Lol, they're definitely a cool cat to own and they get a lot of attention but trust me when I say they are not a low maintenance cat!! I'm sure "Chaloupa" can vouch for that.

[karazy]

notice the word "older" :P

jk.

but yeah, they look awesome, and you can dress them up awesome without feeling bad :P

[Chaloupa]

Most high maintenance cat I have EVER owned...! And they are fairly "needy" too.....almost like a 2 year old forever....

Yeah, his shirt is getting a bit small but it was the only clean one I had at hand, and he was freshly bathed so couldn't put the dirty one back on!!:lol:

[EmilyB]

looks like a he/she and shaved at that...:razz:

[Keri]

He's beautiful! And his skin looks great!

[Chaloupa]

He's beautiful! And his skin looks great!

thanks! He is a healthy fella!

[Chaloupa]

So Jim (whiteice669) came over last night to drill the tank...thanks Jim!;

1st attempt...oops
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/drilledbroke.jpg

Good thing I bought 2!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/drilled.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/drilledside.jpg

[PoonTang]

oops!

[truperc]

Drilling a 10gal is so much harder than the thicker glass in a large tank!

[Chaloupa]

Drilling a 10gal is so much harder than the thicker glass in a large tank!


AND...my tank is a 5.5g so even tougher!:wink:

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

I want your cat!

[Chaloupa]

I want your cat!

And on a good day, I would send him to you. On a bad day, I would not wish him on my worst enemy!!!! But, I love him so he's still here...in all his irritating glory!

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

And on a good day, I would send him to you. On a bad day, I would not wish him on my worst enemy!!!! But, I love him so he's still here...in all his irritating glory!

LOL...what does he do to make him such a bad boy?

[noirsphynx]

And on a good day, I would send him to you. On a bad day, I would not wish him on my worst enemy!!!! But, I love him so he's still here...in all his irritating glory!

:lol::lol:I can soooooooo relate to that!!! :lol::lol:

[Chaloupa]

Everything on the counter, ends up on the floor...he pushes it all off.... he attacks feet of guests only, he terrorizes the dog, all fridge magnets and art end up on the floor, he eats anything and everything, if you go outside or he can't find you he screams until YOU find him (and you were never lost), he darts out the door in the blink of an eye, he knocks over ANYTHING with liquid in it, he has a skill at killing small fish in nano tanks that don't have a lid on them, he wants in the shower WITH YOU, he walks all over the counters, and table, he will pick up things like earrings and keys or anything he can carry and take them, NOTHING is safe with "Niks" around!

[noirsphynx]

I can definitely say with these cats, THANK GOD for Lysol wipes:biggrin:

[Chaloupa]

Oh yah! You should see my Mom's, it's my cat's brother...he is a greasy boy..but cute though!

[Chaloupa]

Built a stand yesterday....a bit deeper than needed so that none of the plumbing would be visible as we drilled out the back of the tank.....even though we don't include this as part of our budget...this was soooo cheap to build. It took us 3.5 hour max and cost us $41.33 for all the wood....I had the nails, glue, hinges and door handle (not on until it's stained)...so it can be cheap to build your own! The stands I was looking at were for a 10g and were anywhere from $100.00-$150.00 for a finished cabinet stand...now I just gotta stain it!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Stand2.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Stand.jpg

[ElGuappo]

Believe it or not i got a decent black stand for4 under 50 at walley world. not as nice as that tho!

[michika]

Your "Alien Invader" looks like it needs a hug.

The stand looks really nice! I wish I had that skill!

[Chaloupa]

Your "Alien Invader" looks like it needs a hug.

The stand looks really nice! I wish I had that skill!


Why don't I send the alien to your house for that hug? (ha ha ha)

THANKS! The skill belongs to my Dad....I wish I could take ALL the credit...I was the gluer, nailer, designer...ha ha ha:biggrin:

[rocketlily]

Very nice stand.

[Chaloupa]

Very nice stand.

thanks!

[Chaloupa]

Stand is stained...(so in my next life I WILL NOT be a professional furniture stainer!:neutral:) pics to come.....

Sump is built...and a HUGE thanks to Jim (whiteice669) for building it for me...cheap! Materials were old scrap glass he had so we figured out $20.00 for the sump

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Sump-1.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Sump2.jpg

[Chaloupa]

plan to have a Maxijet for a return pump...just not sure yet whether the 1200 I have will be too much.....we'll see....

Got my light today from the local fish shop Dragon's Lair in Campbell River. Was $59.99 plus tax so $67.74
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/light.jpg



Total spent that we claim is
$67.74
+ $20.00
________
$87.74

[Chaloupa]

Also.....here's the overflow.....(overkill??? weighs more than the tank I think!:lol:)

It's a 6" pipe cut in 1/2 with teeth....thanks again to Jim for doing the teeth...beyond my skill!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/overflow-overkill.jpg

I don't think I'll be ready for water at 12:01 on the 15th..but maybe, just maybe!

[JDigital]

That's a hardcore overflow... LOL 2 more days till wetness!!

[Chaloupa]

That's a hardcore overflow... LOL 2 more days till wetness!!

yeah it is...but FREE! so all is good!:biggrin:

[PoonTang]

Sweet stand. Would you build one for my Biocube?

[JDigital]

BTW..

Don't include tax in your prices for the budget.. :)

I haven't been (as it never crossed my mind), and I don't think anyone else has that I have noticed.

[Chaloupa]

BTW..

Don't include tax in your prices for the budget.. :)

I haven't been (as it never crossed my mind), and I don't think anyone else has that I have noticed.


OH GOOD...more room to buy stuff!

[Chaloupa]

Sweet stand. Would you build one for my Biocube?

It is quite good....it did take my Dad and I the better part of the day to do it...but it all worked out......I don't think he would jump real high at the chance to build another right about now...I was just there getting another piece built....and I have ZERO skills anymore with carpentry...*sigh*

[Skimmerking]

Built a stand yesterday....a bit deeper than needed so that none of the plumbing would be visible as we drilled out the back of the tank.....even though we don't include this as part of our budget...this was soooo cheap to build. It took us 3.5 hour max and cost us $41.33 for all the wood....I had the nails, glue, hinges and door handle (not on until it's stained)...so it can be cheap to build your own! The stands I was looking at were for a 10g and were anywhere from $100.00-$150.00 for a finished cabinet stand...now I just gotta stain it!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Stand2.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Stand.jpg

AH LOOK AT THE BIG BABY:mrgreen:

[Chaloupa]

Plumbing finally done.....stand and bits all stained...no water yet, tomorrow....it will be full of water! So here it is with the light on....
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nanobuild.jpg

[JDigital]

Plumbing finally done.....stand and bits all stained...no water yet, tomorrow....it will be full of water! So here it is with the light on....
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nanobuild.jpg

That overflow reflects the light so nicely, it sorta creates that light > darker look of a real ocean.

Tank and stand look AWESOME! Nice work!

[Chaloupa]

Thanks!!!:biggrin:

[rocketlily]

Looks really good.

[PoonTang]

Very nice job Sarah. Cant wait to see it all up and running.

[OCDP]

That overflow reflects the light so nicely, it sorta creates that light > darker look of a real ocean.

Tank and stand look AWESOME! Nice work!

Agreed, looks great!

[Chaloupa]

I'm pretty happy with it. I was worried that the overflow would be too large and really stick out funny....but it's perfect! And the blues don't look too bad together....so all in all a success for CHEAP! Now on to filling it...stay tuned!

[noirsphynx]

Looks Awesome!! Gheez, everyone else is doing such amazing things with their tanks and then there's mine, just plain, no extras done, lol. Oh well, it's for fun.

[Chaloupa]

That is exactly it.....this is fun....I am having fun so far. And it's cheap and I get to keep it (my way of getting another tank in the house:lol:)

[Chaloupa]

Water is IN!! Live sand in, put WAY too much so have to scoop out the sump a bit....but it's there. The live rock is in but NOT scaped yet....had it done, loved it..then it got bumped so obviously too shaky....project for tomorrow.

Water from our 150g, rock from our sumps, and live sand...torn on whether or not to do a cycle with prawn or not...or just let it go...it should be a pretty soft cycle if much at all.........we'll see. The overflow is very quiet and the sump is perfect! So far so good. The "return pump" is a Maxijet 1200....

COSTING TO DATE;
FREEBIES per the rules;
Tank; free
Stand; free (but did cost $41.33 for wood just as an FYI)
Mag Float; free
Live sand; free (but did cost me $40.00 as I couldn't steal any from my other tanks....)
Rock; free

ITEMS FOR THE BUDGET
Light; $59.95 from Dragon's Lair Pet Store in town...can produce receipt
Maxijet 1200; $26.95 x .75= $20.21 (I already had it...and that's the J&L price at 75%)
Sump; custom built by Jim (whiteice669) $20.00 as it's all used glass

To date; $100.16

I will keep a running tally on the first post too...so you don't have to look over the threads to find what I have spent

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Watersin.jpg

[whiteice669]

looks awesome Sara

[ElGuappo]

Great start. looks good. ive done the same thing and just dropped rock in but not really scaped yet.

[Chaloupa]

So...I've decided with everyone doing "themes" I will do a tank with a Primary Color theme....everything other than rock of course will be blue, yellow or red......hopefully I can do this! :biggrin:

[rocketlily]

What a great idea. Could make for a wonderful tank.

[Chaloupa]

Final scape...unless it falls over again:redface:
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/PrimaryFTS.jpg

Red with blue spot mushrooms;
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/PrimaryShroom.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/PrimaryShroom2.jpg

Yellow Polyps
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/PrimaryYSP.jpg

Blue Zoos
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/BlueZoa.jpg

Will update budget to reflect....oh and I added part of my cleanup crew;
1 red leg hermit
1 blue leg hermit
1 Astrea Snail

[Lance]

Lookin' Good! I really like those red with blue spot mushrooms. Haven't seen them before. Would go great in my 225 gal. FOWLR when its up and running. Where did you get them?

[rocketlily]

Looks great. Love that mushroom!

[Chaloupa]

Lookin' Good! I really like those red with blue spot mushrooms. Haven't seen them before. Would go great in my 225 gal. FOWLR when its up and running. Where did you get them?

thanks...I got them a few years ago as an extra on a live rock I got from a guy.....and they've done well....If I end up with an extra or 2 I'll send it over to you with my Aunt next time she's over! They are really pretty!

[rocketlily]

Do you have an aunt in Edmonton too?

[Chaloupa]

Do you have an aunt in Edmonton too?

ha ha ha...I have a brother in law.....:biggrin:

[Chaloupa]

Budget updated, Blue and Yellow Damsel added, plus 2 Zoa frags and a Blue Porcelain crab.

Once I have the corals back in place I'll take another pic. Might swap out the MJ1200 for a smaller one as I have too much flow! We'll see....anyone in CR have a used MJ 600???

[Ryan_Lap]

Id love to see pictures. Especially of the yellow polyps.:biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

Budget updated, Blue and Yellow Damsel added, plus 2 Zoa frags and a Blue Porcelain crab.

Once I have the corals back in place I'll take another pic. Might swap out the MJ1200 for a smaller one as I have too much flow! We'll see....anyone in CR have a used MJ 600???

I have a MJ 400 in my 2.5 Gallon Pico and it's not enough flow

[noirsphynx]

thanks...I got them a few years ago as an extra on a live rock I got from a guy.....and they've done well....If I end up with an extra or 2 I'll send it over to you with my Aunt next time she's over! They are really pretty!

If you ever do actually send some along would you throw one in for me toooooooo?????? I'm a mushroom nut, love them all and want every kind I can get.

[Chaloupa]

Here's my Blue Porcelain Crab
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/BluePorcCrab.jpg

And my Blue and Yellow Damsel. I think I may add a second one...and then decide what to put in the sump!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/BlueDamsel.jpg

[Chaloupa]

Budget update with new Zoa frags added....new yellow polyps added...more shrooms added.

On a side note....it's amazing when you tell an LFS what you're doing...some of the deals you get are outstanding! My "red" mushroom was actually free-but you have to add it to the budget which I'm ok with, some frags have been cheap cheap cheap.

I had hoped to have the things from Wicked Frags in the tank for the picture tomorrow...but..they won't be here til Tuesday and they may not all do in the tank...as I'm really close to budget and I have a couple more things to add from a friend!

[Chaloupa]

Here are the Zoa frags in order of being added to keep it straight....and so no one wonders!

#1-bluish with the first chunk of Yellow Polyps
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/BluishwithyellowpolypNanobuild.jpg

#2 Zoa frag;
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/RPENanobuild.jpg

#3 Zoa frag;
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/YellowZoaNanobuild.jpg

#4 Zoa frag;
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/BluishNanoBuild.jpg

#5 Zoa frag;
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/BLUENanobuild.jpg

[Chaloupa]

#6 Zoa frag;
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/RedishNanobuild.jpg

#7 Zoa frag;
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/BlueandyellowNanobuild.jpg

Red Shroom
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/RedShroomNanobuild.jpg

4 Red with Blue Pocka dots shrooms
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/4redandblueshrooms-1.jpg

Blue Clove
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/BlueCloveNanobuild.jpg

[Chaloupa]

Full tank shot

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/FTS2.jpg

[pastout]

not gonna lie seeing just the frag picks and choices was kinda skeptical of how it would look ecspecialy cause i hate those yellow polyps but your tank is lookin preety wicked nice work i like it

[Chaloupa]

Thanks Pastout!!!! Yeah, yellow polyps aren't a big favorite with me...but they actually really bring the tank to life. The frags were tough.....and I am still waiting for some! I just can't wait for it to grow out a bit!

[Leah]

Love the kitty!
I bet it was cute as a kitten got pictures.

[rocketlily]

Looking great!!!

[Lance]

Nice job Sarah! Going to look real nice when grown out.

[JDigital]

Contest Reminder:

**Updated FTS and Budget Required today (Nov 15/08) to remain in the contest**

[Chaloupa]

Contest Reminder:

**Updated FTS and Budget Required today (Nov 15/08) to remain in the contest**



PSSSSSST.......FTS posted at 11:55pm last night with complete budget update!:biggrin:

[workn2hard2day]

your tank looks great Sarah!

[karazy]

Yes, it looks awesome *looks at name tag* sarah :biggrin:

[Chaloupa]

Update...and will update the first page....I have added corals to the tank now after all my red and blue shrooms decided to melt...half the time you can't kill these things but when you want them to live NOPE!

New additions are all from Wicked Frags. And I think they really are WICKED! I ordered 3 Zoa Frags. Wasn't sure that I was going to put them in after the mushroom melting experience and well budget and all..but since I'm in with the 10's now my budget is substantially higher....

So..on with the costs and pictures;

Aussie Madman Zoa (red and blue-and it really is!) $35.00
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/WFNanobuildAussieZoa.jpg

Wicked Blue Zoa (3 polyps paid for) $45.00 *ouch*
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/WFNanoBlueZoa.jpg
Wicked Double Red Zoa $40.00

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/WFNanobuildDblRedZoa.jpg
soooo a big budget hit of $120.00

PLUS I got a free frag from Borderjumper of Blue Cloves and they should be valued at $10.00

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/NanoBlueClove.jpg
So budget additions $130.00 (OUCH)

[Boomboy]

i love that coral, i want to get one for my tank.

[Chaloupa]

FTS for December 15/08 updated first page also

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_0018.jpg

[rocketlily]

Very, very nice!!!

[Chaloupa]

Thanks!!! Yours is looking amazing too! It's going to be a tough competition!:biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

Nice. Ur yellow polyps are really yellow

[karazy]

looks great.just wondering if you would show a pic of what the aussie mad mans look like now that they are settled in

[JDigital]

Tank looks great!!!!.. :mrgreen:

[Lance]

Lookin' fine! You know I never used to like those yellow polyps, but in your tank they look great.

[Chaloupa]

Yeah, the yellow really really POPS!

Here are the Aussie's settled in.....

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_0004.jpg

[karazy]

kool, thankyou very much

[sphelps]

Looking Sweet!!

[Chaloupa]

I've had several rock falls at the "bridge" area....so tank is a bit sad looking today...but next month will be back to looking good. The red mushrooms have taken off...I have 3 now....2 bigger and 1 small....everything else is growing well.....

Jan 15/09 FTS (I will be replacing this picture...battery was dying, and I just realized the date...OOPS)

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/NanoJan.jpg

[Chaloupa]

FTS for January......as you can see by the pictures...it's still not the same as last month due to rock falls...but now it's a bit of a game. Anyhow, not many updates as I have not added anything and I lost the Wicked Frags Double Red Zoa I put in. It never really opened up and thrived in the tank.....

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/NanobuildJan.jpg

Here's a pic of the Madman Zoa's and as you can see the blue polyps are popping up EVERYWHERE!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/NanoZoaandcloves.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/NanoCloves.jpg

[Scythanith]

Those small cloves will look real nice in time! Just hope they don't over run your other corals. you should yank the Valonia off the rock in the second picture. In my experience it gets under the zoanthid polyps and irritates them.

[Chaloupa]

I don't care if the blue cloves take over a bit...I love the look of them! And yeah, I was too lazy to pull off the bubble algae before the pic...sort of forgot what day it was.....:biggrin: but I will before the next pic!

[noirsphynx]

Looks great! Those madman zoa's are awesome and I love the way the yellow polyps "pop" in your tank.

[Lance]

I can't believe how good those yellow polyps look in your tank. Sorta like making a flower arrangement out of dandelions: common weed but very pretty in the right place. Tank looks good!

[Chaloupa]

Thanks!!!! :smilingface (52): (sorry just had to use one!)

[traco]

Sarah, a tiny tank but very nice!

* and where is everyone finding the smilies?

[BlueAbyss]

Omg I love those yellow polyps. Too bad about your rocks falling, that always sucks. Looks awesome though! Your colours are great!

[Chaloupa]

So I'm reading along on how everyone's tank is doing, and WOW there are some AMAZING tanks! My little tank really does not compare...but that's ok...so anyway, back to the story...I'm reading all the tank posts and seeing the pics....and not even thinking about the fact that I too have to post a pic...til just now, when I realized it's 10pm and I don't have my pic in...OOPS...nothing has changed...did lose 2 Zoa frags; one last month and this month I lost the yellow dominated one...it fell in behind a rock, didn't notice and then it was pretty unhappy, with a nasty starfish on it....so I dipped it and lost all but 2 polyps. Oh well...such is life. I wish now I had done things a bit differently but .....hindsight is 20/20 right?! So here is the March 15 update...no change in budget as I have bought nothing.....

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/MarchNano.jpg

[JDigital]

Tank looks really good... Hopefuly your bridge has quit falling in the last month?:wink:

[sphelps]

I wish now I had done things a bit differently but .....hindsight is 20/20 right?!
So what exactly would you have done differently? Livestock or setup?

Tank looks good BTW! I'm not sure why you think it doesn't compare cause I think it's one of the best for sure.

[Chaloupa]

I most likely would have used larger corals...so there was more visual impact. I love the tank, but it doesn't have the WOW factor IMO. Thank you though for the compliment...I do like it alot and in a year I can imagine what it will look like....and can't wait!

[rocketlily]

I agree with the 1 year time line. It would give everything more time to grow and time to correct mistakes in livestock choices and placements.

[sphelps]

I most likely would have used larger corals...so there was more visual impact. I love the tank, but it doesn't have the WOW factor IMO. Thank you though for the compliment...I do like it alot and in a year I can imagine what it will look like....and can't wait!
Yeah that's kind of why I switched up my tank a little in the beginning, going with frags didn't make much sense with the 6 month time frame and the budget pricing worked more in the favor of larger corals vs frags. In the end going with frags will give you a better tank in the long run so it just depends if you're in it strictly for the contest or for the long haul. For me it's a contest tank and that's it, I will either eliminate the extra tank or upgrade it, haven't decided yet.

[JDigital]

pm re: budget. :smile:

[Chaloupa]

I will have a pic up by the end of the day...I purchased a small piece of red base/yellow polyp gorgonian...that I have not taken a good picture of yet...however I will have it open today...DAMMIT....It must open!!! So will be waiting for it and then a pic.

Some AMAZING tanks that happened over the last 6 months and it's an honor to be up against them and be part of the first Nano Build Contest. Thanks to JDigital for all the "stuff" he put up with, patience in answering question after question and for everyone that looked at our little tanks and complimented or gave advice...this was FUN!

I don't know how many will be keeping their tanks going...but I will. I am going to fill it up with corals and tiny nano fish...and enjoy it as I intended when I first started....but did sway a bit when I had a cash offer...oh well....it's a cute tank with little to no maintenance.....stay tuned for a pic!

[Chaloupa]

ADDED TO BUDGET April 6/09

Yellow and Red Gorgonian $15.00
TOTAL FOR THIS; $15.00

Total to date; $354.49 + $15.00 = $369.54 under budget!!!! YAYAYAYAY

FTS for April 15/09 Budget updated for Gorgonian

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild9.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild1.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild8.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild7.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild6.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild5.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild4.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild3.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild2.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild.jpg


http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild10.jpg
I think over the next few months I will try to find a 70W metal halide for the tank so I can put more corals in and keep them really happy....temp will hopefully be ok.....we'll see!

[rocketlily]

Very nice Gorgonian. Tank looks good.

[noirsphynx]

[QUOTE=Chaloupa;411421
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild3.jpg[QUOTE]

Looks good! What's this, a duster? I like it!

[superduperwesman]

Tank looks really good :)