365seasons 55G (updated august 15th- new pics!)

[365seasons]

My husband and I are very new to the hobby, as I'm sure everyone's seen numerous posts of our never ending questions! We have our 55G column tank set up in the corner of our bedroom, and just as we finally finished buying all the rock work and thought the buying was going to slow down, we decided to build a species tank for my seahorse addiction off of it. So here goes, from the beginning.

Bought the tank (The hubby suckered me into this one, we got it for a killer deal at the petstore I used to work at---no idea we were going to turn it saltwater yet)

Tank without water (Don't mind the stupid ornament in it, came with the tank)
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picture515.jpg

Salt, sand and live rock added
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picture525.jpg

First rockwork, and setup (This lasted up until our big salt spree)
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picture621.jpg


Alright, so as we are younger parents, and have a newborn son, tank purchases are not priority, and we'd managed to keep buying to one "purchase" a month. The last few months though, we went just slightly wild.

After buying a bunch more rock from konaevent, and the MH pendant from Pazil. Ziptied all the rock together, found a few crabs, and a mantis shrimp
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturek022.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturek008.jpg

[365seasons]

Now that we've for the most part got up to pace with where we're at, we figured we'd attempt to explain our plans. I'm a sucker for seahorses, but since we have other fish, and SPS in our tank, seahorses were out of the question. But, after a trip to Red Coral, and some very sporadic decisions, we decided to start a species tank coming off the left side of our main tank.

10G drilled in the top right, with plumbing coming into our big tank, and a pump pushing water back into the 10. Very exciting stuff for new reefers like us. :biggrin:

Now, on top of this, my Dad agreed to let us borrow his garage and tools in order to build a new stand to incorporate all of the following.

Here's what we're thinking, replacing the stand under the 55G with a nicer looking one, have a shorter piece coming out from the left of it, on which my video moniter for the babe, and my bedside lamp will sit. Then, a taller piece coming up the back and being flush with the 10G to support it adequately.

I probably make NO sense, because I can't build a house out of popsicle sticks, but pictures will be up soon. I want to get at my seahorses sooner than later.

[lastlight]

Really nice aquascaping there! Interesting dimensions/ratio there... I like the look.

Also noticed what appears to be a GARGOYLE and a TEDDY BEAR BOOK on the same ledge. I like a little variety in the bedroom as well (but certainly don't see any in mine).

Can't wait to see more!

[365seasons]

Really nice aquascaping there! Interesting dimensions/ratio there... I like the look.

Also noticed what appears to be a GARGOYLE and a TEDDY BEAR BOOK on the same ledge. I like a little variety in the bedroom as well (but certainly don't see any in mine).

Can't wait to see more!

The gargoyle was from my hubby's first 10G, have no idea why it was in our bedroom, and the teddy bear book is our sons baby book (apparently kept by my bed for quick additions???)

Thanks so much for commenting! We are very excited for it. The more we get into saltwater, the less attention our freshwater tank gets.

:biggrin:

[bignose]

I also like your aquascape. how old is your tank now?

[365seasons]

I also like your aquascape. how old is your tank now?

Thanks :biggrin:
Just over 6 months =)

[365seasons]

The tentative "blueprints" Don't mind that view is spelt wrong (the hubby is cute....)

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/scan0004.jpg

Close up of the 3D
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/scan0003.jpg


Andy is going to explain now, hopefully giving a better idea.

The obvious red outlines are the tank perimeters. The basic idea is 3 cupboards for storage, the tanks, a nightstand (as this is going beside the bed), and a crown molding for look purposes (hiding hardware and wires) on top of both the tanks.

Both tanks will be able to be viewed from both sides.

The picture is pretty self explanatory. Any comments,questions or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Chaloupa]

Very cool tank start! LOVE IT!

Only comment I have is that a 10g might be a tad small for the horses....can you go with a 20g tall in the same space....would be nicer for them to stretch out and swim in.....from the reading I have done;

TAKEN FROM SEAHORSE.ORG

Each species of seahorse has a definate comfortable minimum tank size. The tank temperature also depends on the species. The following information is pulled from the care guide:

1) Tropical species - kept at 74-78 degrees F (24-26 degrees C) zosterae, 1 pair/1.5 gallons (6 liters) - recommended 5 gallons (20 liters) kuda, 1 pair/8 gallons (30 liters)- minimum size 15 gallons (60 liters) barbouri, 1 pair/8 gallons (30 liters)- minimum size 15 gallons (60 liters) erectus, 1 pair/8 gallons (30 liters)- minimum size 15 gallons (60 liters) reidi 1 pair/8 gallons (30 liters)- minimum size 15 gallons (60 liters) fuscus 1 pair per 5 gallons (20 liters)- minimum size 10 gallons (40 liters) comes 1 pair/8 gallons (30 liters)- minimum size 15 gallons (60 liters) procerus 1 pair/8 gallons (30 liters) - minimum size 15 gallons (60 liters)

2) Subtropical species - kept at 70-74 degrees F (22-25 degrees C) whitei, 1 pair/8 gallons (30 liters)- minimum size 15 gallons (60 liters) ingens1 pair/13 gallons (50 liters)- minimum size 45 gallons (180 liters) tuberculatus, 1 pair/5 gallons (20 liters)- minimum size 15 gallons (60 liters)

3) Temperate species - kept at 66-72 degrees F (19-22 degrees C) abdominalis, 1pair/13 gallons (50 liters)- minimum size 60 gallons (240 liters) capensis 1 pair/5 gallons (20 liters)- minimum size 10 gallons (40 liters) breviceps, 1 pair/5 gallons (20 liters)- minimum size 10 gallons (40 liters)

I have been thinking of converting my 65g hex tall into a seahorse tank but am still not sure......really really would like to though!!!

I think your stand design is great...what a neat way to put it all together!

[Myka]

Ooo, I really like the dimensions of your tank! Fun to play with rockwork in there!

One thing I notice is that you are using a power filter with biowheels in it. I would suggest you remove the biowheels as they are designed for fw tanks, and will become nitrate factories which is fine in fw tanks, but not good in sw tanks! If you just remove the wheel part the rest of the filter is ok provided you replace the filter media at least once a week. Oh, and the Long Spine Urchin will outgrow your tank as well. Too bad though, I really like them too! :)

[365seasons]

We are thinking that we can eventually custom build another column tank like our existing one, but a mini one (29 gallons maybe) for the seahorses.
So they won't be cooped up in a 10G forever. Thanks for the advice though

and thanks Myka too! We'll have to take the biowheels out of the filter then, because we are getting hair algae, and I guess the nitrates from those may be part of the culprit! As well, we bought that urchin when our tank was first cycled, as one of the employees at a LFS "assured" us it would be an ideal tank mate, and fine in our tank. He is already humongous and needing a new home pretty soon.

Thanks again for the comments! =) We like it a lot.

[Pazil]

Looking good guys... Can't wait to see the new real estate addition.

[365seasons]

Looking good guys... Can't wait to see the new real estate addition.

Thanks Lawrence! We're so excited. Bought some more live rock for the 10G, and purchased a bunch of really nice fir that we found at a really decent price today. Guess it was stored in a barn, originally supposed to be used on a gigantic house that had excess. :biggrin:
Lucky us!
Start construction tomorrow.

[365seasons]

so after our busy day of running around as followed...picked up drill 10G, went and pick-up Fir (for the fish tank wall unit/stand) , then pick -up rock for the 10G, we came home got the lil guy to bed, built up the temporary 10G stand(wife fell asleep), plumbed it in to the 55G(testing there was no flood was going to occur, cleaned and placed the live rock in the 10G, iam finally going to bed :crazyeye: 2:45am

[365seasons]

Tank drilled
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturek010.jpg

temporary stand..(don't worry, it's secured thoroughly)
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturek068.jpg

wood supply
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturek023.jpg

dado-ed
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturek031.jpg

andy working away on unit 1 (55G stand)
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturek043.jpg

Just showing how it will look when finished
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturek053.jpg

Mom & Jaxon supervising
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturek046.jpg
new addition #1
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturek015.jpg

new addition #2
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturek006.jpg

[Pazil]

Those horses are great.. Tank is looking great aswell... keep the pics coming.

Cheers
Lawrence

[Key Equine]

Hey! Found the pictures ;) Yours plans look very cool and your seahorses are beautiful! Must be related to my new ones! Very nice...

[my2rotties]

That is so AWESOME!!! I love what you guys are doing. Having a handy husband is the best thing ever!!!:mrgreen:

[365seasons]

That is so AWESOME!!! I love what you guys are doing. Having a handy husband is the best thing ever!!!:mrgreen:

Tell me about it! I asked him for a pony (HAHA!, every little girls dream right?) and I got two, and now he's building me a stand (stable) for everything!

I am so thrilled about the new ponies, We love saltwater *sigh*

[my2rotties]

It is awesome to have men that know how to build stuff. My hubby outdid himself when he built ours... It had taken a long time and is still not quite complete, but he does it in his spare time. Here's to your hubby and the hard work he does...:mrgreen:

[365seasons]

It is awesome to have men that know how to build stuff. My hubby outdid himself when he built ours... It had taken a long time and is still not quite complete, but he does it in his spare time. Here's to your hubby and the hard work he does...:mrgreen:

Just looked at your tank! Looks amazing!

And heres to yours and the hard work he does! :mrgreen:

[my2rotties]

Thank you very much, it was a year in the making. I will let him know you like it when he wakes up off the couch.

At least I have the fish to watch on a Friday night these days:wink:

Just looked at your tank! Looks amazing!

And heres to yours and the hard work he does! :mrgreen:

[365seasons]

Thank you very much, it was a year in the making. I will let him know you like it when he wakes up off the couch.

At least I have the fish to watch on a Friday night these days:wink:

Hahah. Good good,
yeah, We have a baby to watch so we hardly have time to gaze at the fishies.

[Skimmerking]

hey 365 looks good

[levi1803]

Pretty cool idea, can't wait to see it finished.

[fragNplug]

Glad to see you took my advice on the species tank, hope it all works good for you.
garry

[365seasons]

Glad to see you took my advice on the species tank, hope it all works good for you.
garry

Thanks for all your advice!!
It was a great idea

[365seasons]

Sorry for the poor picture quality! off my cellphone. Finished the main stand today. These pictures were from the last time though. Spent all day sanding and finishing detailing. All that's left to do now is stain, for this one anyways.

Were thinking either a nice natural look, or a cherry stain. Any suggestions??


http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/051920091833.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/051920091832.jpg

[Leah]

Wow, very beautiful ^^^^ and I love your seahorses, very pretty!

[sharuq1]

Any new pics? I'm loving your tigertails.:smile:

[mytank90]

wow going be a very nice setup when its done

[365seasons]

Alright, so from the top. We ended up getting another tank, (65 Gallon) and transferred our ponies to it. We were still going to do the 10G tank and have it be our frag tank, but upon cleaning it, it got broken (oops!), so that is on hold for another rainy day. Anyways, the stand has been finished for EVER now, and we're just getting around to putting photos up! We ended up moving everything that was in our column tank into our new tank, and our seahorses into the column tank, so this is their new digs, and stand.

Finishing pictures of stand build
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/v6.jpghttp://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturekj213.jpg
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturekj219.jpg

Tank & stands
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturekj513.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturekj508.jpg

QT tank and canister filter under tank
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturekj509.jpg

and of course, some of the seahorses:biggrin:
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturekj327.jpghttp://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturekj285-1.jpg
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturekj503.jpghttp://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturekj418-1.jpg

More pictures of the old fish in their new tank soon!
=)

[mytank90]

tank and stand look great /wow i like the sea horses

[365seasons]

tank and stand look great /wow i like the sea horses

Thanks! and thanks!
We really like the stands too. and the seahorses are my babies. =) I can't wait to get more.

[Key Equine]

Hey Lisa & Andrew!

Your seahorses look awesome! Happy and fat! Way to go... :) The column tank is so neat, I may have to get one of those for my next seahorse tank...

[fishytime]

Hey Lisa & Andrew!

Your seahorses look awesome! Happy and fat! Way to go... :) The column tank is so neat, I may have to get one of those for my next seahorse tank...

Agreed....the column tank looks really cool. Great job guys!

[sharuq1]

I love the look of your column tank. You did a great job on the stand and the seahorses are gorgeous. Do you have a closer pic of the column tank so we can see how it looks?

[365seasons]

Thanks!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss42/365seasons/Picturekj520.jpg

Will try to get a better photo when the lights are back on tomorrow.=)

[Carmen]

BEAUTIFUL! You have a stunnigly great job! Gorgeous little horses too!

[sharuq1]

^ +1 Great job!!! It looks fantastic. You should call it "Seahorse Haven" :D