Upgrading 5 to 29gal - build thread

[GobyGuy]

Seen in the first pic is the start, a 5 gallon i have had for about a year, and on the bottom is the new 29gal Aqueon tank that will be replacing the current setup.

09/24/2022
today was build day, started out rinsing sand & a more rocky substrate for the tiger pistol shrimp - didn’t get it clear but like to think I did something as the pebbles had a brown/orange runoff and the sand was extremely fine

had the tank cleaned out this morning - I can’t stand the smell of vinegar but man you can’t beat it for safe cleans

tank with base

had to them make THE trip to the lfs. I guess it would be beneficial to get an RODI/Salt mixing setup started now

tunze pump had gotten damaged during shipping but it still works!

Then set up the AC70, Hydrofil ATO & Lights / controllers

move complete!

have to up the live rock, couldn’t make it to the lfs, and get a new lid that doesn’t block the light along with some minor things here and there, but super happy with the whole process and end result

Specs:
29gal (30x19x12”)
2 A80’s (controller)
1 Noo-Psyche K7 mini
1 AC70 (Matrix, filter floss)
MP-10WQD
Hydrofil ATO & Pump
Eshoppes Nano Skimmer (In Tank)

 

[OldRed1]

Very cool build! Were you able to repair the insulation around your wire before adding the pump to the tank?

 

[GobyGuy]

Very cool build! Were you able to repair the insulation around your wire before adding the pump to the tank?

something I’m going to use electrical tape for tomorrow morning to be safe, seemed as though the wires were still connected just he lining got cut

 

[OldRed1]

something I’m going to use electrical tape for tomorrow morning to be safe, seemed as though the wires were still connected just he lining got cut

Based on this thread, seems like electrical tape may not hold up in water long term. Have you had success with tape in the past?

 

[GobyGuy]

Based on this thread, seems like electrical tape may not hold up in water long term. Have you had success with tape in the past?

No I haven’t tried anything in the past - the seller I bought the pump from and I were discussing potentially contacting usps as it wasn’t damaged when they packaged it / shipped it

 

[GobyGuy]

Today -

new rock & rock scape definitely needs reworking but made some nice caves

Water showed no signs of cycle - bought and started adding Stability as now there is a new bag of matrix and 2x the rock volume. Not sure how beneficial it will be just want to save the fish

adding photos once on pc

 

[GobyGuy]

An update!!

Today -

new rock & rock scape definitely needs reworking but made some nice caves

Water showed no signs of cycle - bought and started adding Stability as now there is a new bag of matrix and 2x the rock volume. Not sure how beneficial it will be just want to save the fish

adding photos once on pc

A cool little gif of Yin and Yang in the 29g!

There have been so many changes!

There was the discovery of Mandarin Dragonets, so now we have added a AquaClear20 with 2 bags of ceramic bio medias in an attempt to house some of the pods being dosed in preparation of the next addition (thinking of Biota bred so pods will be supplementary anyways).

Eshoppes Intank Protein Skimmer - has been great use this about 75% of the week & have reduced overall filtration to [Floss, Matrix] in the AC70, Ceramic Bags in AC20, and this protien skimmer, while still purchasing N/P supps on a whim, which I dont think I will end up using.

MP10 has replaced Tunze pump with the exposed wire & am looking into the next upgrade being better lighting (Orphek Bars or maybe t5 DIY something im not sure lol) and a then eventually using this whole tank as a sump wayyyy down the line, which I feel like if I don't plan on, I will end up disregarding and adding an overflow to this tank

Chalk Bass & Flasher Wrasse have also joined the tank with this awesome bubble nem from @Albertoinbox

 

[Nano_Man]

Looks great

An update!!

A cool little gif of Yin and Yang in the 29g!

There have been so many changes!

There was the discovery of Mandarin Dragonets, so now we have added a AquaClear20 with 2 bags of ceramic bio medias in an attempt to house some of the pods being dosed in preparation of the next addition (thinking of Biota bred so pods will be supplementary anyways).

Eshoppes Intank Protein Skimmer - has been great use this about 75% of the week & have reduced overall filtration to [Floss, Matrix] in the AC70, Ceramic Bags in AC20, and this protien skimmer, while still purchasing N/P supps on a whim, which I dont think I will end up using.

MP10 has replaced Tunze pump with the exposed wire & am looking into the next upgrade being better lighting (Orphek Bars or maybe t5 DIY something im not sure lol) and a then eventually using this whole tank as a sump wayyyy down the line, which I feel like if I don't plan on, I will end up disregarding and adding an overflow to this tank

Chalk Bass & Flasher Wrasse have also joined the tank with this awesome bubble nem from @Albertoinbox

looking very good