55 gallon stand Build! (HERE WE GO!!!)

Thanks. I will begin working on the canopy tonight and through the weekend and putting some final touches on the stand itself as well. Well, we had the oak lying around (we have a lot of it), so I am not sure what the cost of that was. The hidden 2 x 4s were ones off the original stand that came with the tank that I bought on Craig list. I bought each of those for $40 total.

All in all, very little.

 

I cut everything for the canopy and the rest of the stand today, but haven't anchored any of it. I'll get to that tomorrow and post pics with it on/under the tank.

I won't be staining it for awhile. I still have to figure out how I want to trim it and figure out the doors. I'm still leaning towards an etched glass framed door.

 

Nice.
While etched glass would look very nice, you may want to consider that if you do a fuge with a reverse lighting schedule (recommended), you'll see the light thru the glass...

 

Thank you. I have thought of that. It's not a concern. It will be in a non bedroom.

 

you've been moving very quickly on this! Congrats!

 

I appreciate it. When I get going on a project, I like to see it through quickly. It keeps me motivated to see vast progress.

 

very, very nice!

 

So, let's discuss stocking list.

I have currently in my 20:

1) 2 ocellaris
3) 1 bicolor Chromis
4) 1 Blue Damsel

I was thinking of having 8 fish total. I was thinking (in addition to the above):

5) 6-line wrasse
6) Kole Tang or bristle-tooth Tang (please talk me out of it)
7) ? (Blenny or goby?)
8 ) ? (?)

The damsel and chromis aren't a must, but I do already own them...

 

Also, I was going to use these Ice Cap ballasts I have to run 4 t-5 bulbs, but it turns out that they are no good. So, my next option is to use the metal halide that I have. It's a 250 watt Hamilton Metal Halide with a 14,000K Phoenix bulb.

I don't think that will cover w 48" SPS dominated tank, but I could be wrong. Thoughts?