Advice: Planning a 5x2x2 Setup

Hey guys just after some general advice especially on getting this going at a rock bottom price. In particular getting some reasonable pumps, lights and chiller etc as cheap as I can from any websites you know.

So here's the background.. Probably picking up a 5x2x2 tank this evening for $120 off gumtree. I have a large kitchen bench that is exactly 5 ft long so i'm going to use that, put some doors on it and make my own hood. In terms of lighting I'm not sure I have the skills or time to do my own LEDs but I'm open to convincing.



also found this sump for $100 4', 15", 18" any reason why it would be better to build it from scratch for a more appropriate setup?

Hi mike,a few days ago ryan and partener were around here and I showed them how to use just tubs for all their bio filtration, very quick and very easy for under their tank.

The tubs react badly to UVR so that’s fine under LEDs and the salt sends them ever so slightly brittle, that’s fine any way of you don’t drop something on them,lol.

Over all you can’t get a cheaper and more simpler complete bio filter under your aquarium.

You can have total nitrite cycle oxidation in these and if you sit another tub on top of the two you will use to achieve the entire nitrite cycle, that tub is where you carry out all algae importing of nutrients and much, much more!!

Build a duel pre filter on your tank of in it, the water goes into algae area,pre filter again, then into the largest tub for gas exchange, skimmer with micro bubbles defused back into the gas exchange area and the water goes into the return pump and you have no trace of the nitrite cycle at all,no ammonia, or nitrite or nitrate no nutrients including phosphates at all, everything gone and some good stuff added to the water from these functions!

The only reason I built that glass bio filter and put on the build in the help section is because its trendy

I want to be trendy!! lol not really I'd just prefer glass just for something more sturdy, that will last longer and potentially for resale. Could I adapt this one to the same way you would set up a system?

and a side question do we ever come across sailfin tangs at our spots?

Hey Mike

The sump looks good mate -have a good look at liquidg's sump design, use the draws and pre filter ideas adapted to your set up....will work very well--get some chatoe growing or the rasmosa and happy fish....

Cheap lighting is a false economy but I do understand your thoughts, its the fluro tubes that add up, especially T5 HO- That said T8 standard fittings can be purchased very cheaply even new at electrical wholesalers.. it really depends on your intended life forms.....and the chiller wont be needed for a few months, so time to save $$- pumps etc just keep checking gumtree -as you know stuff comes up all the time.....3-4000 liter hour is what you want....even new a good one is $120.....

Our local tip has a place called seconds world - you should see what you can get there, last weekend had 6 x T8 fluro 5 footers for $5 each...with a plug - also glass pieces very cheap...just a thought, this is the way I use to get everything as a kid....

Have fun!