3 gal picotope (build thread!)

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dingusplease

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Joined
Dec 23, 2013
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Hi all,

I posted my supply list a few days ago, and here is the thread where I will post updates and progress pics. I am documenting this process here because I will be using my reef tank for a work presentation. If you have any comments or suggestions, please post them here! I look forward to bringing updates as I set up this tank.

I have the following supplies so far: (I may upgrade the lighting and make various upgrades later)

- JBJ 3 Gallon Picotope (I must say this is a very well-built little tank. It is all glass, and feels sturdy. I think that this aquarium is a great deal at $39, with an acceptable filter and light. I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about getting one! Then again, I haven't actually stocked it yet, so take my opinions with a grain of salt :)
- Tetra submersible 50-watt heater
- Medium Mag-Float
- Marina Large breeding box (using as a HOB refugium)
- Azoo 160 Powerhead (not much flow, but I think that's ok considering I will create a lot of flow with the stock filter and breeder box)
- **Stock JBJ pico-filter and 9w 50/50 lamp
- Tetra air pump 10i (for breeder box intake. I will be adding a stronger pump soon)
- Coralife Deep-Six hydrometer (I will be purchasing a refractometer in the near future as well)
- 10 gallon Instant Ocean Reef Crystals
- RO/DI Water (I am planning on purchasing water from LFS for now)
- Coralife digital thermometer
- API Saltwater master test kit
- API Calcium test kit
- Seachem Ammonia Alert
- API Phosphate test kit
- CaribSea Ocean Direct live sand 5 lbs

I will be purchasing the following before I add water to my aquarium:

- 3 to 4 pounds of LR
- Enough Chaeto to fill 2/3 of the HOB breeder box

Here are some pics of the aquarium, minus water and a few other pieces of equipment. How does it look? I am mixing my saltwater at the moment, so stay tuned!

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First pics of LR cycling :) Water is still pretty cloudy. I will be adding some frozen brine shrimp to start cycling soon. I don't know if I should be concerned about the micro bubbles around the rim? Maybe I'll add a biocube skimmer... What do you guys think?

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The bubbles will eventually go away. No new to get a skimmer. Keep up your water changes and make sure parameters are in check!
 
Ok -- no need for a skimmer, that's what I read. It seemed like it might help with the film on the surface, but I'm sure water changes will take care of that. Thanks for the help!
 
I haven't really made a solid plan yet, however I am thinking about a few mushrooms and a small zoa colony. I will have to look at my LFS to get a better idea of what they are currently stocking.
 
@Frankie_Garcia thanks for the help! I didn't think of using a net for this. I'll try it.
 
@aquaticlife32 Oh yeah, probably a few blue leg hermits and some Astraea. Just a basic cuc :)
 
Yeah, maybe some peppermint shrimp. Any suggestions? I haven't kept any shrimp before, especially not in such a small build.
 
Sounds like a great idea... I don't have much experience but I know those guys are nice and small!
 
This is my first saltwater build, so I'm just taking it slow and doing as much research as I can. This tank will be pretty simple overall (just a few hardy corals, inverts, and some chaeto if that counts lol :p.) I am kind of using this tank to become accustomed to saltwater so that when I upgrade to a larger tank it will seem easier by comparison (in terms of water parameters.) I don't know if that makes sense, but that's why I'm doing this tank.
 
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