Pico Reef Ideas?

[kcdragonfish13]

Hey guys, I really like the idea of a small, 2 ish gallon reef. I really like the look of the tall picos, and I was looking into the fluval spec iii. Of course, I would change the light to something that can grow some lps but not sure what fixture to get, although I was looking at this 4w led lamp- Innovative Marine SkkyeLight LED Clamp Light: LED Aquarium Light Fixtures . Id like to keep it cheap, anyone got ideas before I go spending? Thanks for any feedback!

 

[dingusplease]

Hey guys, I really like the idea of a small, 2 ish gallon reef. I really like the look of the tall picos, and I was looking into the fluval spec iii. Of course, I would change the light to something that can grow some lps but not sure what fixture to get, although I was looking at this 4w led lamp- Innovative Marine SkkyeLight LED Clamp Light: LED Aquarium Light Fixtures . Id like to keep it cheap, anyone got ideas before I go spending? Thanks for any feedback!

I have the jbj picotope, and love it. That's what I would recommend

Here's a pic of mine

 

[kcdragonfish13]

I have the jbj picotope, and love it. That's what I would recommend

Here's a pic of mine
View attachment 222636

Nice tank! Did u upgrade anything like lighting or filtration or just use stock supplies?

 

[dingusplease]

Nice tank! Did u upgrade anything like lighting or filtration or just use stock supplies?

Thanks! I'm using the stock light +stock filter! but I also have a hob refugium with carbon, chaeto, and purigen in the back. The whole fuge cost less than $35 with everything in it!

But yeah, I've made very few upgrades besides the fuge and a moonlight.

 

[kcdragonfish13]

Thanks! I'm using the stock light +stock filter! but I also have a hob refugium with carbon, chaeto, and purigen in the back. The whole fuge cost less than $35 with everything in it!

But yeah, I've made very few upgrades besides the fuge and a moonlight.

Thats cool! Can u post a pic of your fuge? Where can I get somwthing like that? Also, what moonlight did u get and what corals can u support?

 

[dingusplease]

Happy to help! Here are some links to the different pieces for the fuge:

http://www.amazon.com/Marina-Hang-On-Breeding-Box-Large/dp/B005QRDCP2 - for the actual refugium hob box

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chaetomorph..._DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a37c429b9#shpCntId - chaeto (don't forget to pick priority mail if the temps are freezing where you are)

http://www.amazon.com/Seachem-11601...e=UTF8&qid=1392434942&sr=8-1&keywords=Purigen - purigen

Btw, I used a spare tetra 10i air pump and some airline tubing for the intake (which turns out to be pretty noisy), but now I just have a pump in the DT pumping water into the fuge without the noise of an air pump. You should be able to find a cheap fountain pump and airline tubing for pretty cheap at a hardware store.

Here's the link to another moonlight that seems to be exactly the same as the one I got, for around the same price. The one I got says it isn't available anymore, but it's exactly the same on as in this link

http://www.amazon.com/Ringlit®-Flex...fkmr0&keywords=agptek+high+lightness+aquarium

One more thing (sorry for so much writing!) You will need a light for the chaeto, which shouldn't be too hard to find. I'm using a cfl spiral bulb, but if you want something less bright I would recommend the tom perch light from amazon. Just in case you want that light, here's a link:

http://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Perch-Light-Fixture-Compact-6400K/dp/B001XD6B24

This whole setup currently supports a Kenya tree, four types of zoas, button polyps, pulsing pink xenia, a rhodactis mushroom, some green star polyps, a red elephant ear mushroom, and a neon green toadstool. I think all the corals combined cost $105 (not super expensive for that much coral ) Btw, I'll post a pic of the fuge in the morning when the lights are on.

 

[kcdragonfish13]

Happy to help! Here are some links to the different pieces for the fuge:

http://www.amazon.com/Marina-Hang-On-Breeding-Box-Large/dp/B005QRDCP2 - for the actual refugium hob box

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chaetomorph..._DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a37c429b9#shpCntId - chaeto (don't forget to pick priority mail if the temps are freezing where you are)

http://www.amazon.com/Seachem-11601...e=UTF8&qid=1392434942&sr=8-1&keywords=Purigen - purigen

Btw, I used a spare tetra 10i air pump and some airline tubing for the intake (which turns out to be pretty noisy), but now I just have a pump in the DT pumping water into the fuge without the noise of an air pump. You should be able to find a cheap fountain pump and airline tubing for pretty cheap at a hardware store.

Here's the link to another moonlight that seems to be exactly the same as the one I got, for around the same price. The one I got says it isn't available anymore, but it's exactly the same on as in this link

http://www.amazon.com/Ringlit®-Flex...fkmr0&keywords=agptek+high+lightness+aquarium

One more thing (sorry for so much writing!) You will need a light for the chaeto, which shouldn't be too hard to find. I'm using a cfl spiral bulb, but if you want something less bright I would recommend the tom perch light from amazon. Just in case you want that light, here's a link:

http://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Perch-Light-Fixture-Compact-6400K/dp/B001XD6B24

This whole setup currently supports a Kenya tree, four types of zoas, button polyps, pulsing pink xenia, a rhodactis mushroom, some green star polyps, a red elephant ear mushroom, and a neon green toadstool. I think all the corals combined cost $105 (not super expensive for that much coral ) Btw, I'll post a pic of the fuge in the morning when the lights are on.

Wow thats alot of info! Thanks!

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[dingusplease]

Np! Good luck with your build

 

[kcdragonfish13]

Np! Good luck with your build

Hey just a q, how did u put together your fuge on ur pico?

 

[dingusplease]

First you just setup the "breeder box" by hanging it on the aquarium and adding partitions/misc. plastic pieces (the instructions for that come with the breeder box.) The large breeder box kit I linked comes with an intake tube that you connect to the box, and then instructions tell how to plug in the air pump (it's really easy no matter what pump you have.)

When you first mix your water for the tank, mix an extra gallon or so to fill up the fuge before turning the whole system on. I added purigen and a carbon bag when I set mine up, which I think is good for helping keep the water clear and free of gunk.

After your tank is completely cycled, you can add the chaeto and light to grow it.

Overall, it's pretty easy . For a 3 gallon pico, the fuge really helps if you want to grow chaeto or have some extra mechanical filtration.

 

[marty20]

I actually have a spec III with the 8 watt skkye light like you were looking for if you're interested in it, pm me. But I'm following along because if you don't want it I'll probably set it up haha

 

[kcdragonfish13]

I actually have a spec III with the 8 watt skkye light like you were looking for if you're interested in it, pm me. But I'm following along because if you don't want it I'll probably set it up haha

Im sorry im new to this forum system so I dont know what pm is. Personal message?..... (embarassing haha) but I do like the spec iii. I think im gonna go with dingusplease' fuge idea. What do u mean "by if I dont want it" cuz I want it haha thanks guys for all ur responses!!

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[kcdragonfish13]

First you just setup the "breeder box" by hanging it on the aquarium and adding partitions/misc. plastic pieces (the instructions for that come with the breeder box.) The large breeder box kit I linked comes with an intake tube that you connect to the box, and then instructions tell how to plug in the air pump (it's really easy no matter what pump you have.)

When you first mix your water for the tank, mix an extra gallon or so to fill up the fuge before turning the whole system on. I added purigen and a carbon bag when I set mine up, which I think is good for helping keep the water clear and free of gunk.

After your tank is completely cycled, you can add the chaeto and light to grow it.

Overall, it's pretty easy . For a 3 gallon pico, the fuge really helps if you want to grow chaeto or have some extra mechanical filtration.

Thanks! U dont mind if I copy im not really familiar with fuges

 

[dingusplease]

Thanks! U dont mind if I copy im not really familiar with fuges

Please copy glad to help.