pico reef

[Alyxx]

While browsing the new petsmart in town today I was looking at the aquariums (despite having a dozen in the garage I can't help myself) and noticed a little 2.5 gallon glass tank with a glass top. First thought was, "hey, that would fit on my nightstand!" Second thought was, "I want to make that into a reef!" I'm living with my mom right now and pretty much can't set up any tanks. No room in my room. But I really miss having fish. And I have been wanting a reef for ages. And I like a challenge! I looked around for possible equipment ideas but this petsmart is seriously devoid of salty supplies. I'm going to check out petco tomorrow for more ideas but I'm probably going to order most of my supplies online.

I'm thinking led lighting. What would be an ideal water movement solution? A tiny powerhead or maybe would a small hob filter work better? I just want live rock, some easy corals and maybe a couple inverts. No fish in this one. Are there even fish suitable for a 2.5 gallon setup? Yellow tang maybe? (Just kidding!)

I know the smaller the tank the harder it is, but as I said I like a challenge. Not new to saltwater but I am new to reefs. It just seems like a fun project and the most interesting tank possible for such a small space. Although knowing me, once I get one going I will end up finding space and sneaking other tanks in while my mom is asleep.

Give me some input!

 

[jwh0818]

Hey alyxx! For that tank, I'd do a small aquaclear filter! One decent rock is all that tank needs and this build should cost no more then maybe 50 bucks to 100 unless you buy it all brand new! No fish can fit unfortunately just inverts! Following this!

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

You could do a nice little softy tank, with some sexy shrimp, pom pom crab, porcelain crab, maybe a pepper mint shrimp. For flow you could probably get away with an aqua clear 30 or 50 and call it a day. A par30 bulb from coralcompulsion.com would work great. Some zoas and palys and rics with maybe a Duncan to add a little movement would look great IMO.

 

[Alyxx]

Thanks guys! Ill have to check out that light. Is there a clip for it or would I have to rig something?

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

You can use an architects lamp from walmart for $10 or they sell goosenecks for $30 but they will screw into standard sockets

 

[Alyxx]

You can use an architects lamp from walmart for $10 or they sell goosenecks for $30 but they will screw into standard sockets

See, my issue here is space. I'm working with a surface less about 1.5' square, and I still need a little space to set things down. I'm not sure if I have room to put a lamp behind the tank. Guess a trip to look at lamps is in order! If I could find a clamp on lamp long enough to reach above the tank I'm good. I checked out the bulb, it looks nice.

What about this?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007ZK80YG/ref=aw_d_dsc_pet-supplies

 

[jwh0818]

I think that light could handle soft corals for sure

 

[Macscale]

The micro suns are good for soft corals mostly.

Always wanted to start a pico but never got around to it. I'll be following along.

 

[Alyxx]

Woo! Off work now so I'm hitting all the pet stores for ideas and some price comparison.

 

[Alyxx]

Found one possibly for a light. Wave point micro sun 6" 8W led clip on light. The guy working said they had one on a 2.5gal and it did well growing soft corals. They're eelling it for $70. Anyone heard of or used one of these?

 

[jwh0818]

Sounds overpriced to me. That link you posted is the same thing

 

[Macscale]

Yeah, way over priced for that light.

 

[Alyxx]

That's what I thought. I'm willing to overpay for some things to support local businesses but for the most part this place has ridiculous equipment prices. I've always gotten quality fish from them, though. They will be my first stop when it comes time to stock. The employees are great, too.

Also, not to get too off topic but when I went into petco on my rounds of pet stores today I was dissapointed to see their aquatics section in shambles. QT on all the saltwater and mostly sick looking freshwater fish too. Betta cups dirty with lethargic fish. Looks like they lost their aqiatics specialist. Should have hired me instead! I applied for it when I moved... although I now have a job that pays much better. Although its been stressing me out. If they wanted to offer full time and paid well enough...

 

[carey]

That light is $40 on ebay. i have had it in my cart for months

 

[Alyxx]

Also, what are your thoughts on dosing for a pico? Should the salt mix and regular water changes be enough or no? Of course I will be testing everything I can.

Any help on research would be a plus btw. As much as I hate when people ask questions that can be easily googled, I am currently only able to access the internet on my phone, which is on its last legs battery-wise, and I don't have unlimited data. So help here I'd greatly appreciated!

 

[Alyxx]

That light is $40 on ebay. i have had it in my cart for months

Thanks! I'll have to check it out there. Oh how I love ebay...

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

Also, what are your thoughts on dosing for a pico? Should the salt mix and regular water changes be enough or no? Of course I will be testing everything I can.

Any help on research would be a plus btw. As much as I hate when people ask questions that can be easily googled, I am currently only able to access the internet on my phone, which is on its last legs battery-wise, and I don't have unlimited data. So help here I'd greatly appreciated!

No dosing, as long as you use a quality reef salt you'll be fine

 

[Macscale]

Yeah, no dosing. It's not gonna do anything but harm. Changing water with a quality reef salt (E.g. Red Sea Coral Pro Reef Salt) all your levels will stay in check.

 

[Alyxx]

Yeah, no dosing. It's not gonna do anything but harm. Changing water with a quality reef salt (E.g. Red Sea Coral Pro Reef Salt) all your levels will stay in check.

That's what I thought. But of course seeing all the supplements made me think about it so I had to ask. Anyone know of a good website for researching corals that is phone friendly? Or an app?

 

[dingusplease]

liveaquaria.com usually has pretty good info