3 gal picotope (build thread!)

[dingusplease]

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!

[dingusplease]

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?

[thetinyreef]

Looks really nice! I like that cave too.

[aquaticlife32]

Looks great and you are creative with that breeder box into a refugium idea!

[dingusplease]

Thanks for the replies! Good to here from more experienced reefers.

[Frankie_Garcia]

The bubbles will eventually go away. No new to get a skimmer. Keep up your water changes and make sure parameters are in check!

[dingusplease]

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!

[aquaticlife32]

What are you planning for the tank as far as livestock.

[Frankie_Garcia]

Just take like your fish net and get them out! And goodluck with your build

[dingusplease]

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.

[aquaticlife32]

Cool man any inverts.

[dingusplease]

@Frankie_Garcia thanks for the help! I didn't think of using a net for this. I'll try it.

[dingusplease]

@aquaticlife32 Oh yeah, probably a few blue leg hermits and some Astraea. Just a basic cuc

[aquaticlife32]

Shrimp?

[dingusplease]

Yeah, maybe some peppermint shrimp. Any suggestions? I haven't kept any shrimp before, especially not in such a small build.

[aquaticlife32]

Maybe a sexy shrimp they are small!

[dingusplease]

Sounds like a great idea... I don't have much experience but I know those guys are nice and small!

[aquaticlife32]

Why did you want to make this tank I'm just curious haha.

[dingusplease]

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.

[aquaticlife32]

Makes sense and it should be fun!