Project Pico has begun!

[lando]

I decided to commemorate my son's first b-day by putting a pico-reef in his room. (Alright, more for me then him). Got a 2 1/2ga; AGA, 18watt CF Coralife fixture and nano-filter all for $60. The LFS was kind enough to give me enough LS from one of their reefs as the substrate. I took about 6lbs of LR from my larger reef to use as well. I plan to put in coral frags from my other two tanks and maybe a yellow clown goby or mantis, I cant decide. Anyways...here is the start.

 

[Jchillin]

Sounds like a fine compliment to your son's room. I always say, it's better to get the kids started in the formative years...he'll be helping you mix salt real soon.

 

[afilter]

Cool, what kind of filter is that? I have seen some new ones out that have a skimmer built in. I am curious as to how it goes.

Keep us posted

 

[lando]

Cool, what kind of filter is that?

It is called the nano-filter by red sea. I may get another one and use it for LR rubble or chemi-pure.

 

[Hara]

looks sweet!

 

[Devilishturtles]

Awesome!! Can't wait to see it all done up.

 

[Ziggy953]

It looks awesome!! I'm also glad to hear that you are doing this for your son (you ) I too said or justified the same thing when I started my 75 gal over a year ago. My son was on the way and we wanted an "Under the sea" theme for his room and someone said do a saltwater tank with a nemo in it. 14 months later and a whole lot of money we have a lovely 75gal reef. And recently a 5 gal nano. My son loves watching the fish and it makes me so happy to see him smile watching the tanks!

 

[jbarr]

Aw you parents make me happy.

Makes me think of a few (~10) years ago, when I was just a wee lad. What my dad must've thought when I would widdle away the hours in front of his tank...

Haha..

 

[lando]

Here are a few updated pics of my pico. I have used some coral frags from my other two reefs to stock this. I also added a couple snails, a few scarlet reef hermits, a peppermint shrimp, a skunk cleaner shrimp, and a yellow clown goby. My biggest challenge has been with the temp. It is amazing just how much room temp plays a role. At night, the tank gets down to 74-76, during the day up to 80-82. So far it soes not seem to have a drastic effect on the livestock. Here are some pics...

 

[zenkatydid]

what a stunning tank! how hard is it to maintain such a small tank? i've never had saltwater, and i would LOVE to start with a little guy like this.

 

[lando]

Thanks for the kind words! In SW, smaller does tend to be harder. The less water volume you have means potentially more "unstable" tank. Smaller tanks are much more sensitive to slight changes in water parameters and do require a lot more attention and route maintenance. I do have two larger reefs that I rely on to keep this tank stable. I do a 50% water change weekly from my 72gal tank to keep parameters in check. If you are interested in SW, my suggestion is to start with no less then a 29gal. Bigger is better (and more expensive) when it comes to SW tanks. Smaller tanks can be kept with a high degree of success if you remain vigilant to water parameters.

 

[roka64]

WOW! That is incredible!

 

[Sadielynn]

Doggone that is comming along nicely ..... I wish I had my 2 back but I swapped it with the 7gmb... which means more corals for me

 

[vsnsofadrgn]

looks great!!!!

 

[lando]

THANKS!

 

[roka64]

Is that a yellow watchman goby?

 

[Sadielynn]

Looks like a little clown goby

 

[blazeyreef]

cute little clown!
oh how I would love to do somthing like this!

 

[Esra]

I'm looking at setting up something like this.
I know smaller is harder but i prefer to jump right in, learn the tricks and then move onto a bigger tank.

Can't wait now after seeing your tank!

 

[squawkbert]

I've been thinking about converting my minibow kind of like this - very nice!