Scott's 4 gallon pico reef build

[jumbaaa]

I just started following this... I think i convinced my boss to let me have on at my desk at work if i set one up for him too lol
quick question.... What fixture are you using for your bulb?

 

[scottayy]

More rock will give me more room for coral! Especially SPS closer to the light if I decide to do that, and more room for bacteria to break down fish waste.

I don't think water quality will be an issue unless one adds a large fish not meant for small tanks.. or a messy fish. The issue will be crowding the fish and stressing him out. Like, I wouldn't put a clownfish in here for sure. But a clown goby, firefish, watchman goby, etc all meant for 10 gallons would probably be fine.

The stray voltage thing isn't as easy for me lol. I think the outlets in my house are not grounded. I'm going to be checking them soon.

Nice to know you got an evolve 4, too! Did you have problems with it like I did initially?

 

[scottayy]

I just started following this... I think i convinced my boss to let me have on at my desk at work if i set one up for him too lol
quick question.... What fixture are you using for your bulb?

Dude.. awesomeeee! I believe it's called a "reef clamp fixture". Bearchumjs sent it to me but it's like $30 online.

EDIT| quick google: http://www.ocreef.com/reef_clamp_lamp_for_par30_and_par38_lights_1 they can be found cheaper though

 

[Bearchumjs]

It's a boost led fixture.


http://www.boostled.com/products/reef-lamp-lamp-clamp

 

[CleverBs]

It's a boost led fixture.


Reef Lamp Clamp by BoostLED

That's actually a misconception that more rock will allow more bacteria. Gavin 2 lbs of rock or 10 makes no difference. The bacteria will be there if it has food to fuel itself regardless of the amount of space. We are talking about microscopic organisums. They don't need a lot of free space.

 

[Bearchumjs]

Are you going to test today? You need too! You need something living in that tank. Stinky, the rotting silverside, just isn't gonna cut it!

 

[scottayy]

I will test tonight!

 

[CleverBs]

I will test tonight!

Good luck!

I want my tank to cycle so bad!

 

[scottayy]

.25 ammonia
0 nitrite
>160 nitrates

bout there. a couple more days to be sure.

 

[Bearchumjs]

.25 ammonia
0 nitrite
>160 nitrates

bout there. a couple more days to be sure.

That's a boat load of nitrates! LOL! You're so close!

 

[scottayy]

I know, I'd be mad if I wasn't so busy lately lol. Taking forever!

 

[Beengirl]

Hey! How's the cycle goin?? Any progress? Is it done?

 

[scottayy]

Yes, I am cycled now.

Just need to do a big PWC and head to the pet store.

 

[Bearchumjs]

Yes, I am cycled now.

Just need to do a big PWC and head to the pet store.

Hooray!!!! So glad you are cycled!

You need to do like... A 100% pwc! Lol! Your nitrates were through the roof!

 

[scottayy]

Yeah. I'm probably going to do two 80% water changes. Salt is in the tote mixing right now. I also just put my light on a timer.

It's getting real.

 

[Bearchumjs]

Yeah. I'm probably going to do two 80% water changes. Salt is in the tote mixing right now. I also just put my light on a timer.

It's getting real.

It's getting real awesome!!

I can't wait to see what you get for it first!

 

[scottayy]

I did my two back to back water changes. Nitrates are at 2, ammonia and nitrate at 0. I'll stop by the pet shop today or tomorrow.

 

[Beengirl]

Getting excited to see what ya get!!

Post pics please!!

 

[scottayy]

The 2 nitrates were bothering me (hey, i've never had 0 nitrates, lol) so I did another 80% water change.

It looks good now (lights are way brighter than this picture shows):

I mounted my moonlights to the lid of the tank. It came out quite nicely. In this picture, the lights are way DIMMER than the picture shows. It's quite a nice mellow moonlight effect. Got that on my timer as well.

And I made this thingy. Sponge, straw, super glue. Some people call me the king of DIY!

Anyways, today is the day I go to the pet store if I don't sleep all day. Looking forward to picking something up and getting some life in the tank!

 

[Beengirl]

Okay, I've been up all night at work and I'm pretty tired, so forgive my stupidity. But what's the straw/sponge thing for? I got kinda lost on that one. Is it gonna be an airstone kinda thing? To use for cleaning? Just asking cuz who knows- maybe I want one too!! Lol