5 Gallon Pico tank?

I'm finally ready to take my somewhat first steps into the salty side of things. After Christmas I will be setting up a larger reef tank, but that's not what this thread is about. I currently have a Marineland 5 gallon portrait contour tank that I would like to convert into a saltwater tank. I know that smaller tanks are much harder to maintain and balance but I will be taking my courses online from home again (covid sucks) so I will have nothing but time and I don't mind the challenge. I'm also not overly worried about keeping the parameters too perfect because I would like to do a planted marine tank with an assortment of macroalgae (I'm not keeping caulerpa so there's not too much worry of things going sexual)- and the macroalgae should help with keeping the tank conditions ideal. I also don't plan to keep any fish in this tank because it's just too small, I'm much more interested in doing an invert tank with some hermits and maybe a shrimp and snails. If I do ever decide to do a coral I'd probably just stick with zoas, although a gorgonian would be cool but I've heard they're near impossible to keep by beginners so I'll probably stay away from them. I am also aware that macroalgae require nutrients to be supplemented similar to freshwater plants and I've done research on what I will need for that. So now its question time!
My first question is if this is even feasible with that tank? If so how would I need to change the filter setup if I even need to at all?
What are some components I will need to add?
If I end up putting coral in this tank one day what are some good lights for a tank this size?
Does anyone have an experience with macroalgae?
The current pump in the tank can create a very strong current, would that be ideal as to creating moderate flow in the tank or would I need a small wave maker?
So far I have a lot of the supplies I'd need because of the other tank I'm setting up like the test kits, refractometer, and salt mix. So I would love to know if this is a feasible project. Thanks for any advice or input!

 

Your only issue will be salinity swings from evaporation. Fill the tank and mark the full line. Daily you will need to top off back to that line with rodi water. For a 5 gallon tank you could get many lights. Ai prime, kessil a80 for more expensive. I would look into the reefbreeders pico it's supposed to be good for 12x12 for softies and lps. I have the reefbreeders photon v2 and love it.
Macros can be tough. You will need some nutrients for it to grow. I have sea lettuce that is growing like crazy but it spreads to my display so I'm thinking about getting rid of it.
For the filter you really only need some form of mechanical filtration like ply-fil the rocks will carry most of the biological filtration. I would think a good filter will be enough flow for a 5 gallon. But I would look to up size the filter to get a good 40-50 gph flow.
Equipment for both would be a refractometer, rodi system, alkalinity test and calcium test. My auto top off is my favorite piece of equipment that I have. No topping off

 

I'm finally ready to take my somewhat first steps into the salty side of things. After Christmas I will be setting up a larger reef tank, but that's not what this thread is about. I currently have a Marineland 5 gallon portrait contour tank that I would like to convert into a saltwater tank. I know that smaller tanks are much harder to maintain and balance but I will be taking my courses online from home again (covid sucks) so I will have nothing but time and I don't mind the challenge. I'm also not overly worried about keeping the parameters too perfect because I would like to do a planted marine tank with an assortment of macroalgae (I'm not keeping caulerpa so there's not too much worry of things going sexual)- and the macroalgae should help with keeping the tank conditions ideal. I also don't plan to keep any fish in this tank because it's just too small, I'm much more interested in doing an invert tank with some hermits and maybe a shrimp and snails. If I do ever decide to do a coral I'd probably just stick with zoas, although a gorgonian would be cool but I've heard they're near impossible to keep by beginners so I'll probably stay away from them. I am also aware that macroalgae require nutrients to be supplemented similar to freshwater plants and I've done research on what I will need for that. So now its question time!
My first question is if this is even feasible with that tank? If so how would I need to change the filter setup if I even need to at all?
What are some components I will need to add?
If I end up putting coral in this tank one day what are some good lights for a tank this size?
Does anyone have an experience with macroalgae?
The current pump in the tank can create a very strong current, would that be ideal as to creating moderate flow in the tank or would I need a small wave maker?
So far I have a lot of the supplies I'd need because of the other tank I'm setting up like the test kits, refractometer, and salt mix. So I would love to know if this is a feasible project. Thanks for any advice or input!

Was just chatting with a reefer yesterday with a really awesome setup in the marineland portrait! It's absolutely doable. Basically you'll want to empty the filter of any media and replace with more appropriate for saltwater stuff. The tank I was looking at uses filter floss and activated carbon. But for my pico, I'm choosing not to use any filtration besides live rock. We'll see how that goes, for me lol.

As for adding components, you're going to want to replace the light. I only ever grew very low light freshwater plants under the stock LED, so you're going to want to switch to something more advanced, even just for macroalgae. I believe a planted tank light will do the trick for macros, but would be a stretch for coral. So if you do intend to put a coral or two in down the line, plan for that.

I remember the stock pump having decent flow (it was my first betta tank), but not sure on the gph. If your turnover is around 20x or more, you should be fine without additional water movement. EDIT: I take it back, the portrait build I'm talking about has an additional powerhead.

That's all I can speak to of the questions you've asked, but if you've got the testing stuff and salt, and all the basic gear anyway, I say go for it! It sounds like a fun project. I'm actually really regretting giving my portrait to a friend now, cause I wanna turn it into a pico reef now that I'm getting into tiny saltwater tanks.

 

Was just chatting with a reefer yesterday with a really awesome setup in the marineland portrait! It's absolutely doable. Basically you'll want to empty the filter of any media and replace with more appropriate for saltwater stuff. The tank I was looking at uses filter floss and activated carbon. But for my pico, I'm choosing not to use any filtration besides live rock. We'll see how that goes, for me lol.

As for adding components, you're going to want to replace the light. I only ever grew very low light freshwater plants under the stock LED, so you're going to want to switch to something more advanced, even just for macroalgae. I believe a planted tank light will do the trick for macros, but would be a stretch for coral. So if you do intend to put a coral or two in down the line, plan for that.

I remember the stock pump having decent flow (it was my first betta tank), but not sure on the gph. If your turnover is around 20x or more, you should be fine without additional water movement. EDIT: I take it back, the portrait build I'm talking about has an additional powerhead.

That's all I can speak to of the questions you've asked, but if you've got the testing stuff and salt, and all the basic gear anyway, I say go for it! It sounds like a fun project. I'm actually really regretting giving my portrait to a friend now, cause I wanna turn it into a pico reef now that I'm getting into tiny saltwater tanks.

Wow! So other people have used this tank for saltwater too! Thats definitely a relief to hear because now I know its doable.
I'll have to do some research on good saltwater medias, I do also plan on having some live rock in the tank.
When I get back home tonight I'll have to pull out the pump and look at what it says for gph exactly, and then Ill post an update. But you do think I'll need an additional powerhead regardless?
Also yeah I figured I'd have to replace the light but that's no big deal, my aunt hates Christmas shopping so she just hands us all a wad of cash on Christmas- so I'll just tell her thanks for my new light lolll.

 

Like I said look at the reefbreeders pico light about 60$ and it will do low light corals at a good price! Keep us posted

 

Wow! So other people have used this tank for saltwater too! Thats definitely a relief to hear because now I know its doable.

For sure! More than a few people, I'd bet. That and the 3 gallon version are really affordable and decent all in one systems. They need a little modification to perform like top of the line aio setups, but that's ok! I like customization.

I'll have to do some research on good saltwater medias, I do also plan on having some live rock in the tank.

Eventually, any rock you add to the tank will be "live", so just make sure you're adding enough to the scape. I'm sure you know this if you're setting up a larger system too and already in the process, but you want enough rock to act as the main source of biological filtration. Plenty of systems run on rock only for the filtration, but it needs to be fully colonized with beneficial bacteria so the tank is cycled.

When I get back home tonight I'll have to pull out the pump and look at what it says for gph exactly, and then Ill post an update. But you do think I'll need an additional powerhead regardless?

I think that depends on the corals you end up going with. Some prefer higher flow, some lower. Let's see what the gph is first and then figure it out from there.

Also yeah I figured I'd have to replace the light but that's no big deal, my aunt hates Christmas shopping so she just hands us all a wad of cash on Christmas- so I'll just tell her thanks for my new light lolll.

Ugh god bless your aunt. I didn't plan for it, but starting my build so that the cycle will be done around christmas has been a heck of a boon lol. I'd definitely look into the light rcslade is recommending. I went with the nicrew 30watt reef light, but it's new and pretty unproven. I don't regret it - yet - but we'll see if I change my tune when I add coral.

 

Like I said look at the reefbreeders pico light about 60$ and it will do low light corals at a good price! Keep us posted

I just went to their website and they have a pico light for display refugiums which says its meant for ornamental macroalgae! Thank you for the suggestion! I now know which light I'm getting!
EDIT: I'm now wondering if it would be best to get the macro light or just the plain saltwater light, I was hoping you could weigh in with some advice.

 

I would get the plain saltwater light. Should be enough power to grow macros also. It will just not have the reds. But it will grow the macros I would think

 

UPDATE
The GPH on the pump it comes with says it is adjustable between 35-50. So I will probably have to replace the pump as well I'm thinking, or add a small powerhead/wave maker.

 

Yes I would agree. 35-50 is what it's rated at but in use will be a little less. Key is to have enough flow to keep things suspended without causing a sand storm. Trust me the balance is tough. I move my wave makers around and front two corners are bare. Ugh so another move coming

 

Yes I would agree. 35-50 is what it's rated at but in use will be a little less. Key is to have enough flow to keep things suspended without causing a sand storm. Trust me the balance is tough. I move my wave makers around and front two corners are bare. Ugh so another move coming

I'm sure I'll be struggling to find a balance too lol. I did hear though that attaching a spray bar to the return end of the pump helps create a good multidirectional flow that won't disrupt things too much- I have no idea if this works though- I might give it a try

 

Any updates on this build yet? I'm super interested!

 

UPDATE!!!
So update time! I was away from the internet while I finalized my grad applications which was mad stressful; but in the midst of all that I set up the tank and it has been cycling for over a week now! I have decided on pursuing a mixed reef with some ornamental macroalgae and corals.
Equipment: -Reefbreeders pico saltwater light
-Aquaneat 160-660 gph pump
-Digital thermometer (not in tank currently- I've been moving it around my tanks cuz I think
its neat)

Hardscape: 6lbs of live rock, oolitic aragonite sand, 1 ounce live sand
I decided to go the live rock route instead of dry after talking to the guy at my local saltwater store, he knows what's in his rock and I trust him.

Hitchhikers (so far! They honestly excite me so much): Asterina, chiton, brittle serpent star, various small featherduster worms, peanut worms, ball anemones (which is actually a little mini coral), copepods, and possibly a baby peppermint shrimp.- Now I know some of these are considered pests but for now I am enjoying them!
I have been doing water tests every other day and currently in a spike but that's to be expected, I think it'll be at least two-three more weeks till it'll be ready for any stocking.
Heres some pics!

 

Asterinas will likely eat Zoanthids if you ever get them but if you avoid Zoanthids and Soft Corals they don't really do much harm and are actually useful clean up crew. If you notice the numbers going crazy then you just cull the population a bit and you are good to go for a while. I have had them in my LPS reef for a couple of years now with no real issues.

 

UPDATE!!!
So update time! I was away from the internet while I finalized my grad applications which was mad stressful; but in the midst of all that I set up the tank and it has been cycling for over a week now! I have decided on pursuing a mixed reef with some ornamental macroalgae and corals.
Equipment: -Reefbreeders pico saltwater light
-Aquaneat 160-660 gph pump
-Digital thermometer (not in tank currently- I've been moving it around my tanks cuz I think
its neat)

Hardscape: 6lbs of live rock, oolitic aragonite sand, 1 ounce live sand
I decided to go the live rock route instead of dry after talking to the guy at my local saltwater store, he knows what's in his rock and I trust him.

Hitchhikers (so far! They honestly excite me so much): Asterina, chiton, brittle serpent star, various small featherduster worms, peanut worms, ball anemones (which is actually a little mini coral), copepods, and possibly a baby peppermint shrimp.- Now I know some of these are considered pests but for now I am enjoying them!
I have been doing water tests every other day and currently in a spike but that's to be expected, I think it'll be at least two-three more weeks till it'll be ready for any stocking.
Heres some pics!
View attachment 760057View attachment 760058

The scape looks AWESOME! I am seriously kicking myself for giving away my portrait tank now lol. Exciting hitch hikers too! I can't wait to see more

 

Time for another Update I guess.
So, for the negatives, an algae bloom has begun and an aiptasia anemone has decided to rear its ugly head. For now I am decreasing the period the lights are on to combat the algae- its very thread like brown/green stuff in clumps on the glass. As for the aiptasia I am waiting for an aiptasia eliminator kit from Red Sea in the mail which was recommended to me from the shop I bought the live rock from. I am hopeful I can treat this fast because I have read so many horror stories online and I don't want to have to start over.

For the positives, some of the red coralline algae is spreading which I'm happy about because its a gorgeous color. I have also added some macro algae in the. hopes that might help with the cycle.

I do have a question though: how often should I be doing water changes on a tank this small while its cycling? I am currently doing two water changes a week and I plan to switch to once a week when the cycle establishes.
Thanks to anyone who's reading this!

 

Time for another Update I guess.
So, for the negatives, an algae bloom has begun and an aiptasia anemone has decided to rear its ugly head. For now I am decreasing the period the lights are on to combat the algae- its very thread like brown/green stuff in clumps on the glass. As for the aiptasia I am waiting for an aiptasia eliminator kit from Red Sea in the mail which was recommended to me from the shop I bought the live rock from. I am hopeful I can treat this fast because I have read so many horror stories online and I don't want to have to start over.

For the positives, some of the red coralline algae is spreading which I'm happy about because its a gorgeous color. I have also added some macro algae in the. hopes that might help with the cycle.

I do have a question though: how often should I be doing water changes on a tank this small while its cycling? I am currently doing two water changes a week and I plan to switch to once a week when the cycle establishes.
Thanks to anyone who's reading this!

ahhhhh y'all are giving me aiptasia anxiety! I wouldn't worry too much about the algae. the tank's gotta balance itself out.

If you bought the LR from an LFS and it didn't need any curing, I don't think you'll need too many water changes. Where are you at in the cycle? is there ammonia present?

 

ahhhhh y'all are giving me aiptasia anxiety! I wouldn't worry too much about the algae. the tank's gotta balance itself out.

If you bought the LR from an LFS and it didn't need any curing, I don't think you'll need too many water changes. Where are you at in the cycle? is there ammonia present?

I think Aiptasia in the salt world is like pest snails in freshwater world.. Chances are its going to happen someday. Just be armed with something to kill it and continue on. I haven't had aiptasia show up in my fowlr tank with my green spotted puffer.. and started another tank, and immediately one popped out in the new tank. Just how it works I guess.

 

ahhhhh y'all are giving me aiptasia anxiety! I wouldn't worry too much about the algae. the tank's gotta balance itself out.

If you bought the LR from an LFS and it didn't need any curing, I don't think you'll need too many water changes. Where are you at in the cycle? is there ammonia present?

Currently my test kit can't detect any ammonia but my nitrates just won't go down for some reason the past three days. There was a day a week ago where I had .1 ammonia but that was after I threw in a whole block of frozen mysis shrimp. I'm not sure where in the cycle I am to be honest, its been cycling for over three weeks now. I'd greatly appreciate some advice!

 

Currently my test kit can't detect any ammonia but my nitrates just won't go down for some reason the past three days. There was a day a week ago where I had .1 ammonia but that was after I threw in a whole block of frozen mysis shrimp. I'm not sure where in the cycle I am to be honest, its been cycling for over three weeks now. I'd greatly appreciate some advice!

Doy ou mean your nitrites won't go down. If you mean nitrates, they will only be taken out in tiny amounts by bacteria (Not enough) or plants, which if you have enough you can get rid of them without wc. But the bacteria alone won't do it, you need to do wc for nitrates, without plants.

 

Doy ou mean your nitrites won't go down. If you mean nitrates, they will only be taken out in tiny amounts by bacteria (Not enough) or plants, which if you have enough you can get rid of them without wc. But the bacteria alone won't do it, you need to do wc for nitrates, without plants.

No, my nitrites are undetectable. I do need to get my nitrates down to make the tank safe for corals though and water changes have not seemed to have any effect in lowering them. I added macroalgaes to help reduce them but they are still new to the tank so I haven't seen any changes yet.