Jfran's Pico Tank

Hello all,

I decided to start a build thread on my new Saltwater pico tank. I have boldly started a pico tank so to be able to take something with me when I depart for college. Allow me to explain everything so far.

The tank is an Eclipse System 3. It is an all in one system meaning the filter is part of the hood. So this leads me to discuss the hardware position:

Hardware:
Eclipse System 3
35 gph filtering with biowheel
Retrofitted cartridge so I can replace floss more often than activated carbon
50W Aqueon Heater
Thermometer
Fluval Sea Hydrometer
F6 T5 daylight fluorescent light
2.6 pounds of live rock (cured/reef ready, not covered in decaying matter)
RO/DI pre-mixed saltwater from LFS
Lighthouse pool filter sand

Pictures:









Planned hardware:
Refractometer (need something more precise than the hydrometer)
Powerhead (need more flow)
Test Kits (mine are kinda old and crappy and are only for ammonia and nitrate)
Another heater to help with water changes

Software:
79 degrees F stable
1.0225 SG
0 ppm Ammonia
0 ppm Nitrite
5 ppm Nitrate
pH (not sure, need to buy alkalinity test or high range pH test)
Magnesium (need test)
Calcium (need test)

Livestock:
1 emerald crab
2 hermit crabs

Planned livestock:
Corals (need better light, powerhead, test kits, etc)
Shrimp of undetermined kind open to suggestions
Snails of undetermined kind open to suggestions
Macro algae perhaps (unless recommended against, I just think they will help with nitrates, phosphorus, etc)
1 goby of some kind???????? (Far down road if I become pico pro)

I have a lot to learn in terms of water changes (how much every week, how to match SG and temp, siphon substrate or not...and how, how often to change carbon/floss, etc ) and in terms of topping off (is it really that bad to TO with treated tap, should it be daily, etc)

This is my first Saltwater tank and I know it's a challenging one, but I think I'm up to it (maybe my wallet's not). Please bear with me, and help this stumbling new guy out. If I'm missing any information, let me know. Right now I'm just asking for some advice on how to proceed. Thanks!

 

Wow awesome little tank. I have a ton of respect for people running pico tanks especially ones that are matured tanks. Looks like you're on the right path. I'd suggest for test kits to use salifert or red sea. Ato is a daily must especially in a tank this size. I'd suggest saving up and buying an ato. Salinity swings in a tank this size could be a killer. Macro algae IMO won't do much in a tank this size but I could be wrong. If you do get some id get some dragons breath or something thatd look nice. Good luck and don't forget to just have fun with the hobby

 

Thanks! It is so fun isn't it?
I do plan on getting an ATO soon. It seems wise.

 

Over the last two days this algae or diatoms or something (the brown/green smudge) has appeared in my front glass. Does it signal any imbalance? Solution?

Also, the tiny white dots seem to be some sort of copepod. Good? Bad? What's the deal?

 

Check out
Hitchhikers Guide to Your Aquarium! for reference, but both are a good sign however when cycling the tank keep lights down and reduce phosphate where possible to stop the brown from covering the entire tank.

 

Ok! Thanks. My cycling is done. How do I remove the brown from the glass without killing the pods?

 

You can use a glass scraper unless plastic tank then probably best to lightly swish before scrubbing but some may perish. Once your cleanup crew are in they should also help.