2g Spec, Pico Reef Build

I had to postpone my plans for a 40B reef for a while. I'm still planning on setting it up but probably not for at least another year. I am still itching to try a SW setup though and I have seen a lot of threads around for spec pico reefs and am thinking about giving it a shot with mine. I know that a lot of people will say that a bigger tank is better since it's my first marine tank, and it probably is. However, I don't have the money or space for a large tank right now.
I'm not planning on having too much in the tank. Maybe some mushrooms and zoas for corals and I was thinking either a shrimp of some sort or a goby as well. I don't know that many sw fish and inverts though so any suggestions on what would work in a tank this small would be appreciated.

From what I've been reading so far I will definitely need to upgrade the light. I pulled a few suggestions from threads I found on google. Let me know if any of them would be fine or any other suggestions. I'd like to keep the fixture cost around or under $40.
http://www.amazon.com/LCL-60-Finnex...CS/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_2?tag=5336653614-20
http://www.amazon.com/AquaTop-36-LE...CG/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_1?tag=5336653614-20
http://www.amazon.com/AquaTop-21-LE...80/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_1?tag=5336653614-20

I think my first step is going to be some filter mods which can be seen here:
http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/266826-fluval-spec-with-custom-leds/page-3
Also, I'm not sure exactly what I should put in the back compartment for filtration? Is the stock pump in the spec suitable for corals or would that need to be upgraded as well?

TL1000RSquid said:

I'd probably go with the finnex light. Whats the output on the stock pump? 2g I would just stick to invert's, sexy shrimp, pompom crab, couple hermits and snails.

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I believe it is 40gph.

greech said:

No idea how many watts those are, couldn't tell. My guess those bulbs are being pushed at a 1/2 watt or less If you are planning for much more that shrooms as corals I would not waste my money. Read a couple of quick reviews and it sounds like some fixtures don't last long. Understood on trying to keep costs down but I honestly don't think you will be happy with either of these. A PAR30 or Par38 bulb would be perfect if you can up the lighting costs a little ($70 to $80). You could keep any coral you wanted with one of those and all you would need is a standard light fixture (desk lamp) that accepts those bulbs. Worth the extra if you want corals.

Check boost led and other LED retailers online. May even find a used one.

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I'm not really looking to spend quite that much on the light. I don't really have much interest in LPS or SPS for this tank. Just zoas and mushrooms, which I understood to be the more forgiving as far as light conditions. If you don't think there is any fixture under $50 that could support just those two types without issues then I may hold off on this as well.

TL1000RSquid said:

I take it you already have the Spec 2g? Most of the cheap clamp on LED's are flimsy, but I've had decent luck with the Finnex stuff in the past. I don't know if Aqueon sells the clip on LED's use on the Evolve 8 system but if they do my friend was growing shrooms and low light stuff with the stock bulb in his Evolve. Also coralife sells a mini t5 fixture for $50 it has 2 9" bulbs, but I think its like 12" wide probably to big for a 2g setup.

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Yup, I already have the spec. However, if I can't find any decent priced fixtures for the spec I may look into an evolve 4 or 8. It looks like I could find one for $60-80. If the fixture can supports shrooms and zoas then the extra space and fixture may make it worth the price for me. Maybe I could even keep that goby in an evolve? I think the pump on the evolve 4 and 8 is also stronger, 100gph if I remember correctly.