2.5gal Pico Reef Questions

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zpromoter

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Jun 15, 2009
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Ok, so before I post any of my questions here, I would like to say that this tank is a for sure go. Please do not try and talk me out of it, or talk me into a larger tank. I know that small tanks are extremely hard to manage, that is the reason that i want to keep this tank.

I'll post how I was going to set up this tank, Please feel free to make corrections as needed.

Here is the setup:
2.5gallon Acrylic Hex Tank
Mini Heater 15watt Link for heater below
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3743+12087&pcatid=12087
4 lbs live sand
3 lbs live rock

Ok so my main questions reside on the heater and the source of filtration for now. I figured that 4 lbs of live sand would give me a deeper sand bed for the extra filtration but I would still like to run a hob. I was thinking this Azoo Palm Filter http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+9821&pcatid=9821 I figured that since it filters at 16gph that it would be enough extra filtration for the tank. The other option that I could go with is the Aquaclear 20. I have never used the aquaclears before so what kind of flow adjustment do they have?

The heater. I like the one that I have posted above but I am unsure if they are a good heater that is going to keep steady temps. I am running a 50w tetra submersible heater on the tank right now(still is being used as betta tank) With an open top it keeps the water at a steady 76-77F. I am afraid that when I seal the top and make it more of a closed system that those temps will raise up a lot. So any suggestions on a nano heater?

As for lighting, the tank is less than a foot tall and I would like to utilize the original hood fixture that came with the tank. This means that at most I can run a 10 watt 50/50 compact flourscent bulb. I am going to re-do the reflector so more of the light gets into the tank. Is this going to be enough lighting for low light corals?

Thanks a lot for your time and answers. I'll keep everyone updated as the process continues!
 
that sounds like a lot of sand for such a small tank, i wouldnt reccomend more than an inch of sand

hob filters in sw tanks are just for flow/running media like carbon, you dont need a pad in there because that will actually trap debis that will make your nitrates rise, i would go with a small aquaclear, they have large baskets that will give you slightly more water and fairly adjustable flow

that is a pretty sleek filter but i would be wary without a thermostat, hydor theo is a nifty little heater but not as sleek as that one.

your lighting is a bit on the low end, ive seen tanks that small get 18 watts to keep low light corals
 
I think AC20 is probably better choice. I am running AC70 with my 3 gallon pico, but I think the flow is too strong. You can adjust the flow by adjusting the position of intake tube or switching the impeller to a smaller model. I am sure you have researched already, but since you have live rock and sand, you don't need a hob for actual filtration. I keep chemipure elite, some filter floss and chaeto in my hob to help keep water clean. Some people actually do not run any hob, only run a powerhead for circulation.
For a heater, I think most people use 25w stealth heater since it is small and reliable unit, so they can keep it in the hob. I have a cheap petco heater in my hob. I also have a closed top, but unless the weather gets too warm, the temp seems pretty stable.
For lighting, 10 watt should be okay for low light corals. I run 18 watt and keep soft corals and some lps, and my corals seem to like it. Although the color seems a bit dull not as vibrant as when I picked them up at the LFS, so I am thinking about upgrading to MH or LED. Pico tanks are very small, so when it comes to picking up a proper light, you don't really have many choices other than PCs.

If you haven't read this guide yet, please read it through. It helped me a lot when I set up mine. I hope you enjoy your pico reef just like I do.
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=180570
 
I just took a look at the hood that came with it. I can modify the hood to fit 2 compact cfls in there. That would bring the total lighting up to 20 watts. Will this be a decent amount of light for low light corals?

I plan on using two of the Coralife 50/50 cfls. Anyone had any experience with these bulbs?

I'll cut back on the sand a little as well. I was thinking maybe only like 2.5lbs of sand. That should give it the inch that I am looking for.

As for the filter, I know that the pad is not needed but what do you all put in the filter chamber. I have seen people putting small live rock chunks in the chamber. Is this a good way of adding extra filtration? I decided against a powerhead so that I could have the extra water and still a good amount of flow.
 
dinosue said:
I think AC20 is probably better choice. I am running AC70 with my 3 gallon pico, but I think the flow is too strong. You can adjust the flow by adjusting the position of intake tube or switching the impeller to a smaller model. I am sure you have researched already, but since you have live rock and sand, you don't need a hob for actual filtration. I keep chemipure elite, some filter floss and chaeto in my hob to help keep water clean. Some people actually do not run any hob, only run a powerhead for circulation.
For a heater, I think most people use 25w stealth heater since it is small and reliable unit, so they can keep it in the hob. I have a cheap petco heater in my hob. I also have a closed top, but unless the weather gets too warm, the temp seems pretty stable.
For lighting, 10 watt should be okay for low light corals. I run 18 watt and keep soft corals and some lps, and my corals seem to like it. Although the color seems a bit dull not as vibrant as when I picked them up at the LFS, so I am thinking about upgrading to MH or LED. Pico tanks are very small, so when it comes to picking up a proper light, you don't really have many choices other than PCs.

If you haven't read this guide yet, please read it through. It helped me a lot when I set up mine. I hope you enjoy your pico reef just like I do.
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=180570
Click to expand...

Thanks for the great advice. I am reading the guide right now. It has a lot of great information! Thanks
 
I also looked into the lighting situation that I have. I would like to upgrade the tank lighting to LED's now that I have looked into them. I found some relatively cheap LED's but I don't know much about this kind of lighting. I'll post a link to the lighting. Can someone please tell me how many of these I am going to need?

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/3666/product.web
 
zpromoter said:
I also looked into the lighting situation that I have. I would like to upgrade the tank lighting to LED's now that I have looked into them. I found some relatively cheap LED's but I don't know much about this kind of lighting. I'll post a link to the lighting. Can someone please tell me how many of these I am going to need?

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/3666/product.web
Click to expand...

If you google this light, most of them say that it is good for moon lighting, but not for growing corals. You need around 10-15w high power LED lightings to grow corals in pico, which usually cost more than $100 unless you DIY. What I have been thinking to get is this.
http://www.nanotuners.com/product_info.php?cPath=74&products_id=623
You can also try MH but they tend to heat up too much, which is fatal to a small set up. Unless you are planning to keep sps or clams, PC lighting should be fine.

If you are just looking to find a moon light, you can easily find a single LED lamp around 10 bucks.
 
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