Mike's 3 gallon Pico - LEDs installed (Update 3/16)

I've had this 3 gallon FW tank lying around for a while that I used to use for FW fry. My pygmy angel has started going on a rampage and has been nipping at my trachy and my new clam. I decided to turn this tank into a little hospital reef for my angel victims.

I'm prepared for the challenge of keeping the params in check, especially with my crocea clam in there. I decided to keep it bare bottom to help with maintenance and I've wanted to try it out to see how I like it. I put in a piece of LR from my nano and a piece of extra dry rock I had.

Right now I just have the rim and in tank filter setup going. Haven't decided if I want to ditch it and go with the Hydro pico powerhead or just keep it as is. I eventually plan to have a group of sexy shrimp in here.

My Rapid LEDs were shipped today so I will be doing that build this weekend hopefully. I decided to go with 5 LEDs in total.

2 x Cool White
1 x Royal Blue
1 x Blue
1 x UV

Since this pico sits on my desk, hanging it from the ceiling was not an option and the tank is a weird bow front shape. The sides taper and it would have most likely been a pain to put together some kind of heat sink legs that sat on the rim of the tank.

My wandering through Lowes ended up with this as a final product. I basically just assembled PVC pipe into a stand and bought two wire locks to hold the LED heatsink.

Here are some pics. Will post some more once I get the LEDs up and transfer my livestock.





Here is what the heat sink hanger looks like. Cost me just under $20 in parts.

 

nice

 

Thanks guys

Can't wait to get the LEDs done.

 

LEDs arrived =] Time to get working

 

Yeah, I was waiting for this, Mike!! Lets get it started, and take a bunch of pics!

 

All set up =]

These things are bright. Was seeing spots after I tested them with a battery.

Here are the pics. I still need to get a saw and cut slits in the top PVC to anchor in the hangers, but it works for now. They look great, but I wish I only went with one CW and got an extra RB. Maybe Ill switch them out when I order the supplies for my nano's build.

Still need to test the water and see if it is okay to transfer my livestock over.

 

That was fast and looking good bro! Do those pics represent the real color in person?

 

Thank you

Pretty close in person, a little more white if anything. Ill take a picture once the clam opens up.

 

Looks good, but is it just 5?

 

Thank you

Sorry, forgot to saw how many I used.

5 LEDs in total

2 x Cool White
1 x Royal Blue
1 x Blue
1 x UV (410-420nm)