Pico Experience?

I’ve seen a lot of beautiful Pico tanks and I was wondering what everyones experience on them is?

I’ve been debating a tank in my office for a while, but based on how much we move, and the hassle associated with water/water changes, I’ve never realistically considered. Plus I share my office with a couple others, so it couldn’t be something big anyway.

However, I realize that, apart from the light (which I know is kinda a big deal, haha) I have everything I need to make a 2.5 Pico Reef.

The Plan:

I’d throw on a fairly large HOB filter (which is sitting in my closet now…). This would provide extra water volume, as well as be a place for putting filterfloss, Live Rock and/or chemi-pure elite. In addition, all the flow from the tank would come from this. I don't think I'd make it a fuge as I'd prefer to not have the complexity of an additional light. I also already have a heater, which I would either through in there, or in the tank itself.

I’d make a gravity fed ATO with a hamster waterbottle. I’m hoping this would provide atleast a weeks worth of top off water.

I would have a gallon of RODI water (made @ home) on hand, and would also haul in a gallon (or maybe a liter?) of pre-mixed saltwater for water changes.

I’d either go BB, or have a tiny layer of sand, mainly for looks. Inhabitants would be simple coral (Shrooms, Xenia, GSP, Zoa, Ric) and a small CuC to start. Maybe add a larger, reef safe, invert if things are going well. I plan on not having a fish because I want as small of bioload as possible.

Does this sound like a reasonable/realistic plan, or am I setting myself up for failure with this? Does anyone have experience with a tank this size?

Right now, the only saltwater tank I have dealt with was my 28 gallon that is currently set up. My biggest concern would be dealing with leaving the tank for a week at a time when I go on vacation. Though, one of the guys I work with has had a saltwater tank in the past, so I’m sure he could watch over it if need be.

Also, for lighting, I was thinking of going with a single par-38 bulb on a timer. Depends what my options are, especially around price, as I’d like this set up to be cheap and simple. Ideally, I'd like it to be something more self contained, but I don't see many other options!

 

sounds like a plan! could i suggest a slightly larger tank? i have a marineland 5 gallon minibow and it makes a great pico tank. very clean look as well. i also love the look of the cadlights mini series. but your tank will do great.

 

I say go for it! Sounds solid.

 

THe problem with small work tanks is that you usually aren't around for top offs and isssues on your days off. So plan a good ATO.

 

I'm pretty set on not going over this size because I want it to be EXTREMELY easy to fill, and move. That's a huge part of the requirements for this to work!

 

Also, if I am looking at LEDs how do I know what would work for a reef tank of this nature.

For example, would a couple of these work: LED Mini aquarium light w/dimmer + moonlight [B2W1156] - $34.99 : CAD Lights, Thinking outside the cube or would they be too much like something for fish only/refugiums?

 

If you've got the money I'd do a AI sol nano. My lfs has one on a 3 gallon.

 

I wish! lol. Trying to keep it as cheap as possible

 

Its doable, the small water volume just means you have to be a bit more vigilant to small changes. I've sucessfully kept a 6 gall fluval edge for close to 2 years now? something like that and its survived an earth quake, and 2 power outages (due to severe storm weather, whole state was practically out) just takes diligence but it pays off picos can be really amazing.

Best wishes!

 

definately do-able IMO. You might want to look at the Innovative Marine 4g Nuvo tank. Comes with the LED light and is set up like the nano tanks (filter section in the back)

I have debated bringing my 4g to work and setting it up there. However you do need to consider a few things. As you know, the smaller the tank the harder it is to keep stable. Easier chance to have problems but it sounds like you have planned for it.

The thing that is keeping me from setting up my tank is because of concern over temperature swings. You need to check to make sure that the heater/air remains on overnight and doesnt get kicked down or turned off. My old office would turn the heat off overnight. These swings can wipe out a small tank quickly