Drift Monkey's Picotope

[Drift Monkey]

Well, I've been lurkin around for far too long...finally signed up so time to post a tank thread!

Specs:
JBJ Picotope 3G
4.5lb Carib Sea Arag-Alive (Fiji Pink)
5.5lb Fiji live rock
Rio 50 Powerhead
AquaClear 70 (fuge modded)
Hydor Theo 50w
Evilc66's PAR 38 - 21w Cree Lamp (20K temp, 60* optics) on an Ikea work lamp fixture

Livestock:
2 birdnest frags
2 misc zoa
1 purple monticap frag

Didn't really plan on these, a local Houston reefer hooked me up!

A couple pics of the setup (they suck, LEDs are hard as crap to take pics under):

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs166.snc3/19367_255938051136_519406136_3302121_4881016_n.jpg
Full tank shot...I attempted to correct the white balance. It isn't quite this blue though, and you can't see the awesome shimmer that is there in person.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs166.snc3/19367_255938036136_519406136_3302120_6578769_n.jpg
Whole setup shot.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs186.snc3/19367_257711671136_519406136_3309044_8273875_n.jpg
This is a little closer to the actual color. Yeah, I know it's a terrible pic from my camera's phone.

Thoughts? Comments? :)

[1fstlightning]

I have this same tank. Just have it lying aroung. Need to get t up and running. They are cool little tanks

[cavipower1]

looks nice i always wanted to set up one of those picos! wat light is that?

[Drift Monkey]

looks nice i always wanted to set up one of those picos! wat light is that?
Thanks! It's a PAR 38, more info here (http://www.nanotuners.com/product_info.php?cPath=74&products_id=623).

[1fstlightning]

What are you gonna do with the other light that comes with it? I got mine used and the light was all rusted. Just curious cause Im looking for a light for mine, thats the main reason I really havent sewt mine up yet.

[Drift Monkey]

What are you gonna do with the other light that comes with it? I got mine used and the light was all rusted. Just curious cause Im looking for a light for mine, thats the main reason I really havent sewt mine up yet.

It's lighting the chaetomorpha up in the fuge right now in a reverse photoperiod. What kind stuff were you thinking of keeping in the picotope? Maybe I can help you pick a light...

[1fstlightning]

Just probably some Zoa's and some other easily growing corals. Then again I might wanna add a clam or something along the lines that might need a stronger light.

[Drift Monkey]

I really like the PAR38 setup...I can keep **** near anything with it! PCs would work for softies depending on your budget.

[Europhyllia]

Very nice light! :)

[1fstlightning]

I really like the PAR38 setup...I can keep **** near anything with it! PCs would work for softies depending on your budget. How much does the par38 setup cost? I just started the tank earlier. I took some water out of my 72g and some small rock that was in there, so should be enough to get it started. Im gonna go tommorow and see about a better filter for it. AD had a filter with a skimmer for under $40.00 gonna try that out. Right now I just have the factory one on it.

[1fstlightning]

But gonna need a light soon now.

[corruption]

1fstlightning: The bulb is about $100, if I recall correctly -- its available on nanotuners.com... Look into the Hagen AquaClear filter line instead of the skimmer -- most find they're better served in these tanks creating a small 'fuge instead of a skimmer setup.. The AquaClear filters are readily available, cheap, and can easily be turned into a 'fuge using only super glue and what comes with the filter.. I was looking at an AquaClear 70 for the Picotope I was planning..

-Justin

[1fstlightning]

1fstlightning: The bulb is about $100, if I recall correctly -- its available on nanotuners.com... Look into the Hagen AquaClear filter line instead of the skimmer -- most find they're better served in these tanks creating a small 'fuge instead of a skimmer setup.. The AquaClear filters are readily available, cheap, and can easily be turned into a 'fuge using only super glue and what comes with the filter.. I was looking at an AquaClear 70 for the Picotope I was planning..

-Justin Yeah I seen one of those earlier and used to have one on my 45g freshwater tank. What do you add to it, would some sand and live rock rubble be good for it? Also I wouldnt need a skimmer for this tank?

[1fstlightning]

Also, do you think it will be too much flow?

[corruption]

Not to my knowledge -- but the flow can be dialed back on the filter. I would probably do a bit of rubble, some chaeto, and a bag of ChemiPure Elite as the media in the fuge -- that was my plan before I got the BioCube instead, at least..

-Justin

[1fstlightning]

Not to my knowledge -- but the flow can be dialed back on the filter. I would probably do a bit of rubble, some chaeto, and a bag of ChemiPure Elite as the media in the fuge -- that was my plan before I got the BioCube instead, at least..

-Justin What is the Chemipure Elite?

[corruption]

Google it :)

(Google is your friend.)

-Justin

[1fstlightning]

Google it :)

(Google is your friend.)

-Justin Nice, I will probably use this on my 72g now too. Do you think that t will remove important things that the water needs. Thats why I stopped running carbon.

[saabtech]

what does carbon remove that you would want to keep?


Do you think that t will remove important things that the water needs. Thats why I stopped running carbon.

[corruption]

Theres a lot of debate about whether carbon strips out trace elements -- I don't think carbon is very effective as a whole in a saltwater realm, as a chemical filtrant. Chemi-Pure, Chemi-Pure Elite, and Poly-Filter all do a great job of chemical filtration, while being 100% reef safe. I utilize them in all my tanks :)

-Justin

[Drift Monkey]

How much does the par38 setup cost? I just started the tank earlier. I took some water out of my 72g and some small rock that was in there, so should be enough to get it started. Im gonna go tommorow and see about a better filter for it. AD had a filter with a skimmer for under $40.00 gonna try that out. Right now I just have the factory one on it.

PAR38 was $100 + $6 for the 60 degree optics. The link above is where I purchased it.

An AquaClear 70 fuge modded to hold chaeto is all you'd need. I run filter floss in it as well, and have a bag of chemi pure elite I'll probably throw in soon. The flow is pretty strong, and you can dial it back or get a smaller AquaClear's impeller and use it. Mine is currently running the stock AC70 impeller running at full blast...I use the Rio 50 to break the flow a bit. My sand doesn't blow around this way.

[1fstlightning]

PAR38 was $100 + $6 for the 60 degree optics. The link above is where I purchased it.

An AquaClear 70 fuge modded to hold chaeto is all you'd need. I run filter floss in it as well, and have a bag of chemi pure elite I'll probably throw in soon. The flow is pretty strong, and you can dial it back or get a smaller AquaClear's impeller and use it. Mine is currently running the stock AC70 impeller running at full blast...I use the Rio 50 to break the flow a bit. My sand doesn't blow around this way. What did you do to mod it? Did you just take out that Filter media and replace it with the Chaeto? Also do you have any light running to the Chaeto seperate or the light you use for your Pico enough for it and the Chaeto?

[Drift Monkey]

What did you do to mod it? Did you just take out that Filter media and replace it with the Chaeto? Also do you have any light running to the Chaeto seperate or the light you use for your Pico enough for it and the Chaeto?

I pretty much did exactly what is pictured in this thread: Modding An AquaClear Fuge (http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=180570&view=findpost&p=2004830). You can find more pico information there as well, it has been a valuable resource to me.

I use the PAR38 to light the display, and the stock picotope fixture to light the cheato in the fuge. I light the display during the day, and the fuge at night.

[1fstlightning]

I actually picked up a skimmer today at AD earlier. It was explained to me that this was good enough for a filter as well.

[1fstlightning]

But I might end up changing to the Aquaclear setup. looked pretty simple from that link.

[Drift Monkey]

You can run a skimmer, it's just a bit overkill for a tank this small IMO. Keeping up water changes is all you really need...

[Drift Monkey]

So...any LFS around San Marcos I should know about?

[clone]

DRIFT!!!!!



whats drift?


nice tank.......

[Drift Monkey]

DRIFT!!!!!



whats drift?


nice tank.......

CLONE!!!!

I'm Drift.

Thanks. So y'all have NO LFS recommendations for the central Texas area?

[clone]

CLONE!!!!

I'm Drift.

Thanks. So y'all have NO LFS recommendations for the central Texas area?

I was quoting Tokyo Drift.


LOL

[Mr Cob]

Nice looking setup, can't wait to see how the corals do in this tank. Especially the SPS. I'll be looking forward to updates.

[Drift Monkey]

Wow, has it been this long? Well, lots has happened since I last posted. The tank was neglected (and the bryopsis actually went away?) and when I was transporting it home from college last summer a BUNCH of water spilled...and i just decided to call it quits for a bit since I had been way too busy (and poor) to take care of it. I transported all of my inhabitants to my buddy's tank and that was that.

Anyway, fast forward to now...I've been almost a year without a tank and another summer is upon me (well it might already be here...we are in Texas) and I've been getting the itch. I still have all my equipment (minus a few things I couldn't find)...so over spring break I brought all my junk back up to my condo.

Now all that's left is to find a LFS to source some new LR/LS...but I do have all my old rock/sand (that is for sure dead and dry)...so I was kinda thinking about cleaning it all up seeding some LR/LS to it instead of replacing it. Anyone have any experience with that? Good idea? Or would it just take forever? Not sure about it...premium aquatics rock might be an option too...but it might be pricey for just 5-6lbs. Any suggestions for a good source of LR/LS here in Central Texas?

Other than that...I need a new thermometer...the coralife one I had was kinda crappy...so I was thinking maybe this? Was also thinking maybe this powerhead or even this one (seems like it might be too big (that's what she said))? My old Rio 50 always sorta annoyed me anyway (noisy). I still have my old picotope light for the fuge, but I am trying to find a better, cleaner solution (LED?). Ideas?

Anyways, it's good to be back, though I bet no one remembers me! :bigsmile:

Expect regular updates soon!

[Zack]

Do you live in SM during the school year or Houston?

[Drift Monkey]

Do you live in SM during the school year or Houston?

San Marcos...I go to Texas State.

[Zack]

Just sent you a PM

[Drift Monkey]

I got too excited last night and set her up...

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/195987_10150129797881137_519406136_6529821_1504470 _n.jpg

[Mike]

No fish? How about a small goby and pistol pair?

[Drift Monkey]

No fish? How about a small goby and pistol pair?

I might actually look into that...I've always wanted that combo!

[Zack]

YES! I have to check it out sometime man!

[Drift Monkey]

Turned it around and added some live rock!

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196819_10150131459601137_519406136_6544779_7274350 _n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190388_10150131459946137_519406136_6544781_978131_ n.jpg

[Zack]

Sick! Do you still have the AC-70 fuge?

[Drift Monkey]

Yup, I left it off because I had to re-glue the overflow screen. I'm just waiting a bit longer for it to cure, then it goes back on.

[Zack]

Nice! I might have to check out the fuge, I plan on running possibly the 110 on my tank!

[Drift Monkey]

That sounds like a good plan. I could def help you out if needed too.

[Drift Monkey]

Added sand earlier tonight!

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190161_10150132948336137_519406136_6556335_2786016 _n.jpg

[Zack]

That looks awesome! I have a blue/ green shroom that just fell off a piece of LR today, its all yours if you want it man!

[Drift Monkey]

I'd love to take it! Only thing is...do you think it'll survive through my cycle?

[Zack]

Mushrooms in general are really hardy. I'm not in any rush to remove it, it just fell off and is in the middle of the tank. Whenever your ready, just let me know and I can pull it out

[Drift Monkey]

They are...maybe I'll grab it once my ammonia spikes and falls. I'm waiting on a new API test kit to come in from the mail anyway.

[Zack]

For sure man!

[Drift Monkey]

1st week update:

FTS, got diatoms now!
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/208626_10150137705001137_519406136_6599382_5769131 _n.jpg

Another FTS under my room's spot lamps
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/198943_10150137705131137_519406136_6599384_3956907 _n.jpg

Some goodies I got today
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/205219_10150137626681137_519406136_6598751_6423958 _n.jpg

Test results
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/200702_10150137721451137_519406136_6599490_5753237 _n.jpg

pH: 8.2
Ammonia: 0.25 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: 40 ppm
SG: 1.0.23
Temp: ~77

Weird, no nitrites. Meh.

[Zack]

That shimmer looks awesome! Did you buy the chemi pure locally?

[Drift Monkey]

Yeah, it looks even better in person too! I ordered the chemi-pure (along with the rest of the stuff) online man.

[Drift Monkey]

Some shots of my new stuff since they are starting to open for me...

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/205698_10150164238896137_519406136_6681154_7729785 _n.jpg
Mint chocolate chip paly and candy cane lookin' much better today!

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/205139_10150164239551137_519406136_6681165_1750679 _n.jpg
My mushroom garden is ****ed at the moment...thanks to Zack for 2 of these!

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/206497_10150164241051137_519406136_6681195_4806286 _n.jpg
Orange zoa colony that some xenias have attached themselves to. The GSP on top is starting to come out too!

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/205600_10150164241496137_519406136_6681207_6454209 _n.jpg
Side shot of the zoa colony/xenia.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217531_10150164241821137_519406136_6681216_1338040 _n.jpg
More GSP starting to come alive!

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/205593_10150164337661137_519406136_6682304_228375_ n.jpg
FTS

[Drift Monkey]

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215433_10150164871606137_519406136_6686695_4379282 _n.jpg
She gave me crabs! omgomgomg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216927_10150164893646137_519406136_6686786_7286014 _n.jpg
Chillin' in their new home. One have them has since hosted one of my 'shrooms...:happy:

Also, I bought some shrimp pellets and fed my tank today...man that nassarius comes up quick! My candy canes gobbled whole pellets! The palys wolfed down their pellets with the quickness. I even got a couple shrooms in on the action. I swear they all look bigger/more plump now...:D I was even able to get one of the porcelain crabs to eat some of the pellety goodness! B)

[Zack]

Did you put GSP around the output of your powerhead? Haha, those crabs look tight, keep the updates coming!

[Drift Monkey]

I sure did...not sure if it'll take though...it still hasn't opened up. The crabs are awesome, lovin' 'em so far!

[Zack]

GSP usually takes a couple days to open up fully. Man, I can't wait to get my Par38.. Still need to show you my tank lol!

[Drift Monkey]

Did you order it yet?