Jvene's Pride Rock

[jvene1]

Hey everyone, I'm thinking of downsizing from my 8 gallon, (Too difficult to move because of school-___-), and starting up a nice little 2 gallon pico. I am looking at these cool little tanks http://www.micro-reefs.com/aquariums.html and am wondering what you guys think would be good equipment wise. I'm also looking at a smaller version of the tank I already have, the Aqueon Evolve 2. It has a built in powerhead which is nice. I already have a Par38 which I will be hanging over the new tank as well. I have a Koralia Nano which i'm sure would be far too much flow for such a small tank. I am planning on re-using the Aquaclear 20 that I already have. What would be a good heater for such a small tank?
Does anyone have any advice on other equipment I would need? I am planning on making this mainly a zoa tank, possibly with a dendro and a few mushrooms. As far as fish I am thinking either a mated pair of catalina gobys or possibly a yellow clown goby. I also want either a cleaner shrimp or a fire shrimp and maybe a small red sea star. I have also seen clams and a seahorse kept in a pico like in this tank http://www.melevsreef.com/pico.html
I would appreciate any comments or advice on this, thanks in advance!

[Zack]

Look at driftmonkey's picotope, he used a glass 2 gallon. It was quite nice when it was up.

[Scutterborn]

I'm considering starting a 5g pico. Tagging along


-Ben-

[jvene1]

Haha you'll probably be more help then me lol. Nice to know someone might be taking the plunge with me haha.

[jvene1]

I can't look at It on my phone but from what I read he has a similar setup to what I'm planning.

[jvene1]

bump for suggestions/advice.

[Cammed_02]

I run the aquaclear 50 HOB filter on my 5 gallon and it provides plenty of flow. Not sure if you would want to buy another filter but it would free up some space in the tank. Also, I have a 25 watt heater I stuffed in the HOB padded with some rubble rock and it works just fine.

I would stick to just inverts for such a small tank unless you clean the tank religiously.

[Big_Pun]

if you search nano section I have a pico build and used a aquaclear 70 on 3G. I modified it to slow the flow down but have plenty of room for a large fuge and a place to put small heater. I'll search later for the thread.

[jvene1]

I run the aquaclear 50 HOB filter on my 5 gallon and it provides plenty of flow. Not sure if you would want to buy another filter but it would free up some space in the tank. Also, I have a 25 watt heater I stuffed in the HOB padded with some rubble rock and it works just fine.

I would stick to just inverts for such a small tank unless you clean the tank religiously. So for a 2 gallon do you think the ac20 will create enough flow? And would there be enough room to cram in a heater lol? Also, if I do get a fish, it would be just a single catalina goby. They bring a lot of color without much size/bioload.


if you search nano section I have a pico build and used a aquaclear 70 on 3G. I modified it to slow the flow down but have plenty of room for a large fuge and a place to put small heater. I'll search later for the thread.

[jvene1]

if you search nano section I have a pico build and used a aquaclear 70 on 3G. I modified it to slow the flow down but have plenty of room for a large fuge and a place to put small heater. I'll search later for the thread.
I tried finding your post, but I couldn't seem to locate it. If you had a link that'd be awesome!

[Scutterborn]

As beautiful as the Catalina is, you'd be making a mistake keeping it in such warm water. It is a cool water fish. I, too, considered this fish. However, it would be short lived in a tropical environment.


- Ben -

[jvene1]

As beautiful as the Catalina is, you'd be making a mistake keeping it in such warm water. It is a cool water fish. I, too, considered this fish. However, it would be short lived in a tropical environment.


- Ben -
Really? Man:/ it's so cool looking. But responsible husbandry is more important. Perhaps a yellow clown goby. Or a neon goby. Idk. Do you have any suggestions for cool nano fish?

[Scutterborn]

A clown goby and pistol shrimp pair would be awesome IMO.


- Ben -

[jvene1]

I didn't know clown gobies pair with shrimp? Do you thing a watchman would be too much???

[Scutterborn]

Sorry. Yes the watchman is way more likely to pair than the clown goby.


- Ben -

[jvene1]

Is that a yes to the watchman being better, or a yes to a watchman being too big?

[jvene1]

Ok so I have decided to go with a JBJ picotope. It's going to be primarily zoas. Will my aquaclear 20 provide enough flow for the tank?

[Zack]

Clown Goby's are cool. They like to perch and just stare at you.. it's kinda creepy haha.

[jvene1]

yeah I'm definitely looking at a yellow clown! They're nice and bright! They won't pick at zoas or anything right?

[jvene1]

Does anyone know whether the HOB Filter that comes with a JBJ pico provides enough flow for the tank? Same question for an AC20.

[wiildmanzeke]

okay went through your post. I've been doing picos for three years now. I've not had a tank over 25 gallons. No yellow watchmen! too big! If you want to do a pistol pair get a Yasha Goby with a pistol. They stay relatively small, but i would not put anything else in the tank.

As far as your AC the 20 is fine. That's what i use on my 5G. But if i were you i would do a AC70 refuge mod. You can turn down the flow in these things several ways. Plus you have room in the bigger AC for your heater and proves if you end up buying a controller.

[Big_Pun]

okay went through your post. I've been doing picos for three years now. I've not had a tank over 25 gallons. No yellow watchmen! too big! If you want to do a pistol pair get a Yasha Goby with a pistol. They stay relatively small, but i would not put anything else in the tank.

As far as your AC the 20 is fine. That's what i use on my 5G. But if i were you i would do a AC70 refuge mod. You can turn down the flow in these things several ways. Plus you have room in the bigger AC for your heater and proves if you end up buying a controller.

some good info ^^^^

there are several ways to cut flow some cut the stopper tab that keeps the tub from moving too far(ac have flow adjustment) some cut impellars.

heres the link sorry
http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?53659-picotope-(Powered-by-LED)new-pics-7-10&highlight=pico+picotope

[wiildmanzeke]

Thanks chris! I didn't have anything to show.

You can also cut the tab on your AC 70 and use your AC 20's propeller. There's ton's of ways to use these what we think are HUGE AC 70's on smaller tanks. It's just where you wanna go with it and what your willing the budge on as far as the overall aesthetics of the tank are.

From what i've read over the past couple of years on the Picotope's is the AC 70 MOD is the way to go as far a filtration. Also, stevieT makes media basket's for AC 70's if you're not a DIY kinda person.

[Big_Pun]

http://shop.mediabaskets.com/AquaClear_c44.htm

[jvene1]

Thank you guys so much for the information. I think that's what I'm going to do! I've been looking at the ac70 mod, but was unsure about it. And yeah I'll do either the yasha or a yellow clown goby.

[jvene1]

Hey guys, quick question. Would a firefish be a bad choice for this tank?

[jvene1]

Small Update.
I have changed my stocking plan after looking at a pico on NR. I believe that I'm going to go with two red striped gobies http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+31+1728&pcatid=1728 They stay at or under an inch long so they should be fine. I'm also going to keep some sexy shrimp. I also want to have either a cleaner or fire shrimp. Will they have a problem with the sexy shrimp in the tank? I'm also going to be picking up my tank this weekend hopefully from someone here on maast. Things will really get going after christmas though! Thanks everyone.

[jvene1]

I change my mind so much haha now I think I want a Hi Fin Red Banded Goby.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+31+181&pcatid=181 Cool little fish and would pair with a pistol shrimp.

[Disher]

A shark nose goby is a great pico fish. Extremely hardy as well. I have one in my 3 gallon jar reef.

[jvene1]

I'd considered one, but I really think I'm set on the Hi Fin. Such an interesting fish!

[jvene1]

Update: Got the tank and it is up and running now thanks to a fellow maast member. Pics
180831808418085
last pic is rock that I couldn't really fit in the tank right. But I think the scape looks pretty good as is. Need to pick up my light and ac20 from nanoreefer tonight somehow lol

[reefreak]

What lighting are you going with?

[jvene1]

I'm using my old tank's light, a 20k PAR38 bulb from LEDTRiC.com. It's a great little light and should be perfect for this tank.

[jvene1]

Alright, everything is put together.
Obligatory pictures of course.
18094180951809618097
Dumped some live bacteria in to neutralize the small cycle this tank would go through. These are the frags that zack was holding for me, they're already starting to open up! Last pic is my prized rastas :p

[Zack]

Just go to advance edit on the first post and you can change the title lol

[jvene1]

http://tinyurl.com/776c4o8
^appropriate reaction picture to your post zack^

[jvene1]

Just ordered my ac70, should be here on monday, if anyone on here knows how to mod it into a refugium, it would be awesome if you could help me. I am also looking for a way to moonlight my tank. If anyone has any suggestions that would be cool too. Everything in the tank is also doing well. Thanks everyone!

[jvene1]

Added some new corals today. Got these radioactive dragon eyes.1816518166This polyp of blue kiss. Crazy bright blue and pink. Pic doesn't do it justice.1816718168Awesome Everlasting Gobstoppers. I also got some El Diablos that are closed up for the night.
In the next few weeks I have some Space Monsters, Mohawks, Magicians, and Tubb's Blues coming in. It should be really nice! I'll give my wallet a break after that lol AC70 needs to get in already haha

[jvene1]

Better pictures. 18172181731817418175In order, Blue Kiss, Everlasting gobstoppers, el diablos, rastas.

[allan]

Those blue kiss, is this them?

18180


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jvene1]

That looks a lot like them if its not. I got mine from tuan. They're so bright. Especially under blues.

[allan]

I agree, I believe that I got mine from Teeb.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jvene1]

Either those or my Rastas have to be my favorites. Insane colors haha

[jvene1]

So i was just at the lfs and they have a tiny <1" target mandarin and im incredibly tempted to get him. He is taking frozen mysis and has been there for a couple of weeks. He looks healthy to me. Would he do well in my tank for the foreseeable future? Should be easily fed in my tank.

[jvene1]

Would really like some advice on this one.. I'm new to this hobby still haha

separate question. I have a slimey green algae growing on the glass. What can I do about that?

[Scutterborn]

Get the mandarin if it's fat. Well, as fat as a >1" fish can be, if the LFS will feed it in front of you and YOU see it eat.

Get a mag float... And feed a little less. It's likely cyano.


-Ben-

[jvene1]

They fed it in front of me and he took the frozen like a champ. I didn't impulsively buy it so I'll wait to see if it's still eating well next week sometime, and if so, I'll pull the trigger. I have a mag float, but it grows back within an hour or two.

[Scutterborn]

I just remembered we were talking about this being a 2-3G tank. I would wait on any fish. The target mandarin will outgrow this tank. It'll grow to 4" and will create a big bio load. It will require a lot more room to roam around. It's not a swimmer like a tang but, it will rarely stop hunting. This is not a suitable pico fish in my honest opinion.


-Ben-

[jvene1]

Ahhh. Yeah I wasn't planning on keeping him for too long. He's only about 3/4 in so i thought I could make it work haha I guess I'll just wait and order my goby.

[Zack]

I would wait, remember the reason you downgraded was to make moves easier! What bacteria did you go with btw?

[jvene1]

True zack... true. But i got the fish itch haha. Fritzzyme 9! Really Helped.

[Zack]

Where did you buy it at?

And that tanks super tiny for a mandarin lol, plus feeding the shrimp would put a huge load on your tank

[jvene1]

I got it at Polly's in New Braunfels. Yeah, I'm not going the mandarin route haha. I'll just get the goby.

In other news, ac70 arrived today! Now I need to mod it! If anyone knows how to do that, it'd be helpful! :p18208

[jvene1]

Updated FTS
http://i.imgur.com/kmsuX.jpg
I added a custom surface skimmer mod to the ac70 with pvc pipes. It now intakes from the surface and the water column.
http://i.imgur.com/ZgX43.jpg
I added the stock led light from my evolve 8. I'm using it as a moonlight for now, until I can find a better alternative.
Haven't added any corals since the last update, but once I move back to San Marcos, I'll get right on that!