** holla! **


Umm... yeah.

So... I guess I'm starting a thread of my own so that I can fill it with progress, get help, ask questions and hopefully, keep a journal of what I plan on doing.

Here goes:

I'm not entirely new reef keeping. I had an AGA 120 a several years ago. I did a lot of stuff right and probably did an equal amount of things wrong. That was several years ago and I think a little piece of me always wanted to get back into it.

So, my name is Scott... I'm 34 years old and currently residing in Oshkosh, WI with my girlfriend, Chrissy. We have a super-duper teeny-tiny studio apartment. Space?? ...yeah, it's an issue. We've had to be super creative with the way in which we live.

Anywho... on our kitchen counter, I thought it'd be cool if we went with JBJ's 3-gallon picotope. Obviously, the members here at Nano-Reef.com and of course, the pico reef section of the forum have been huge inspirations to this journey back into the hobby. So... thank you to everyone. The amount of information here and photographs are completely amazing.

You'll have to excuse the lack of photographs in this initial post. I actually don't mind taking photographs, in fact, I rather fancy it. I've got a fairly new point/shoot Panasonic Lumix (10.3MP) digital camera. I'm still kinda playing around with it but for the most part, it does the job. But anyway, sadly enough, I don't have much to the photograph.

I ordered the JBJ 3-gallon picotope tank yesterday from DRS Foster & Smith. I live in Oshkosh and it's shipping from Rhinelander, WI... so I'll definitely have it sometime this coming week, I'd think? If not, not a big deal. I don't have much I can do with it right now, anyway.

The picotope is all I'm going to have. I don't have a larger tank to supplement the pico with. I don't have live rock or live sand that I can move from tank to tank. I can't have any fish that is going to suddenly "outgrow" the pico anytime soon because as I've said - space is definitely an issue and there is no other tank or holding facility. It will just be the pico.

I do have a brand new can of flat black spray paint, however, that I'll be using on the back of the pico.

My intentions? I do want to modify an Aquaclear70 power filter to utilize as a fuge. It seems to be a pretty successful modification that most members have done to their pico. Eventually, I'd like to upgrade the lighting over time, as well.

I've honestly not thought a whole lot about livestock as of yet... I don't want to keep SPS or clams since I don't want to incorporate the use of MH lighting. Standard softies, mushrooms, zoas, perhaps some additional LPS, as well. Beyond that, I've not given much thought... I'm being practical in the sense that I am going into this knowing very well space is an issue and after all, I'll have a whopping three whole gallons. Given that, I'm still blown away by the sheer flexibility that people have used with these little picos. Completely amazing to me in every way.

I'll be purchasing the AquaClear70 next along with a heater, standard test kit, refractometer and other basic essentials. I'm going to be purchasing RO/DI water from a local LFS just a few miles away from our apartment... so it's pretty convenient. I know evaporation seems to be an issue with a tank this small so I'm aware of the approx. 1/gal. per week evaporation rate.

I have some questions that I thought I'd throw in here since this thread will be personalized for me and my pico.

1.) I know after getting the equipment all set-up, I need to think about live rock/live sand. Am I able to cure the rock directly in my pico? I was thinking if I obtained a slightly larger powerhead to get really good water flow along with the heater, I could cure it directly in the pico. Would that be okay or would I need to obtain a separate tank? I'd rather not do that, however, because of space restraints.

I guess my initial thought process was just tossing the rock in the pico with a larger powerhead on a bare bottom. Let it cure. Do it's thing. Regular water changes. Take out the rock. Siphon up all the crap and crud. And then put the rock back in the tank with the aquascaping I want with the live sand.

1A.) Would I use any filtration on the tank while the live rock is curing? Should I have anything special in the compartments of the AC70? Or should that not even be part of the live rock curing equation?

2.) I'd rather not put a powerhead in the pico once all is set-up. I want things clean and simple and I'd rather not incoporate the use of a powerhead if I can get away with it. That being said, I know having "dead spots" can also be problematic. Not sure if anyone else touched on this in any of their member threads or not... but will the Aquaclear70 provide adequate flow?

3.) Live rock... where in the heck is everyone getting this stuff for a 3-gal pico tank? The LFS stores around here suck for live rock. I didn't see anything original or even any pieces I could utilize at any of the LFS stores I went to today. They were all massive chunks of standard Fiji live rock. No originality. No cool shapes. They were just chunks of rock. Have any of you ordered any cherry picked pieces of a nano/pico aquarium online? I know DRS Foster... has a selection online of nano live rock. But even this seemed excessive, I think? Not sure.

One store I went to today had a few pieces (albeit, HUGE) of Pukani rock. It was amazing how porous and uniquely shaped it was. Just wondering if I could get your thoughts on live rock ordering online? Otherwise, I may check out a local reef club to see if anyone locally may be able to assist me with what I need?

Oh, so here's the obligatory photo as part of my first post. I've never posted an image here on the forum yet, so be easy. If it doesn't work out, I'll give it another go. Otherwise, as you can see... this is the first thing I physically have in my hand right now. paint. I'll post photos of the tank once I have that along with all the other goodies I'll be purchasing along the way.

I'll definitely take all the help, experience, advice and constructive criticism I can get my hands on.

Oh, and sorry for the lengthy post.

Can't wait to see your pico tank come together! Don't spare us the photos no matter how redundant or irrelevant it may seem. The more the better! lol Seriously though, I would recommend taking lots of photos for record keeping and for tracking your progress. Over time you'll be able to look back and see "baby pictures" of your tank.

You should read this article before spray painting the back of your tank. It talks about painting the back of the tank and the effect it has on reflection and light intensity complete with diagrams and PAR results. These results are probably negligible but is still worth reading nonetheless.

To answer your questions:

1.) I know after getting the equipment all set-up, I need to think about live rock/live sand. Am I able to cure the rock directly in my pico? Yes. Depending on the quality of rock you're starting with it shouldn't take very long to cure it in your tank. I was thinking if I obtained a slightly larger powerhead to get really good water flow along with the heater, I could cure it directly in the pico. Would that be okay or would I need to obtain a separate tank? A good powerhead is definitely important for flow, even if at first you don't plan on putting up a fuge right away. This will help minimize diatoms and prevent hair algae from taking root. I'd rather not do that, however, because of space restraints. Right. A separate tank isn't required.

1A.) Would I use any filtration on the tank while the live rock is curing? You can use the stock filter that comes with the Picotope unless you've got a an AC70 ready to go. Avoid using any chemical filtration during the cycle. Should I have anything special in the compartments of the AC70? Or should that not even be part of the live rock curing equation? Only filter floss until your tank is done cycling.

2.) I'd rather not put a powerhead in the pico once all is set-up. I want things clean and simple and I'd rather not incoporate the use of a powerhead if I can get away with it. That being said, I know having "dead spots" can also be problematic. Not sure if anyone else touched on this in any of their member threads or not... but will the Aquaclear70 provide adequate flow? The AC70 provides enough flow for most people. I'm partial and come from the school of more flow but it really depends on what you plan to keep in your tank. On the other hand, a powerhead can be tucked away discretely and doesn't necessarily have to be unsightly by sitting conspicuously in plain view. The best resolution is to actually try it out yourself and see what works for you.

3.) Live rock... where in the heck is everyone getting this stuff for a 3-gal pico tank? I got mine from a reliable LFS that carry good quality small piece rock. The LFS stores around here suck for live rock. I didn't see anything original or even any pieces I could utilize at any of the LFS stores I went to today. They were all massive chunks of standard Fiji live rock. No originality. No cool shapes. They were just chunks of rock. Have any of you ordered any cherry picked pieces of a nano/pico aquarium online? I know DRS Foster... has a selection online of nano live rock. But even this seemed excessive, I think? Not sure. Some people here should be able to recommend some good online vendors where you can get live rock from. Just remember to get the best quality rock you can get and don't skimp out.

Hope that helps and don't forget to post those pictures!

FAB!

Wow. Thanks a lot for replying so quickly. I really appreciate it.

First, I did find that thread the other day about the possible disadvantages of painting the back of an aquarium. I can't discredit all of the data that has been researched thus far... but as for being unsightly, I can't imagine trying to keep a tank of any caliber without having a background behind it. I think the vinyl applications that you can find at your local petstore look cheap. I think over time, it may be possible to start seeing fraying at the edges and then I'd have the worry about a big fat air bubble being trapped behind it. I figure, to eliminate those headaches... I'd just paint it. To each their own, I suppose. I still think it was an interesting article, nonetheless.

Thanks again for the quick reply... I don't take it lightly and I certainly appreciate all the input. The thread where you've documented the build of your 3-gal. pico was definitely a big inspiration to me beginning mine.

Anywho...

Next on my list are these items:

* HydorTheo Heater *


* MiniJet 404 *


* Coralife Digital Thermometer *



I do not curently have an AC70... and I know for the time being, and certainly as the rock is just curing in its initial stages... I can get by with the stock filter. But I will be getting an AC70.

...still waiting for some kind of reply about live rock. With 50+ views to my thread, I'm hoping someone can chime in and let me know where you obtained the rock for your pico or nano. Do any of you have any experience with the "Nano Rock" from DRS Foster...?? The photos on their website look really decent to say the least. Input?

I woke up this morning to find that I have an official FedEx tracking number for my 3-gal. pico! *yay!

1.) For live rock curing, what kind of lighting period does everyone seem to utilize over their pico/nano tanks?

I suppose I'll end this reply with another photo. Everyone seems to love photos around here. So... my other pets consist of two tarantulas. I used to have 42 different species... but I'm down to just two. My girlfriend is happy she'll have a pico reef to look at 'cuz she's not too fond of the tarantulas.

This is my juvenile Poecilotheria regalis. *yay!*

Went to Fleet Farm earlier this morning and bought a 7-gallon container used for storing water. I figure, this will be ideal for housing pre-made RO/DI water. I'll probably just get RO/DI water from my local LFS barring any unforseen circumstances. I'm gonna check with a couple of local reefers to see if they have any experience and/or TDS readings with water there.

Just in case no one knows what a 7-gal. water storage container looks like. haha.



Oh. And here's the location on our kitchen counter where the pico will be... see how clean it is? Oooh. Ahhh.



Here's the entrance to our apartment. Our little humble abode. Covered with snow, snow and more snow. And some ice thrown in for good measure. It's warm here today though. 31 degrees right now. Fricken heat wave!



Back on topic...

I found some really good reviews of the nano live rock package that DRS Foster & Smith offers. A lot of reviews online have had nothing but positive things to say about it... I know I'm not going to need all of it so I'm hoping I can sell and/or trade the rest of it to a local reefer since it's a 16-lb. box. Hmmm...

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Sounds good.

Sweet little apartment. I was back in Mi last weekend and it was terribly cold the high was 10 and Im used to 75 haha. The liverock from LA is really good stuff but unless you have someone already in line to buy the excess then I would just get youre LR from the LFS

cool i have a pet tarantula as well, and a boa, a lizard........lol

I think I'll check around and see if I can find someone locally who can take the excess off my hands. There's not much here in terms of LFS stores... everyone can order me a 50 pound box if that's what I want. But as far as stuff they already have on hand, I didn't see too much that really stood out. It was just chunks of Fiji with no life... no coralline... and just sitting in holding tanks. Bleh.






SWEET! What kinda T do you have?

Ordered the Coralife Digital Thermometer online last night. Found it on eBay for $5.95 and $1.25 shipping. Figured, I couldn't really go wrong with that buy. I also ordered an analog thermometer, as well... I've heard sometimes the digital ones can be skewed. Although, I don't know if that pertains to the Coralife brand itself? I guess it's better to be safe than so, so sorry.

OK. So, guess what?? I checked my FedEx tracking number this morning and my pico tank is shipping today and delivering tomorrow! *yay!* It helps to reside in the same state it's shipping from...

Hi welcome to NR.
I know you mentioned the LFS not having small pieces and that the LR does not appear to have any life or color but 16lb.'s of LR + shipping sounds expensive. I would try one piece from the local store then break it with a chisel and hammer and see if a local reefer could help you out with a couple small pieces to seed a 3gal tank. After you cycle and start picking up corals many may come on rock so you only need 2-3 lb.'s to get started. There is a list of local clubs in a link on the home page under information. Well thats what I would try. Good luck and glad to have joining in on the fun.

I couldn't find any specifics when I did a search. Is any harm done to the rock when you break it? I didn't know what, if any, damage could be done as far as life on the rock is concerned. If that's the case, I may go *back* to those same LFS stores and see if a chunk of rock strikes my fancy.

I'll check with some people in the local reef club to see if anything can be done to assist me with getting a couple of nice *small* pieces.

I honestly did forget about the additional live rock I'd be picking up once I begin obtaining corals... oops. Thanks for reminding me about that.

rosy haired tarantula.

I can't wait to see it set up. Was that water jug that you got from Fleet Farm expensive? I've seen 5 gallon jugs go for $10 - $20.

I loved my pet Rosie. She was such a good tarantula... my girlfriend won't let me get another one 'cuz I'd take it out too much and play with it. She'd sit on my laptop and just watch me surf the 'net.



It was $10.

I just checked out Fleet Farm on a whim because I found a 5-gal. jug just like it on eBay. He wanted $6 for a BuyItNow auction but then wanted $12 just to ship it! I couldn't justify the shipping cost so I opted to search elsewhere. I guess I'm glad I did because I'd rather have the 7-gal. container than the 5-gal.

Yup rosies are cool but can be terrifying to people scared of spiders, when I first bought it it crawled out the box and grabbed my hand, my younger brother screamed, lol,

You can break the rock no side effects that I have ever heard of.

Thank for the help. I didn't think that was the case? ... but better to be safe than sorry.

I'm going to toss a feeler out to the local reef club who seem to frequent RC quite a bit regarding some established *smaller* pieces of LR for my pico. Hopefully, I get some bites... and when the time comes, I can grab it.

im new myself so i dont have to much info for you. but i have that same thermometer and its about three degrees off. you can get a little galss one for about three dollars.

back to reef stuff, i have that 404 pump and its great and also that thermometer and it works well, i have that heater in storage from an old freshwater tank, it works welll just takes up too much space so I didnt put it in the 2.5. All good selection of equipment though. And about the paint, what if somthing falls behind, you wont be able to see it, you shouldnt paint it imo.

Great tank! I loved mine, I think I will set it back up... hmmmmmm....

Tagging allong!

Clint

3 Degrees?! And it's the Coralife brand??
... I guess I'm glad I bought an analog thermometer at the same time.

I noticed on eBay there are A LOT of knock-offs that look identical to the Coralife digital thermometer. But all of the knock-offs were located and are shipping from China or Hong Kong. These are the ones you definitely want to stay away from. I'm disappointed to hear that about the Coralife brand though. Hmm...

yea i was pretty dissapointed. maybe i got a bad one. idk. but hopefully yours works for you

I want to find the most accurate, yet smallest sized heater available. And I think the Hydor brand fits the bill. I think on DRS' website, it says it's only, like, 7.5" tall. Will this adequately fit in an AC70 when I decide to make a fuge?

ugh. I really don't want to *not* paint the back of tank. I just think it looks unsightly seeing everything behind the tank. Plus, I think everything sort of stands out a bit more with the back of the tank painted. And if something did fall out or jump out or decide to go kamikaze on me and end up behind the tank... I suppose I'll try and make it a point to glance behind the tank every now and again. LOL!




SWEET!! The more input I have, the better.... thanks a lot for tagging along, Clint! I checked out your thread earlier this afternoon. Your tank is awesome!!

FedEx hasn't updated my tracking number but the delivery date is still showing 02/03 (tomorrow). I guess we'll see what happens.

Random note: I'm really liking the various color morphs that zoas seem to come in. I had no idea. And I know GSP is threatening to take over the world... but dammit, I really like the way it looks as a coral.

Random photo I took looking outside my window at work from my desk:

zoas and palythoas are great, so many colors and sizes. Get GSP if you like it.

gsp will not take over as long as you trim it, and I agree it is a beautiful piece of coral. You may also wanto look into lps and sps as they make picos look great if done carefully.

I don't like vinyl applications or fake backgrounds either which is why I don't keep one at all. They're tacky, they look dirty and they look really bad once salt creep starts to build up under them. I can barely see through the back of my tank now that it's covered with coralline algae so your black background won't stay black for very long unless you intend to scrape off the coralline from the back wall regularly. lol I just wanted to make sure you were aware of any effects with painting the back (negative or otherwise) considering it's an irreversible process.


You're welcome! I'm glad I can help.


Photoperiod isn't that important during the cycle unless there are visible photosynthetic hitchhikers on your live rock that you want to preserve (e.g. macroalgae, corals, polyps, etc). Running a full photoperiod will only encourage the growth of undesirable algae. You should be able to find a good balance by running a 4–5 hour photoperiod in order to observe your rocks. Otherwise, lighting isn't all that important at this point.


This is definitely an option if you're having a difficult time finding rocks that are the right size. And there's no need to worry with breaking the rocks, they'll be fine.


Yes this important! Be sure have several small pieces instead of a few large pieces. Once you start stocking your tank you'll find that a lot of the corals come attached to rocks, some of which may be to too big for your tank so may end up swapping out some of the live rock in your tank as you start adding stuff in.


The Hydor Theo is what I use and it's the perfect size to put in the AC70.


Zoas come in a ridiculous array of colors and you're gonna wanna collect them all! GSP can take over your tank but they can also add a lot of vibrancy and movemet to your tank so it's all worth it IMO. Just be sure to isolate them from other rocks and to watch where they're growing. They grow fast but not fast enough for you to control them if they start taking over.

and i meant what if something falls in back of the rocks, lol

How would you go about "controlling" the GSP?

Look, you guys... the tank will be here today:

"Feb 3, 2009 3:16 AM Departed FedEx locationMADISON, WI

Feb 3, 2009 2:02 AM Arrived at FedEx locationMADISON, WI

Feb 2, 2009 5:32 AM Shipment information sent to FedEx"



*yay!* Madison, WI is only 90 min. or so from Oshkosh... so barring an unforseen circumstances, I should have it delivered this afternoon according to their website.

Fab: Thanks a ton for all the info. I'm definitely going to keep the live rock issue in the back of my mind as this project gets underway. Like I said, I think when the time comes I may end up just going back to a couple of different LFS stores to see what they have. I was simply looking for some sweet smaller pieces I know for a fact would fit into the pico when the time comes. I may have a different "eye" if I'm looking for one or two chunks that I intend to break up into a couple of smaller pieces to fit.

I really appreciate your input in my thread!





I completely agree. I think the coloring and movement it creates as a coral is interesting enough to watch. I just know I've read through a few different threads where people are hatin' on GSP! And I'm sick of it! Totally joking.

I just got finished looking at several different pics in the "Members Aquarium" section... and some threads show individuals with aquascaping pressed right up against the back wall of the tank.

I thought you wanted the rock in the middle leaving all four sides of the tank open for water flow?? Which is the correct way?

I just want to warn people who put their heaters in the HOB filters. If the filter stops running your tank temp is gonna plummet fast, especially in these small tanks. I came home from Christmas vacation to find my filter not running and my tank temp at 65 degrees. If you are going to be away I would recommend putting the heater in the display until you get back. Just a word of caution!

Dammit. I've been checking my FedEx tracking number religiously throughout the day and it was finally updated with a fricken exception. Bleh. I specifically indicated on the special pack instructions when I placed the order - LEAVE AT FRONT DOOR STEP. The driver refused for whatever reason. So now I have to sign their exception card and leave him a note on my front door saying it is okay to leave it on the front door step. Dammit!

No tank today for me. Not that I have anything to put in it... but still!

They grow at a glacial pace which is how they sneak up on you. An easy way to prevent them from growing everywhere is to isolate the rock they're attached to on the sand bed. They won't grow on sand. If you have them on rocks just be sure to trim them regularly before they get a hold on any of the neighboring rocks.


You'll start hating them too once you get your hands on them. Actually you'll find the same level of frustration with most soft corals. As sessile creatures you tend to forget that they're living organisms with a mind of their own and they won't always stay where you want them to stay and that can get frustrating especially when they go against your plans. That's why I ended up tossing out my Xenia wall idea because for some reason they didn't want to go on the wall and preferred to go on the rocks instead. At the end of the day you just learn to let go and let them do their own thing and you'll be surprise to see how they move around and interact with one another.


You can have rocks pressed against the back wall as long as there are enough open spaces between the rocks for water to flow through. Just make sure you don't have the weight of the rocks leaning on the glass.


That's a very good point.

Good point.


Sooo bummed fedEx didn't leave that damn package on my front door step. Bleh. Oh well. Photos tomorrow of the tank, I guess. I stuck a big sign on my front door. Leave my box on my front door step. *grr* I didn't write the "*grr*" though. I thought I'd leave that out.

Random photo I took at the Milwaukee Zoo last summer of their stingray exhibit.



I hope everyone's having a good night!

Well you picked a good tank there. I have that same water jug. Actually two of them. One is for Ro , the other for nsw. If you are this impatient already , you might want to reconsider ! J\k . Things are going to take some time. This site is loaded with pico owners especially the 3 gallon jbj. So you have found the right place. Imo your best bet for good quality Lr is a local reef club. There has to be some one with some coraline covered lr willing to part with 4-5 pounds. Did you check Craig's list? Some one in my area is always selling reefing stuff in my area on there. Gl ! Keep us posted !

LOL. Good point. I think I'm just fed up with FedEx. They nearly ruined my Christmas... okay, not really. I just prefer UPS. I think they're much more customer service friendly.

I have thought about Craigslist... and when the time comes, I'll definitely check them out, too.

no tank yet

I signed off on my door tag last night when I got home from work so that the FedEx guy would be kind enough to leave it on my doorstep today. So voila!

The packaging from Drs. Foster & Smith was really good. Tons of packaging peanuts (all biodegradeable) and the box it came in was very sturdy and heavy duty.

See?



So I took it out and everything was very self-explanatory. Honestly, there's not much to it. The 9W light that comes with it was already assembled. Plug it in and you're ready to go. Same thing with the power filter it comes with... put on the cover, plug it in and you're ready to start.... ummm... filtering?

Here it is out of the box and in the spot I'm going to have it.



My Coralife Digital Thermometer and analog thermometer are both on the way.

Next on the agenda are more basic essentials:

- Heater (Visi-Stealth or Hydor-Theo)
- Maxi-Jet 404 Powerhead
- Refractometer
- Saltwater Master Kit
- Water + Salt Mix

I think unless I've missed something, this should more or less get me started with getting the tank full of water. ...anyone know some good places online to get cheap dry goods? Like the stuff off the list I need? i.e., heater, powerhead, refractometer.

1.) When I initially get some live rock in my tank... what should I do with the power filter that came with the pico? Should I remove all the media? Or leave it in there? Or not use the filter at all? Same question, I guess... once the live rock is all cured, what should be done with the stock power filter or rather the media that came with it? ...in due time, I'll be building an AC70 fuge mod.

2.) Is there any benefit at all with curing the live rock in the tank? Can't I cure whatever rock I obtain in a 5-gal. bucket with the heater and powerhead? And just do weekly water changes? Just seems like it would be a way to keep things clean. Let whatever die-off occurs happen in a bucket rather than the display tank.

Just thought I'd check.

I hope everyone is having a great night!

p.s. Tomorrow I'm going out to my LFS to buy a Naso Tang, two Mandarin Fish, a Seahorse and a Picasso Trigger. They will all be babies so I'm sure they will be fine.





I'm totally kidding... I'm only going to buy one Mandarin Fish, not two.


Totally joking.

The tank looks awesome. Are you going to paint the back of the tank? Congrats on the tank

Yeah, I'll paint the back of it this weekend. I'm using a flat black spray paint that works on glass.

Thats the same I used nice choice

cool tank. nice and clean right out of the box lol. is the JBJ glass? i know one of the 3 gallon is acrylic right?

i like the shape of that tank. later on after i doo good with my 5.5 i'll get that put everything into that and make a 5 gallon sump great idea. not now though great tank, nice shape

Thanks!

Yup, it's glass! Very clean lines. Really contemporary looking. I think it's the Deco Kit pico that's acrylic. But yeah, the JBJ is glass. I was really surprised by the build quality. It's a sweet looking tank...

sweet it looks amazing cant wait to c it stocked yeah rite now im going with fowlr bc no good lights but i'll place an order on the lights sometime have a 5.5 chek it out

Congrats on the Tank!! I can't wait to see how it turns out.

I'll be following very closely. I was pretty set on a 20-30 gal tank a while back but put it off because I couldn't find the right spot in the house. I've been lurking for a week and have decided to try a pico on my home office desk. I will be getting the same tank as you with the fuge AC70. I don't think I'll paint mine as I expect to have plenty of growth on the back wall that will block that panel anyway. For lighting I will be getting Current 2x18 I think but that's some time from now. Please take lots of pics and update often. I'm feeling like you felt a week ago (just planning it out).

Thanks! I'm pretty excited! It's a really cool little tank.




Thanks for watching the update... I really appreciate that. Hopefully, people with the same tank who have the same and/or similar questions will be able to get the same knowledge and info I'm looking for.

The CurrentUSA Dual Satellite fixture seems to be a pretty common lighting upgrade with the pico. I'll eventually go that route but for now, I know it isn't necessary just to get some water in the tank.

The AC70 fuge mod is also something I plan on doing... but again, I know it isn't a requirement in getting started.

I think you'll be pleased with the JBJ 3-gal. pico set-up. It would be perfect for a home office, office space or just a little tank in a commonly used work area... the lines are really clean and the tank itself honestly looks like a piece of furniture. I think my girlfriend and I were equally surprised when I took it out of the box. I guess for $39... I was expecting something fairly cheap looking. Like a toy. Far from it though. It is a very contemporary looking aquarium that will look even better when it's stocked with corals.

Good luck on your journey!

Glad you like the Picotope! It really is a nice tank right out of the box. Anywho, I've updated my Pico Guide and you might find Part 5 relevant and helpful to where you're at right now.

I know a couple of people were a little lost with the fuge mod tutorial (not just you) so I will go back and try to clarify it more. Good luck with the new tank and happy reefing!

Awesome.... thanks, Fab!

Not sure if anyone saw my questions on the previous page of my thread that I posted last night...

1.) For dry goods... anyone know of a cheaper (and reputable) place online to get them? I think right now, from what I can... Big Al's Online seem to have the most competitive pricing for most dry goods. I'm referring to the heater, powerhead, test kit, etc, etc. Even with a $5 coupon code I've found online for Drs. Foster & Smith... they still can't touch Big Al's. Not a huge savings... but a savings, nonetheless.

2.) Is there any real benefit to curing live rock in the display tank? I guess I'm thinking in terms of keeping things on the clean side. It just seems like tossing the rock in a 5-gal bucket with pre-made saltwater, a heater and a powerhead would allow any die-off to occur in the bucket rather than in the display tank. Check the water parameters and when it's all good... arrange the rocks in the display tank however you like eliminating die off and making things dirty in the display tank. Thoughts?

Welp, I'm off to work pretty soon...

Have a good day, you guys!

You only need to cure live rock separately if you have an established tank otherwise if you're just setting up you can cure the rock in your tank just fine and will only make your cycle even juicier. Any debris from die-off will get thrown out when you do the big water change at the end of your cycle.

As for dry goods, I usually buy from Drs. F&S, Big Al's and Marine Depot, depending on who's cheaper for that particular item I'm buying. I usually make a list of things I need and buy them all at once to save money on shipping.