1-2 gallon pico reef...

[Jimmyboo]

Hi guys, I had an account here but haven't been on in a few months, so I just made a new account because I forgot my password and use name

 

Anyway, Im new to saltwater fish tanks, I had a 10 gallon freshwater one in the past, but feel ready to try a pico tank. I know what your thinking, thats a terrible idea!!! and of course, not the right time to start. But hey, is it ever the right time to start my idea is a tank with.... You know 3-4 yellow tangs and maybe a shark Just kidding, NO FISH.

 

Ok, really, I'm new to saltwater tanks but want to start off very small (1-2g). This is because I do not have much space, plus want to keep costs small.

 

The idea for the tank would be to have a few corals, don't care which ones... slow growing would be smart and maybe some inverts of sort idk just some interesting things.

 

I have been reading tones of info and am really interested, Im starting to make a list of things to get, I know an auto top off it definitely needed, salt, filter, heater? etc etc.

 

btw, was thinking this tank,

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047EKGS6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3O88P8V9WW2SX

 

 

Thank you guys in advance, I remember how helpful you were

[jtwisconsin]

Exactly how much space do you have to work with? And what is your budget?

 

You might find that you could start with something a little larger than just 1 to 2 gallons.

[darkdancer333]

This may be a better option

comes with LED an pump so might be better deal for the money

 

http://www.petco.com/product/121498/Fluval-Spec-III-Aquarium-Kit-in-Black.aspx?CoreCat=LN_FishSupplies_FishTanksAquariums

[aviator300]

Welcome to the forum. I started my first reef tank about 3 months ago and love it. I dont have much time for pleasantries at the moment because its almost midnight, but I wanted to give you an idea which i know would be a much better start for you than a 1.5 gallon betta tank for almost 30$. Also, that small of a tank would be difficult to keep (even for an experienced hobbyist).

 

It looks like with your choice you would be paying about 30$ just for the empty tank and then buy a light and filter.

 

Here's what I suggest. Start off with a 3 gallon JBJ Picotope. It is a beautiful little tank with modern rimless design and front rounded corners. It comes with a HOB filter and a light that will support most all soft corals and some LPS. You can buy the whole thing online for $41.99 at most online marine stores or pay about $58.00 at your LFS..

 

 

Countless numbers of Reefers get their start on this tank all the time and as a matter of fact their is a build thread under the Pico tanks section of this forum entitled "You grow girl". that has many photos of this persons Picotope. There is also another picotope build thread entitled "El Fabs pico reef 2007-2010"

[Jimmyboo]

Hi guys, thanks for the responses!!!!

 

Im really trying to stay under 2 gallons as space is an issue, but also because Im moving out in a year and want to be able to support the tank wherever I go.

 

But even that would not be a good enough excuse for a pico... In reality I just want to experiment with the smaller tanks. Im definitely going for a pico, I do like that 1.5 gallon one as its small, but understand if people say go bigger.

 

Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated,

 

Best,

JB

[brandon429]

predictably, I sent one heckuva long pm.

 

[aviator300]

Good luck

[Imaexpat2]

What about a 2.5 gallon AGA type tank, with a Aquaclear 20 HOB Filter and Coralife T-5 12 watt light like the one I got sitting on my desk?

 

I set this one up with a couple of pounds of Garf Grunge for substrate, one small tennis ball sized live rock, a pound or so of "dry" rock rubble. I got 6 mini brittle stars with the live rock I bought from "Deathco", a few Mysis Shrimp and Bristle Worms, have 7 small colonies of Zoanthids, GSP and Xenia, a couple of snails and a couple of Hermits. Minus the corals and live stock the cost was only about 100-120 bucks for the equipment. Foot print is about 12 inches by 6 inches. Its been a pretty cool little tank to play around with and makes for a nice display on the desk and has been easy to manage as well. The corals were probably about 150.00 as most of the Zoanthids were some of the more higher demand types that were sold by the polyp. The GSP was a whole 9 bucks and the Xenia was 19.00 bucks for the nice sized frag of it I got at the LFS. The only other planed additions are a few Ricordias in a rainbow of colors at which point I will just sit back and let this tank run its course and blossom into full bloom.

 

Just a thought...

[Jimmyboo]

Hi guys, just moved it over here:

 

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/344928-my-first-pico-reef-ideas-1-2-gal/

 

 

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I like the idea of the 2.5 gallon, but Im really trying to either do a one gallone or 1 1/2 gallon tank. Still all the input is greatly appreciated.