still-life Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 Hey guys, I'm Josh a photographer GA Ive decided to set up my ecopico that was sitting around for awhile. I started with dry rock and sand, i cycled via shrimp method and the cic is coming in tomorrow . Tank: 5g ecopico Lighting: 4 ecopico strips 5th one in mail should be here friday Pumps/ filtration: Im using two of the standard pump and i've custom fitted a small bag to chemi pure elite and poly filter floss in the filtration part of the filter/pump I wanted to keep it simple but one pump filter would not give me enough flow but two would give me enough plus the benefit of having some kind of filtration was a plus. The lighting I'm still on the fence about I'm going to start off with zoas and maybe a hammer but i would like acans and a few chalice corals as well. The pictures aren't great but i just snapped them with my iPhone http://s1368.photobucket.com/user/still-life1/media/IMG_0064_zpsa260cc2b.jpg.html'> http://s1368.photobucket.com/user/still-life1/media/IMG_0066_zps83791fbb.jpg.html'> Any suggestions lmk Link to comment
Reefkid88 Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 Nice looking set-up !!! 3 things: 1: have you thought about maybe getting a reactor like TLF or the ViaAqua reactor and running filtration that way ? Or getting something like a Aqua Clear 50 and running ChemiPure and or just activated carbon ? 2: have you looked into a par38 from anywhere ? Like Ecoxotic,Coral Compulsion,Orphek. Or building a DIY light ? RapidLED have some nice parts for builds. Your current light will be able to keep Zoa's and some softies alive. But LPS's might be a different story. 3: do you have any test kits or plan on testing ? Link to comment
still-life Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share Posted June 11, 2014 Nice looking set-up !!! 3 things: 1: have you thought about maybe getting a reactor like TLF or the ViaAqua reactor and running filtration that way ? Or getting something like a Aqua Clear 50 and running ChemiPure and or just activated carbon ? 2: have you looked into a par38 from anywhere ? Like Ecoxotic,Coral Compulsion,Orphek. Or building a DIY light ? RapidLED have some nice parts for builds. Your current light will be able to keep Zoa's and some softies alive. But LPS's might be a different story. 3: do you have any test kits or plan on testing ? Hey thanks i already have an AC20 with surface skimmer box. i planned on getting the media basket as well but i plan on having this light for awhile. if i was to change lights i would then hook up the AC. Link to comment
Reefkid88 Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 If you ever want a inTank media basket let me know. I won't be using my AC20,I'm switching to my AC50 and made my own media basket. Just let me know,ill give you good deal. Link to comment
still-life Posted June 19, 2014 Author Share Posted June 19, 2014 Ok few things have changed, going with ac70 w/ in tank media and pico aquariums surface skimmer, mp10, fishneedit mh fixture and chill solution chiller!!! Aquascape has changed and will post pics tomorrow Link to comment
still-life Posted June 19, 2014 Author Share Posted June 19, 2014 Need a few ideas for fish, any suggestions? Link to comment
lecroj Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 an mp 10 and the AC70 seems like overkill. for fish, be careful of blennies without a top. lots of them are jumpers. I would get a pair of cool clowns Link to comment
still-life Posted June 19, 2014 Author Share Posted June 19, 2014 Ac 70 will be running off smaller impeller, and mp10 I feel is overkill, what do you think is good for flow ? Link to comment
lecroj Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Its only 5 gal so try the AC70 alone and if you need more circular flow add a tiny pump. You can get a little 3w pump for under $10. looking at your first pic, you already have 2 little pumps. just use one of those. Link to comment
Reefkid88 Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 This build just got expensive VERY quick. If you're going to spend $100+ on that fixture,I'm telling you,go leds and save yourself the hassle. With mh it comes with extreme heat,expensive bulbs,and the use of a expensive chill to cool everything down. Just go leds and save yourself some pain. It'll be worth it an you won't have to worry about a costly chiller and the water having horrible evaporation. I had evaporation out the ass on my 5g and 5.5g tanks with just my 70w mh. For your tank,all you would REALLY need is: -2x RapidLED Nano Drivers a/ Pots-$ -6"x10" heatsink with splash gaurd and hanging kit -Leds for channel #1- 4 royal blue & 2 blues -Leds for channel #2- 4 neutral whites & 2 UV's -2x end clips & 2x 36" wire leads for each string is $161 shipped. Link to comment
xzeror Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 I have same sized tank, and I'm doing the same thing with the pump and chemipure. I'm thinking about buying a small canister filter to keep it clean and not have anything hob. I also have concerns over the light im running two 12k and actinic and one actinic. I wish i didnt spend as much for this light and just went with a par30 or something similar. Ricordea is growing and looking good under 3 strips Link to comment
still-life Posted June 22, 2014 Author Share Posted June 22, 2014 I've had leds and i rather have mh. Just personal preference. I will be hooking up a chiller also to control temp. A lot of the stocking plans have changed and scape as well. Thanks everyone for input And FYI guys fishneedit has a 50% off sale on everything so I got everything for $94 shipped Link to comment
Reefkid88 Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 Did you get the 150w ? You get a good bulb like XM and you'll have ridiculous par. I really would like to go back to T5's or mh and led combo. Either way,I think this build will be pretty damn nice. Link to comment
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