nemonlizzy Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 SO... the wife and I want to take on a pico. We understand the dangers, and with only 2 years in this hobby, we are willing to take the risk. NOW... I need help with tried and true/what has worked so far equipment. It looks like a fellow reefer is passing their getup off onto me, I'm excited. Far as I know, it's an Eco Pico and let's just start off with, equipment wise, that's it, nothing else. What do I need? Here's what I would like to have in there; Zoas LPS One or two SPS in the upper columns, most likely pink birdsnest, or something else easy NO FISH Possibly a fish Maybe a bumble bee goby or something small nvm NO FISH I want this to be completely Pacific Theme Biggest thing I am concerned about right now is filtration. What's a good chemical filtration? Chemipure, Purigen, etc? What are good in-tank pico pumps for increase flow? I am familiar with AC50, and it's generous amount of space, any other HOB methods of filtration widely accepted in the pico sport? What is EVERYONE's opinion on two HOBs on different edges of glass on different timers(1 on for 6 hours while the other is off for 6 and then switch). Purpose is to create a "tidal effect" change of flow. Also to help eliminate dead spots. Any good DIY ATO for picos like this? LAST QUESTION, what is EVERYONE's opinion on the eco pico? Is there a better tank out there I will be happier with in the long run? THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! Link to comment
MikeTR Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 you can buy my 7.5g for $200... just change the water weekly and that's it.. fully stocked w/snowflake clown. Link to comment
nemonlizzy Posted October 31, 2014 Author Share Posted October 31, 2014 Pics? Can you tell me a little about it? Lighting and stock? I'm more into starting off a project I can call "mine". Link to comment
joy13 Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 I don't know how big of pico you are talking about but if a AC70 will fit on it that is probably all the flow you will need. I don't see any benefit from having 2 filters on a small tank. Start off with just carbon and filter floss for your mechanical filtration. Then you can start using something like chemi pure after your tank has cycled. For a light check out coral compulsion or if you have more to spend go with the nanobox. I have noticed when I use an AC filter I get hair algae hanging off the spill over which I leave. I have had one on a tank for 5 years and once the algae grew on the filter I have no more in my tank. I even left it on when I had to switch tanks because of a leak. Link to comment
nemonlizzy Posted October 31, 2014 Author Share Posted October 31, 2014 That's funny you mention that algae on the HOB. My 10 just started developing some and it has GROWN like crazy on the HOB and now the 10 looks great. Only thing I watch for is detritus collection on the algae. I am good on the light I think. I build my own LEDs so I'm just gunna throw some together with some spare chips and drivers I have laying in my work shop. I wasn't planning on an AC70 if I did two HOB, I stated the reason for having two. I would probably do AC30 if I went with two, or AC50 if one. I like the eco pico I am being offered, but I also like some of the pico tanks like MikeTR has going and the other rimless setups. I am tossed on this one, I don't have a 180 to pull stabilized water from to put in the pico, so it's going to be WC WC WC for the win on this one. you can buy my 7.5g for $200... just change the water weekly and that's it.. fully stocked w/snowflake clown. Are you including everything in this? Nano box and all? Sounds tempting actually just for the parts and stock. Where are you in SF? Link to comment
MikeTR Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Are you including everything in this? Nano box and all? Sounds tempting actually just for the parts and stock. Where are you in SF? Nanobox sold separately. In reality, the tank does better with the 15w SolarFlare LED. Fort Myers. Link to comment
cju84 Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 You don't need external filtration on a pico. Just get enough porous live rock and you'll be fine. For a powerhead, I like the Hydor Koralia's (You'll probably need the 240 only). Keep up with weekly water changes and you'll be fine. Link to comment
nemonlizzy Posted October 31, 2014 Author Share Posted October 31, 2014 I've seen a lot of successful Nanos with hob filtration. Can you reference a few without so I can get a better idea? I think the eco pico is a little small for a HK 240. How big is your pico cju? Does anyone have an empty pico sitting g around they wanna sell? Link to comment
cju84 Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 I've seen a lot of successful Nanos with hob filtration. Can you reference a few without so I can get a better idea? I think the eco pico is a little small for a HK 240. How big is your pico cju? Does anyone have an empty pico sitting g around they wanna sell? I have the Ecopico. It's a 5.1g. Link to comment
aviator300 Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 I have an almost new 7gal "MicroReefs" all glass, rimless tank that i had running for only 2 months and upgraded. It's all clean and polished and ready to go. Link to comment
Angel<3Nanos Posted November 4, 2014 Share Posted November 4, 2014 Natural filtration CAN be done, but I prefer to have hob filtration. My pico benefits very much from chemipure in the AC. And let's not forget the amount of detritus that the filter floss gets. Would hate for all that dirt to be in my tank just being tossed around. Link to comment
PatrickO Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 Im running an AC70 on a 5.5g with chemi-pure, purigen, and chaeto. AC70 is all the flow no powerheads. Do 1 gallon a week changes, corals doing great and no algae whatsoever.(So far, I think its been running for 4 months or so.) If anything the water is too clean, always 0 nitrates and phosphates. Link to comment
nemonlizzy Posted November 5, 2014 Author Share Posted November 5, 2014 Just picked up a pico from the LFS for the trade of one of my acros. Eco Pico with sand and a pump, which is pretty much where I wanted to start. I'm drying small pieces of LR from my other tanks to putty together and place in this one the way I want it. It came with a jebao 333 LV pump. Which is weird because it came with some type of extension on the intake of the pump for me to place any kind of submersible media. Kinda nice, right now it's filter floss, later it will probably be either chemipure or purigen. Think I got a good deal, will take some pics to show everyone what I'm working with. Link to comment
nemonlizzy Posted November 5, 2014 Author Share Posted November 5, 2014 So here are the pics, before it was cleaned and after it's cleaned, filled and pump installed. Anyone give me some feedback on quality and effectiveness of this pump? Link to comment
cju84 Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 So here are the pics, before it was cleaned and after it's cleaned, filled and pump installed. Anyone give me some feedback on quality and effectiveness of this pump? Pic 1.jpg Pic 2.jpg Pic 3.jpg I have the EcoPico and the pump is pretty garbage. I'd upgrade it for sure. I have the Koralia 240 ($25 on Amazon Prime) which is good enough for a 10g. Link to comment
nemonlizzy Posted November 5, 2014 Author Share Posted November 5, 2014 I have a 240 and it blows the heck out of my 10 gallon. Could I keep the submerged pump and simply add additional flow via another power head or small pump? The jebao submerged pump allows me to install filter media into the tank with great flow and no HOB filter. Is this worth it? Link to comment
nemonlizzy Posted November 5, 2014 Author Share Posted November 5, 2014 How about this http://www.bigalspets.com/pico-evo-mag-circulation-pump-180.html?utm_source=Google+Products&utm_campaign=Google+Products+Datafeed&utm_medium=Comparison+Shopping&gclid=Cj0KEQiAsueiBRCT8YOM4PDElsYBEiQAaiI4IBxg-4LyOEBy-nTMeCAlX6_gYcCMO_OjkyIfuYPqlNAaArxI8P8HAQ mixed with a little deflector action....? Link to comment
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