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Jay's 4.5L Pico


JohnRichard

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Since I've been a member from 2007, I figured it was high time I posted something. A co-worker and I decided we needed a calming water feature in the office, and I had so often wanted to try my hand at a small tank I decided to setup a very tiny desktop version.

 

I was at the local pet store, buying dog food and discovered these Nat Geo branded betta tanks, bow-front molded plastic with builtin filter/light and canopy. It was 50% off so I grabbed it, instead of the 2.5g square glass tank.

 

The filter is interesting in that it is the general magnetic impeller driven "HOB" type but hangs into the tank and contains two LED bulbs. The filter media (sponge with carbon) sits diagonally, leaving ample room for modification. With a plastic baffle, the water enters from the left, flows through around the back and out the front just like every other 'hob'. I'm planning on adding some Purigen, and maybe some media... still thinking on that.

 

Because it's such a small tank, I will put in a few hardy mushrooms and put in the largest small pieces of live rock that will fit, on about 1-inch of sand from my home tank. Following the normal cycle, I might add a c. tricolor (more for entertainment), or a snail.

 

I've just got it setup this morning, first day back after the holidays.

 

oZywi1Nm.jpg

 

My most major concern right now is lighting. The two puny LED's are... puny. I was thinking of supplementing with one of those clip on goose-neck fixtures with the daylight 10000k / blue led's which will require leaving the top off. Time will tell.

 

I don't mind watching it as it sit at my desk just about all day and can do water changes regularly as there is a full kitchen / sink with RO water just feet away! Now with an effective size of 4x7x8 inches, I'm off to find small pieces of interesting rock to fit in those dimensions.

 

Wish me luck, bless with advice.

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