Lighting for a sub-one gallon pico?

[DPRoberts]

So I'm thinking of starting a very tiny pico aquarium for my desk at work. I'd like to go roughly a gallon or less, as my desk doesn't have a lot of open space & I want something that is very unobtrusive. I'm planning on keeping sexy shrimp and easy corals (I have a rock that's currently covered with mushrooms that would be perfect in a tank that size. 

 

Again, trying to keep it as compact as possible - I'd love to have an AIO, but nobody makes one that small. If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them. 

[This guy is extra salty]

You can diy the backpanel/baffles of the AIO it’s fairly simple find a tank you like and get some glass cut

[JBM]

https://minicompletetank.com

[lobster876]

+1 to minicomplete tank but for a light here is one I use to grow softies and LPS in my two gallons and at 17 bucks the priced won't break the bank. https://www.amazon.com/JackSuper-Aquarium-Lighting-Adjustable-8-5-11-2inch/dp/B07FJLSDYG/ref=pd_day0_hl_199_6/140-1708114-6626302?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07B485Y9L&pd_rd_r=44d0636a-3d7b-11e9-80bb-6f5e2ddbf8f2&pd_rd_w=KMOaT&pd_rd_wg=F8B30&pf_rd_p=ad07871c-e646-4161-82c7-5ed0d4c85b07&pf_rd_r=1KR8NBH3N2YKZWHPC4G2&refRID=1KR8NBH3N2YKZWHPC4G2&th=1

[Clown79]

A good light for a pico is the abi tuna blue par38. Corals pop under it and grow really well. 

12w is enough for that size

[DPRoberts]

I have been thinking about the minicomplete - it's what got me thinking about a desktop tank at work. I just haven't heard any specific reports about how well the light works, or if there's anything out there that's comparable. I might even DIY an aquarium as the first poster said & buy the minicomplete light.

[coopaloop]

I had the 12W abi tuna blue light which worked great on my half gallon jar with zoas, an acan, ric, and a hammer. Switched to an Asta 20 Marine light off Amazon that's been working well. Less light spill since it's right above the lid and I can turn down the blues for photos

[Derek Claxton]

On 3/6/2019 at 11:43 AM, Clown79 said:

A good light for a pico is the abi tuna blue par38. Corals pop under it and grow really well. 

12w is enough for that size

I have the Tuna Blue 23w over a 10 gallon and it's almost too much. So, I second the 12w over anything less than a square foot of tank space.

[NuisanceAlgaeCultivator]

Check out the thread on minicomplete tanks, they’ve got there own set of challenges.

If you can swing a little more space the fluval spec II and abi blue tuna mentioned would be a nice start, they’d also cost about the same as a minicomplete.

[Clown79]

2 hours ago, Derek Claxton said:

I have the Tuna Blue 23w over a 10 gallon and it's almost too much. So, I second the 12w over anything less than a square foot of tank space.

Oh ya, the par38 are strong!