Mike's new Pico....

[mikeguerrero]

Hey Reefers,

I've started a documentary on my pico just like I did for my 12 gallon DX cube. I'm going to be running this tank in my office at work. I just couldn't resist when I finally found a pico tank that fits my Coralife hood.

The aquarium is glass and I believe it's smaller than the melody edition since the hood I have is only 9 inchs in length and 18 watts of power 50/50.

I'm running as filtration my Aqua Clear 20, with 1/2 unit chemipure and sponge. So far no heater, since I believe the light will give good balance during the day.

I'll have to see how it drops in the night. I have live sand and catalina water.

Any thoughts on what would look good in my tank, would be glady taken.

Mike

P.S
This tank will be known as the Mbaby tank series, hehehe

http://tinypic.com/28uyc9

http://tinypic.com/28uzvl

http://tinypic.com/28uzyo

http://tinypic.com/28v02w

http://tinypic.com/28v05v

http://tinypic.com/28v0a1

http://tinypic.com/28v0bp

[Jtsky]

Looking good! Are you going to keep the light like that? What are your stocking plans?

[Jimsmowen]

Softies =D

Looks great so far got everything ready to go =)

Keep us updated!

[skipm]

I think that tank would look great with some zoos and polyps, maybe a ricordea or two if the lighting is enough. Either a sexy or an anenome shrimp would add some movement to the tank. Keep the pics coming. Looks good so far, Skip

[Sugar Magnolia]

Have you started up that AC 20 yet Mike? Seems to me that in that tiny tank, the flow is going to kick up that sand.

Pretty sharp looking with that Coralife hood over it. It looks like it was made just for that tank. :D Where'd you find that tank?

[mikeguerrero]

Hi Sugar,

The tank is only $12.99 and the AC 20 is perfect, it has a current setting plus or minus lever. I have it full blast and here is what the tank looks like with water and light. Also see how clear it looks with the 1/2 unit of chemi-pure...

Mike

http://tinypic.com/2962w7

http://tinypic.com/2962y1

[ToUcHoFeLeGaNcE]

where did you get the tank? How many gallons is it?

Thanks
Keep up the good work!
Touch.

[Sugar Magnolia]

That is just too cool!

[mikeguerrero]

Need some help picking up a heater for this tank. During the day I know I'll be fine with the lights giving off heat. But how about in the night? I saw this mini heater at Dr. Fosters:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12087&N=2004+2020

Can anyone steer me in the right direction, I like the fact that you can conceal this heater in the gravel or against the glass behind my live rock.

However, I don't see a temp gauge setting, and under more information, it says remove heater during the summer days if temp get to 76 degrees. I'm a little lost. :?

Any help would be appreciated.

Mike

[burrito]

how bout one of those undertank repitle heater pads things. im not sure if you can control temp or not but they carry them at most petcos and what not so you can check it out

[Sugar Magnolia]

A couple of people over at RDO have used that heater. It isn't adjustable, but it will bring the temp in the tank up a couple of degrees if your ambient room temp is under 76. It's pretty inexpensive, so you could give it a try. Or, you could go with this little submersible and stick it in the HOB. http://petsolutions.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_15510721_A_Thermal+Compact+Heaters_E_ It has an adjustable setting.

[impur]

Probably is just set at 76 or something. Walmart has small plastic heaters that are set at 77 i believe with no guage. You might look into the marineland 50w heaters, they are like 6" tall. Might fit diagonally in the filter.

[clown fanatic]

is that enough light to support any kind of coral??

[mikeguerrero]

Clown,

At the depth of the tank and the coverage of light, you are increasing a light ratio on the coral. So you can get away with what most would not recommend.

I've got 15 years in reefing, and do know that it's not just light, it's many other factors. But if I were to have this hood over a taller tank, forget it I would only have mushrooms.

This tank is going to have a lot of neat things, just don't know yet, but stay tooned for some really neat surprises on this thread of mine.

Have you seen my other two cubes? I have a thread here with lots of pictures for you to enjoy.

Mike

[clown fanatic]

o ok thank sweet tank btw im gunna be following this thread

[BlennyBabe]

Im going to follow this thread too. I have the exact same light and am looking to do a small nano like this. Where did you get the tank and how many gallons is it?

[mikeguerrero]

Sugar,

Thanks for the heads up on the mini heater I inquired on. I will not purchase it since I saw it has no thermastat and it would require a very expensive thermal controller to regulate it.

The one you are posting about is the best bet dollar for dollar and it can be concealed behind rocks once I start building.

Thanks again,

Mike

[Sugar Magnolia]

Yeah, that's where I have mine. Can't even tell it's in the tank and it's so small that it doesn't take up much room at all. Mine's been running over a year and has kept the tank at a steady 80 degrees.

[mikeguerrero]

Magnolia,

Just a small heads up regarding your heater. You stated that you have owned it just over one year. Please change it out to another one as soon as possible, let me tell you why.

I ran a 6 gallon eclipse mini reef and never changed out my heater. I was told by my LFS that good practices are to replace it once a year, due to wear and tear especially in a salt water tank.

I didn't listen and thought, man these things can run forever, I left on a 2 day vacation only to come home and see my entire tank cooked.

The heater would have only been 16 dollars and instead I lost everything in my tank, over 300 dollars.

Just my experience and I would not want that to happen to your nice tank sugar, you have such a nice setup and I never get tired of re-clicking your pics every now and then for viewing pleasure :)

Just like incysor says about lights needing replacing every six months, heaters are notorius for thermalstat malfunction, they click on and never click off :(

Mike

[Sugar Magnolia]

I actually had a heater malfunction in my old minibow. Temp was 96 degrees. Thankfully, I only lost a couple of SPS and an LPS. Everything else survived, strangely enough.

I have to order a few things from petsolutions so I may as well toss a new heater in the basket too. Thanks Mike.

[TigerWoods]

WHAT!! Oh man now im scared. Are we talking about every heater on the market or just these mini nano heaters?

[mikeguerrero]

Hey Reefers,

Here is a continuous documentary on my pico. I picked up 1.5 lbs of premium live rock from Atlantis Aquarium in Fremont.

I have taken several pics of the rock so you can see the quality pieces I picked up.

The live rock only cost me $11.99. Now I will be monitoring the nitrogen cycle just in case the rock isn't cured. I made sure to ask for the cured rock, but you can never be safe.

Mike

http://tinypic.com/29sao5

http://tinypic.com/29sar9

http://tinypic.com/29saxw

http://tinypic.com/29sb55

http://tinypic.com/29sbbo

http://tinypic.com/29sbde

http://tinypic.com/29scw2

http://tinypic.com/29sd9k

http://tinypic.com/29sdc9

http://tinypic.com/29sdht

[slave-of-rock]

thats awesome!! i love the way u have the rock set up, and that light is great, it can take tons of abuse :lol:. i have one over my refugium on 24/7 and i drop it all the time by accedent when i go in my sump, just wont break haa, gl with the tank!

[Cosmo^Kramer]

WOW..That rock looks fantastic!..so does the tank.Awsome setup Mike.I can't wait to see how it all comes together :)

[Sugar Magnolia]

Great scaping Mike. I really lke the cove area. ;)

You still haven't said where you found that little tank. Holding out on us?

[clown fanatic]

awesome tank! ditto on where'd you get that tank and also how many gallons is it?

[mikeguerrero]

Here is the digital temp gauge that I purchased today. I'll be running temps in the night to see if I can go without a heater. The one I saw is kinda of bulky and if I can go without one it would be great.

Mike

http://tinypic.com/2a12eo

[mazdaspeedzoom]

Same one I use... It's not bad, I wonder sometimes about it's accuracy but for the most part it seems pretty on. I put it against my thermostat in my house to see if the two would read the same and there was about .5-1.0 degree difference but the little one is pretty sensative so even like the slightest little air or anything can make it change. I have it in my sump and it reads the exact same there as if I put it in my tank so it seems to be workin for me.

[mikeguerrero]

I placed mine in the back filtration so I can keep my main tank with no clutter of cords.

To all that have asked me about the gallons of this pico. I went back to my LFS and he said, it's .75 gallons and he doesn't have a brand for the tank producer.

Mike

[The Yellow Longnose]

If you sont mind me asking where did you get it and how much was the tank and filter (the whole setup)
Thanks very much Joe

[LeftCoast]

I'm really interested in this because I'm curious about nano/pico reefs. I'll be monitoring this thread because I might be taking a few hints and tips from it. I'm curious. Where did you get the hood and tank? Maybe I might keep one for softies when I convert my 42 G into pure SPS.

[atlantisaquarium]

Hey Mike!

You never cease to impress me! That set up is amazing. Can't wait to see how it comes along. See ya soon!

Joleen :)

[violet21chewy]

How did you keep the lights on top of the tank. Does it have legs attached to the lights? Thanks!

[impur]

I saw this tank at Petco over the weekend. Came with a light as well, $25. I almost bought it, but i'll wait and see how yours comes along first ;)

[TigerWoods]

Your rock placement came out awesome. Did you end up using a heater or not?

[mikeguerrero]

Hey Reefers,

Thanks for the comments and here are the answers to your questions:

Tank $12.99 (Aquascene LFS)

Live Sand $0.00 (Borrowed from established tank)

1.5 lbs Live Rock $11.99 (Atlantis Aquarium)

Aqua Clear Mini $14.99 (Pet Club)

18watt Coralife Mini $34.99 (www.hellolights.com)

Catalina water $0.00 (Borrrowed from established tank)

Coralife Digital Thermometer $6.99 (Pet Co)

Total: $81.95

Live Stock:

5 tiny blue leg hermit Crabs $7.00 (Atlantis Aquarium)

Total: $88.95

Regarding the light on top of the tank:

You don't need any legs for it to fit since it fits flush on top of the tank. You do however require the Aquaclear Mini because it is braced against it for support. In other words it will not fit on top without the back filter.

Regarding the heater question:

I saw the heater I wanted at Pet Co for $24.99 it's a new model put out by Hydor. It's tiny but I didn't pick it up since I'm watching my temps during the night to see if they drop to the point that a heater would keep it stable. During the day when the lights are on, the tank rises to 83 degree tops. During the night and early morning I checked the temp and it was 74.8.

Hope this sheds some light to the questions.

Mike

[mazdaspeedzoom]

Wow that's almost a ten degree change in temp and in such a small tank... My tank is like 79 at night and 81 during the day and I still get a little nervous about temp fluctuations, one time it went up to 84.9 and I about cried! My maroon clown didn't eat for a whole day when it was that hot until I brought it down to 80.

[The Yellow Longnose]

Thanks for your reply.
Joe

[CPT. MURPHY]

looking good :)

[fred says]

you're doing great!

[Cesar357]

Wow this little pico tank looks great Mike. I followed your other thread and again you have done it. It looks awesome dude. You just gave me the idea, I might get one for my desk.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Mike, that temp swing is just a bit too much. I think a heater is definitely in order.

[mikeguerrero]

Sugar,

I think you are right, so it's back to the drawing board to find the perfect size heater for the tank. I might get the one I saw at Pet Co for $24.99.

The one at walmart would only by like $11.99 but they were out of stock and the temp knob is plus or minus. I like the ones that have the printed degrees on the dial.

Also with the temp variations they are gradual Sugar, not sudden. I've read a lot that gradual is okay, sudden will shock and kill your critters.

But never the less I rather my temps only reach 77 degrees. Also this is going to go in my office at work and it's very stable temps there so I don't know if heater is in order.

But I'll see, since I am going to dump $200.00 live stock into the tank. It's my B-day tommorow Sugar and my company is goiing to get me a $150 gift certificate at Aquascene in Hayward and then I have $50 of b-day money from Grandma. :)

Thank goodness for March 24, otherwise the wife would've said no way !!!!

Mike

[Sugar Magnolia]

Happy day before your birthday! Great gift - enjoy your shopping spree!

[ClarkiiClown]

Does anyone have the number for aquascene in hayward?

I cant find it.....

[Cowman345]

Hey Mike, this is looking great... nice layout with the rock.

I'm using a Hydor THEO 25w mini heater (with thermostat) and the sucker seems pretty darn reliable so far (what is it 4 weeks so far? and not a degree stray from 80ºF since I fired it up. pretty small footprint too. fits nicely in my "melody" and I bet you could stick it in your AC20.

If i can ever afford it i'll buy a thermostat to hook my heater too just as a second backup incase the thermostat in the THEO fails for some reason, but I've heard they're pretty reliable.


Keep a close eye on your nitrites, IME, rock that has been shipped or carried home from LFS in bag without being submerged in water takes longer to cycle even if fully cured.

-dave-

p.s. can't wait to see how this tank progresses!

[mikeguerrero]

Dave,

Thanks for the heads up on the heater. I saw that heater and shyed away from it because the instructions said, if room temp reaches 76 degrees, you need to disconnect the heater.

And then I took a look at the thermastat they sell to control this heater, way too much money.

So I think I'll get that new hydor mini heater that I mentioned, it just came out this month.

My live rock is totally cured zero trates, or trites. I got the live rock from Atlantis aquarium in Fremont Ca. They have really cool stuff and they are super friendly.

Mike

[mikeguerrero]

Hi Clarki,

Here is there direct line, 510 583-5167. Make sure you ask to speak to the owner, James. He is super cool. I really like buying from him, very fair and great prices. Tell him Mike Guerrero sent you. :)

Good luck,

Mike

[sharrison]

nice setup

[Stasher]

I really don't know what safety or reliablity issues you would run into but what about a heating pad or some type of reptile heat pad for under the tank to keep it warm? Just trying to look outside the box :) and yes the pun was intended.

[mikeguerrero]

Hey Reefers,

I got off the phone with James the owner of Aquascene and he got a new order of my little pico. He also got in some lights just like mine. So get your order in and join the fad..

I will be going there after work to pick up my first set of frag corals. This tank is going to look hot, I kid you not.

I want you guys to see how nice and easy it can be to set up a pico in your for under 100 bucks.

Live stock is all up to what your imagination and pocket book will allow.

Pics are real soon, I know I've kept you all waiting, but like I promised I will document every purchase with a pic and the price I paid.

James frags are the most healthy I've seen and his prices are awesome. Some of the lowest in the bay area, that includes his dry goods.

Mike

[mightymouse]

this is really gonna be a pretty cool lookin tank i like the aquascaping alot post some more pics when u get your coral and whatnot

[mightymouse]

this is really gonna be a pretty cool lookin tank i like the aquascaping alot post some more pics when u get your coral and whatnot

[mightymouse]

sorry for the double post

[ClarkiiClown]

Sure you are

[ClarkiiClown]

Sure you are

LOL

[mikeguerrero]

Hey Reefers,

Here is the heater that I purchased for my pico. I decided to go with a 50 watt titanium heater. It's super small and the thermo dial is on the outside. It hid well behind my rocks, better than any other heater in it's class.

And here are the first set of pictures of various mushrooms and polyps. I even added a very small torch frag. I have a baby size everything, including my litte yuma.

I plan on adding a very small feather duster worm and maybe a baby clam. Before you flame, I've successfully kept and continue keeping two crocea clams in both my 12 gallon cubes. :)

Mike

http://tinypic.com/2cll6x

http://tinypic.com/2cllxz

http://tinypic.com/2clm4i

http://tinypic.com/2clmat

http://tinypic.com/2clml0

http://tinypic.com/2clnxd

http://tinypic.com/2clo2r

http://tinypic.com/2cloax

http://tinypic.com/2clogg

[LeftCoast]

My jaw nearly hit the floor...
:lol:

[LeftCoast]

Sweet. :thumbsup:

[mikeguerrero]

Thanks,

I just fragged out two heads on my candy cane coral, and I'm trying to see if I can transfer my baby feather duster worm into this pico.

More pics to come.

Mike

[TigerWoods]

Man thats incredible for such a small tank! Whats that growing in the orange zoos?

[LeftCoast]

I don't know, but it almost looks like an Acropora.

[mikeguerrero]

I"m not sure guys, but I feel it is an acropora. The pico hermit likes being on top of it and I had to push him off, to see if he was doing damage, wasn't.

These are very early pics, I didn't even given them a full day of light, when I snapped their pics. I will take some when I see everything open.

Mike

[Cowman345]

:spin2: I get dizzy looking at all that coral.

lookin real nice!

-dave-

[erdalcandan]

Congratilations!
very nice.

[LeftCoast]

Indeed.

[bigbenji]

I love that pico. Awesome work, my mouth is still open. I have that tank or something similar, and that light, but haven't put them together. You've really got this hobby nailed.

[mikeguerrero]

Hey Reefers,

Here is an update of my pico. I let the lights on a full day and then I started taking pics. I moved some pieces around and did my first frag from my nano to my pico.

I fragged out two heads from my candy cane coral from my larnie tank. Hope you guys and gals like my new look.

Mike

http://tinypic.com/2d5dgw

http://tinypic.com/2d5f1c

http://tinypic.com/2d5f6q

http://tinypic.com/2d5ff4

[fish @ chips 29]

wow nice job!!!! looks kinda like my 20g zoo tank :) im realy liken the red skirt zoos

[mikeguerrero]

I'm going to add a baby maxima, what do you guys spot feed these litle guys?

Mike

[LeftCoast]

Phyto.

[M.Maddox]

No need to spot feed baby maximas in such a small tank, Mike, you run the risk of clogging their gills. Just dose DT's straight to the tank. I've 3 baby maximas that are doing great in my 12 gallon - I feed 2\3rds a cap of DTs per day, and they're growing 'fast' (if you can consider 1\8" a month "fast"!). Beautiful tank, btw!

[TigerWoods]

Jam Packed! I love it. How do you like that mini heater?

[Sugar Magnolia]

WOW!!! Fantastic tank Mike.

[ClarkiiClown]

Holy Crap! That is so nice!!!!!!!!!!!!

How is the flow with the little filter? I am going to copy your setup and make my own pico

That is just amazing- Can you say TANK OF THE MONTH???

[ClarkiiClown]

What are your water changes like? How much do you top off during the week?

[stephane b]

Mike,
by any chance do you know a website that ships to canada that carrys this tank?


Stephane

[ClarkiiClown]

Aquascene in CA will ship to you im sure

[stephane b]

Do you know what the website address is?

[mikeguerrero]

Hi Stephane,

The answer is yes, call 1 510 583-5167 and ask for James of Aquascene in Hayward, Ca. He has already shipped out one to the east coast. I'm sure he can do one for Canada. They are very cheap only $12.99 for the tank I have.

Tell him, Mike Guerrero sent you.... :)

[mikeguerrero]

To answer just a few questions:

The titanium heater is superb, it is smaller than ther others in it's class. And the aquaclear20 is the best, because It's ultra silent and has an adjustable flow, very important in a pico.

I do have some heating issues, since the hood rest so close to the surface, but I have zero evaporation, thats the bonus.

I'm looking at cooling the pico with some options: I will be posting the pics of the cooler I tend to use.

Mike

[ClarkiiClown]

How much water in your water changes? 4 ounces?

[mikeguerrero]

Clarki,

I do just under 5 ounces so 4 would be a good guess. I do that every other day. When I left the top off, the evaporation was much higher.

The closed hood, really helps out, but it does cause heat to build. I'm looking at some cooling techniques. I'll post when I get them up.

Mike

[ClarkiiClown]

Ok so every other day 4 ounces of salted water. So basically no top offs just water changes

[mikeguerrero]

Clarki,

Every other day about 4 ounces of RO/DI Water. I don't add more salt water, or my salinity will rise. Every Sunday I replace half the tank with new salt water.

Mike

[ClarkiiClown]

Ok you have 4 ounces of evap every other day? Shoot my 12gal has only 4oz a day.

[mikeguerrero]

Hey Reefers,

Here is an update on my heating problem. Most of you know that when you have a light so close to the surface you trap air, and through convection that heat is transfered into the main tank.

I could've had my light hang through legs but I would've suffered too much evaporation. I thought about the ice-probe chiller but then it's too bulky for such a small tank.

Chris from nanocustoms gave me an idea, why not place a HD cooler against the glass on the back of the tank. Through small observations, I have seen the temps drop.

I will monitor my ambient temps in my room against what is marked in the pico. I will then post my results.

Also my new resident fish moved in today, he is a small red stripped goby. I hope you guys enjoy the pics I took of him. I picked him up from my LFS, Great bay Aquarium, San Leandro Ca. Ivan the owner gave me a great deal.

Mike

http://tinypic.com/2i7rlz

http://tinypic.com/2i7s4j

http://tinypic.com/2i7scm

http://tinypic.com/2i7sid

http://tinypic.com/2i7skl

http://tinypic.com/2i7spf

http://tinypic.com/2i7sra

[impur]

Good idea on the fans. I'm interested to see if that works well. Where did you pick up that little dual fan??

[mikeguerrero]

Impur,

The dual fans can be picked up at Fry's electronics in Fremont, Ca. They run about 10 dollars and can be powered up by a 12 Volt ac adapter.

They are categorized as HD cooling fans. They are built to cool down a hard drive on a personal PC.

Mike

[impur]

Thanks for the info Mike!!




Miles

[Paladin]

Sweet looking tank! And that goby is a great addition.

[mikeguerrero]

Thanks,

I read up on this type of goby and they say, it does better in pairs. So I'm going to get him a friend, because he looks and acts very lonely... Maybe try a different type of goby but within his same class.

Also I added a small frag of red macro algae, more pics to come. I'm still fighting the heat.

Mike

[mikeguerrero]

Hey Reefers,

Updated pics of my pico. I added three new frags. On the far right bottom corner you'll see two small branches of my red macro algae. I fragged this piece from my colony in my cube.

To the far left top of the tank, you'll see a fragged piece of an organ pipe that I purchased, from Aquascene. Thanks James.

Then to the very bottom left corner, you'll see some pink zoos, they are so nice. Also purchased from Aquascene.

I also picked up two more little fish to keep my other goby company. They are two neon gobies same size as my first stripped one. I got those from Great Bay Aquarium, thanks Ivan.

But to a sader note, my stripped goby jumped ship, he vacated the premesis, my wife and I were sad to see him dried up next to the tank.

I forgot to turn on the heater and in the morning the tank was 71.5 degrees and I found him dead. I don't know if it was the drop in temp that made him jump.

The other two gobies were fine. One was in the tank and the other had gotten sucked up through the filter, I had not yet modified the intake tube, since its' too long. I thought the fish would not go through that, but I was wrong, as I found him in the sponge. I freaked and rescued the goby, remarkably he didn't even suffer a torn fin.

I went to work on the modification of the Aqua mini 20. I got the extension tube to the length that fits the tank, used some super glue and bam, the problem was solved.

Tonight I can go to bed assured that my two residents will at least stay in the tank and not get sucked up at night.

I almost forgot, I got a great deal on a sexy shrimp for only 8 dollars from Atlantis Aquarium, thanks Ming....

Mike

http://tinypic.com/2k3l0w

http://tinypic.com/2k3mew

http://tinypic.com/2k3mmf

http://tinypic.com/2k3nnn

http://tinypic.com/2k3n0n

[slave-of-rock]

sick pink zoas!!! they arernt super slow growers, but they arent really fast, put um in a spot and leave um and they will grow :D

[Cesar357]

B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. Man those zoo's are very good looking dude. Im jealous, now I want a pico too.

[Cowman345]

Mike, or anyone for that matter... How quickly do zoos spread if they're doing well? I have a few in my pico that have grown by 50% since I got them 2 weeks ago, but they're not budding off... does it take a long time?

-dave-

[David4039]

I knwo what tank that is. I just bought one today. It is made by "Ocean Free" Super Curved Betta Tank +. I got mine at Petco for $5. If anyone wants pictures I can give them to you.

It's 9'' x 5 3/4'' x 7'' roughly. Is it the same demensions Mike?

[eugimon]

wow... that's a great pico.. i love that you selected smaller specimens so your tank has the illusion of looking large and roomy. very nice!

[bennerkla]

Mike, any updates?

[dBOYD435]

Total cost????

[David4039]

I have a question.... I was just looking at an old lava lamp I have and when I looked inside I noticed it used a 25 watt light. The light has a little bit of a blueish tint to it.

Do you think that light could be used in a pico tank?

[David4039]

Hey mike,

Did you switch to a Aquaclear 10? was the ac20 too much flow?

[willowtree_1987]

What a great looking tank! Great job!

[robmacy]

I really like how the aquascaping hides the heater. very hitech pico.

[stretch415]

That is one of the nicest tanks Ive ever seen. TONS of color

[CodeToad]

Very nice man :)