1 gallon invert/coral bowl question

brett_schn · May 14, 2017

Ok so I'm setting up a invert/coral 1gallon pico reef. Im getting some live rock and I have the sand. I have the aerator already and one and only to cycle the tank. I live in south Florida and I'm wondering if I need a heater for this tank. I will be using a par38 light for the tank. Also what micro powerhead could I use in the tank?

JaimeAdams · May 14, 2017

From the single gallon tanks that I have seen they usually don't have power heads. I would use a heater as I am sure you have A/C running. People with more experience will probably chime in.

brett_schn · May 14, 2017

JaimeAdams said:
From the single gallon tanks that I have seen they usually don't have power heads. I would use a heater as I am sure you have A/C running. People with more experience will probably chime in.

The ac where it will be going is at like 76. It will be going in a school classroom. Also I would need a powerhead for the corals who like flow

JaimeAdams · May 14, 2017

What corals are you trying to put in a 1 gallon tank?

crystalseatexas · May 14, 2017

Consider replacing the aerator with a little submersible fountain pump. Bubbles from air stones will pop on the surface and cause salt creep. Can damage the surface your tank is on, looks ugly and for a tank that size may mess with your specific gravity. Not sure what pump is best... if this is a round bowl, maybe something that will sit at the bottom. With any in-tank pump, be careful to guard the intake so creatures don't get sucked in. Heater is keeps tank temp stable... whether temp fluctuations at night, or in winter, or if the tank is kept in a room where AC keeps temp low. There are very small heaters available. The cords will be ugly, and you will need to balance protection from the cold with protection from the heater itself (heaters go bad, and you won't notice a sharp temp change either up or down until it is too late).

brett_schn · May 14, 2017

crystalseatexas said:
Consider replacing the aerator with a little submersible fountain pump. Bubbles from air stones will pop on the surface and cause salt creep. Can damage the surface your tank is on, looks ugly and for a tank that size may mess with your specific gravity. Not sure what pump is best... if this is a round bowl, maybe something that will sit at the bottom. With any in-tank pump, be careful to guard the intake so creatures don't get sucked in. Heater is keeps tank temp stable... whether temp fluctuations at night, or in winter, or if the tank is kept in a room where AC keeps temp low. There are very small heaters available. The cords will be ugly, and you will need to balance protection from the cold with protection from the heater itself (heaters go bad, and you won't notice a sharp temp change either up or down until it is too late).

The coldest it got by me is 65f this "winter" and the buildings ac is 76f. I really only need a aerator or a pump. If I can find a pump I'll do that route instead