3.7g SPS Pico Build

[Frostburnt]

Hey y'all, its build time!

My moms betta died, and she had this little 3.7g aio for it from Petco. Decided not to get a new betta, so I brought it home and it's going to be a reef on my nightstand. Its bittersweet really.

Equipment so far:
Tank: Imagitarium 3.7g AIO

Light: Kessil a160we - This might be overkill and theres a chance it has to be downgraded to an a80. But I'll run some PAR tests later and the week and see where we go from her .

Return Pump: Hydor Evo-Mag Pico 180gph - I'm really hoping this will provide the necessary flow for the tank. Since I'd like to keep all the equipment in the back chambers. I had to drill the hole on the divider a bit larger to set up the plumbing to run 1/2" old-line to control the flow a bit more.

Filtration: About 3.5 lbs of Real Reef Tonga Branch, one box of MarinePURE Gems, a sponge and a media bag with about .5 fl oz of activated carbon just to keep it clear.

Heater: Unfortunately about the only thing that fits is a preset 25w crappy heater. So I need to order myself an ink bird temp controller over the next week or two so I have a little bit of a safety net.

The tank is pretty tightly covered with a glass lid. Well see how this effects the pH because I am trying to reduce evaporation. I may try to add an air stone into the back to feed in some oxygen. But I dont want to deal with the noise. So it would have to go on a timer to only run during the day.

As far as livestock plans, this is where I'm at. Things MAY change, but I think this is a happy medium. I strongly considered a shrimp/goby pair, perhaps a yasha and a curly-que. However, I have no interest in dealing with sand in this tank as it will remain bare bottom. So I added a cave cleaner shrimp, perhaps there will be a cerith or two and an spiny star astrea. Debating on hermits just to add some additional moving life to the tank.

Maintenance should be simple. 100% weekly water changes. Top off as needed. May need to dose eventually, if I do I may switch to 50% water changes 2-3 times a week instead.

The tank is set up so that it can be taken apart and immediately put back together if I should have to deal with any pests. Aptasia? Rock removed, nem burned with a lighter, rock placed back in. Same goes for nuisance algae.

This is where I'm at so far. Any tips, tricks, comments or critiques are welcomed.

 

[Peach02]

Hey y'all, its build time!

My moms betta died, and she had this little 3.7g aio for it from Petco. Decided not to get a new betta, so I brought it home and it's going to be a reef on my nightstand. Its bittersweet really.

Equipment so far:
Tank: Imagitarium 3.7g AIO

Light: Kessil a160we - This might be overkill and theres a chance it has to be downgraded to an a80. But I'll run some PAR tests later and the week and see where we go from her .

Return Pump: Hydor Evo-Mag Pico 180gph - I'm really hoping this will provide the necessary flow for the tank. Since I'd like to keep all the equipment in the back chambers. I had to drill the hole on the divider a bit larger to set up the plumbing to run 1/2" old-line to control the flow a bit more.

Filtration: About 3.5 lbs of Real Reef Tonga Branch, one box of MarinePURE Gems, a sponge and a media bag with about .5 fl oz of activated carbon just to keep it clear.

Heater: Unfortunately about the only thing that fits is a preset 25w crappy heater. So I need to order myself an ink bird temp controller over the next week or two so I have a little bit of a safety net.

The tank is pretty tightly covered with a glass lid. Well see how this effects the pH because I am trying to reduce evaporation. I may try to add an air stone into the back to feed in some oxygen. But I dont want to deal with the noise. So it would have to go on a timer to only run during the day.

As far as livestock plans, this is where I'm at. Things MAY change, but I think this is a happy medium. I strongly considered a shrimp/goby pair, perhaps a yasha and a curly-que. However, I have no interest in dealing with sand in this tank as it will remain bare bottom. So I added a cave cleaner shrimp, perhaps there will be a cerith or two and an spiny star astrea. Debating on hermits just to add some additional moving life to the tank.

Maintenance should be simple. 100% weekly water changes. Top off as needed. May need to dose eventually, if I do I may switch to 50% water changes 2-3 times a week instead.

The tank is set up so that it can be taken apart and immediately put back together if I should have to deal with any pests. Aptasia? Rock removed, nem burned with a lighter, rock placed back in. Same goes for nuisance algae.

This is where I'm at so far. Any tips, tricks, comments or critiques are welcomed.

Looks to be a great build, just keep in mind water is unstable in such a small environment, if you get pests avoid taking apart the entire thing if possible it will stress everything out, anemones are a pain in the butt and I really wouldn’t recommend burning one but otherwise looking good

 

[tupes]

I think the yasha and shrimp would be a good pair but adding some sand so they can burrow would be better for them. do think an anemone would be a good choice for this tank either.

 

[BestMomEver]

Very cool! I’m waiting to steal my daughters 45 bow front tank. When she gets tired of freshwater fish, I’m gonna turn it into a FOWLR tank. That way I don’t have to by seriously expensive lights, etc. and I can get that trigger and angel I’ve always wanted!

 

[Frostburnt]

Looks to be a great build, just keep in mind water is unstable in such a small environment, if you get pests avoid taking apart the entire thing if possible it will stress everything out, anemones are a pain in the *** and I really wouldn’t recommend burning one but otherwise looking good

Yeah. My first tank was a 4g pico, made it a year until I got bryopsis and called it quits.

 

[Frostburnt]

I think the yasha and shrimp would be a good pair but adding some sand so they can burrow would be better for them. do think an anemone would be a good choice for this tank either.

As much as I'd like a fish, I'm going to keep it bare bottom. So I'll stick with a shrimp.

 

[Frostburnt]

Very cool! I’m waiting to steal my daughters 45 bow front tank. When she gets tired of freshwater fish, I’m gonna turn it into a FOWLR tank. That way I don’t have to by seriously expensive lights, etc. and I can get that trigger and angel I’ve always wanted!

A trigger and an angel in a 45g is a recipe for disaster. Careful adding such large fish to such a small tank.

 

[BestMomEver]

A trigger and an angel in a 45g is a recipe for disaster. Careful adding such large fish to such a small tank.

I was just kidding. I wouldn’t put either of those fish in a 45. Too small. Too small for tangs too. I’d have to think about it.

 

[Frostburnt]

I was just kidding. I wouldn’t put either of those fish in a 45. Too small. Too small for tangs too. I’d have to think about it.

Whew. I was hoping so. I always vote reef over fowlr though!

 

[BestMomEver]

Whew. I was hoping so. I always vote reef over fowlr though!

I agree but I already have a reef. I’ve always wanted fish I can’t have... but haven’t we all? Truth be told, my hubby would sell his right arm before he let me set up another tank. I have an empty 32 sitting right behind me and an empty 60 cube I can’t sell. I could put those back up but, like I said, hubby would have a fit.

 

[Frostburnt]

I agree but I already have a reef. I’ve always wanted fish I can’t have... but haven’t we all? Truth be told, my hubby would sell his right arm before he let me set up another tank. I have an empty 32 sitting right behind me and an empty 60 cube I can’t sell. I could put those back up but, like I said, hubby would have a fit.

How many do you have set up?

 

[BestMomEver]

How many do you have set up?

Just 2. I have 90 that I purchased at Reefapalooza. I also have a14 on the kitchen counter. The idea was to combine the 32, 60, and 14 into the 90 but the 14 never made it in. Too much work. So, it’s still set up. What I wanted was a 220 but hubby has been resistant. When we saw the 90 and he said we could get it, I jumped at the chance. It’ll be years before we can upgrade because he’s getting ready to retire and he’s freaked out about money. So, I’m happy with the 90 for now. I’d probably be happy with the 90 for a good while if we hadn’t had a 150, 300, and 500 in the past. So much water and I loved every gallon of it. I sat and stared at it for hours. But it was a lot of work. I think a 220 would be perfect for us now.

 

[btmedic04]

Nice little set up. I keep seeing posts about this imagitarium tank and it makes me want to get one. I was going to suggest a clown goby but since you have sps in mind, I'd be hesitant and have plans to rehome it if it decides your coral is a tasty treat. What about a tail spot blenny? Small fish with a big personality who also is a herbivore. Would add movement and algae control for you

 

[Schmalex]

I have this same little tank setup as a reef, ph has stayed stable with the lid on so far and with weekly or twice weekly water changes I dont even have to make up for evaporation.

If you arent happy with your heater I would recommend the finnex hma-s 50w. The sensor doesnt read the temp correctly when its mounted vertically, however it does hold steady once you find out how much it is off by. For example, mine is set 1.5-2° above the desired temp and when I check with thermometers it's never off by more than .5°, if even that.

Excited to see how your tank progresses!

 

[OldManSea]

I’d probably be happy with the 90 for a good while if we hadn’t had a 150, 300, and 500 in the past. So much water and I loved every gallon of it. I sat and stared at it for hours. But it was a lot of work. I think a 220 would be perfect for us now.

Wow, you are energetic! I have had several big tanks at a time in the past but now have a “90” - Red Sea 425xxl - and a “40” - Red Sea 170. I find it taxing to keep up with those even though they are in a dedicated room and virtually everything is automated, even water changes.

 

[Frostburnt]

I have this same little tank setup as a reef, ph has stayed stable with the lid on so far and with weekly or twice weekly water changes I dont even have to make up for evaporation.

If you arent happy with your heater I would recommend the finnex hma-s 50w. The sensor doesnt read the temp correctly when its mounted vertically, however it does hold steady once you find out how much it is off by. For example, mine is set 1.5-2° above the desired temp and when I check with thermometers it's never off by more than .5°, if even that.

Excited to see how your tank progresses!

Awesome thanks! Do you have a build thread or pics of yours?

 

[Jordan pitts]

This is the exact same tank you have before I moved it to my 6.7. And I’m in the process of turning the 3.7 into a sps tank hopefully lol

 

[Schmalex]

Awesome thanks! Do you have a build thread or pics of yours?

I don't. The post you replied to is my first after lurking without an account for a while. Just wanted to chime in with a heater suggestion because these tanks seem to be a pretty good option for a pico reef and the info is limited.

I probably will start a build thread eventually, have a few more upgrades in mind and if they work out I'd definitely like to share.

 

[Frostburnt]

I don't. The post you replied to is my first after lurking without an account for a while. Just wanted to chime in with a heater suggestion because these tanks seem to be a pretty good option for a pico reef and the info is limited.

I probably will start a build thread eventually, have a few more upgrades in mind and if they work out I'd definitely like to share.

Great! Hope to see it soon!

 

[Frostburnt]

This is the exact same tank you have before I moved it to my 6.7. And I’m in the process of turning the 3.7 into a sps tank hopefully lol

Do it!!!! I'm so excited for this build. I just gotta keep my cool and take it slow. Even though the media and rock is cycled and the tank should be good to go.