IM Pico 4g Reef Build

[Nano101]

I had 4 interviews this week, plus full-time work. It's been crazy, hence the test delays

 

[Ranjib]

I just finished reading through your entire thread, and I can tell you that I spotted several issues. I am not an expert by any means but I do run two pico reef tanks and learned some things hard way
1) due to the large percentage of water change you won't be able to use water parameters to deduce when and how some mishaps happened. They just fluctuate a lot. You have to understand the tanks health by looking at the livestock
2) you can't introduce sps so early, it's just too risky. They won't die overnights, but they will go away slowly. You have to be very very slow , particularly with pico. My recommendation will be to wait till you grow algae, then clean it up with cuc, then introduce lps or softies and finally sps if things go well. Each of these steps should be 2 to 3 months apart, which means you are probably out of luck to have sps in first 8 months at least
3) always introduce 1 inch frags or 2 , but never bigger than that. Sps will grow according to flow and light. Smaller frags has higher chances of adjusting to those, grow in favorable direction, larger frag won't. Hence some part of it will die, starting a cascading effect. Think of adding a large sps colony in nano tank, it's always a bad idea
4) don't run chemipure or any other resin. Just carbon is good, with filter pads, use chemipure or pyrogen only if you are feeding aggressively. My suggestion will be to do 60% wc weekly (at least) and feed right before
5) remove as much coral as you can

 

[Nano101]

Just changed the filters on my aquafx 5 stage RO/DI. Presently draining my 30 gallon water storage tank because it's contaminated with TDS.

 

[Ghxst]

If that's what the water is like all the time it seems that it's just a matter of biology ( microbial and planktonic proliferation ) and that just takes time.

Besides doing the stuff you said I would Also get the lights in check and please rule out temp or ph swings that could cause your issues. Your on the right track for sure, keep it up.

My test results were all bonkers so I am acid washing my test vials and measure stuff. WC is ready to go so should have results tomorrow.

 

[Nano101]

Would an external cheato reactor be overkill for my tank? Trying to think of a biological solution for more filtration

 

[Ghxst]

I added a cheto chamber with alt. Light schedule and not only is my tank cleaner the ph swing is narrowed to 8.15 to 8.30.

I would add one

 

[Nano101]

Thanks for the input

 

[Nano101]

Something like this?https://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMax...luidized_Bed-AquaMaxx-UJ5355-FIFRISFB-vi.html

 

[Ghxst]

are you DYI person? You could make it cheaper.

 

[Nano101]

Just buy a reactor, a pump, and some light strips? Could you use a phosban media reactor?

 

[Nano101]

I have. 2.5"x2.5" opening for a pump. Anything out there that small with enough flow for a reactor?

 

[Nano101]

Would an mj1200 fit in there? I can't find the specs for size

 

[Nano101]

If anyone has higher volume pump solutions that fit in my form factor, please please let me know

 

[Nano101]

I found this Aquatop NP-302 Aquarium Submersible...p/B006K31WLC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZxpKzb60RJ0BN

Not sure if enough flow for a reactor. The reactor would be in my aquarium stand, a few in hrs below the bottom of the aquarium

 

[Nano101]

Also found this external/internal pump that would fit (210gph)

Cobalt Aquatics EXT In-Line Pump ht...p/B00D5WH6FW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tBpKzbJ081JAV

If that pump would work, any recommendations for the chaeto reactor itself? It needs to be shorter than 12" in height including fittings

 

[Nano101]

Found this media reactor that I think would work with the inline pump. Anyone ever heard or used this one?Pacific Sun Lighting PSFMR 9025 Aqu...p/B01DWOZX0M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_J3pKzbKA6NAX4

 

[Ghxst]

All I know is slow flow is best. I can find dyi stuff when I look on google but not here on r2r.

#reefsquad is there a dyi thread for cheto reactors?

This guy is making one, maybe he will post his plan https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/lets-talk-ph-swings.320033/#post-3957330

 

[Nano101]

I think I'm going to opt for a simpler solution and simply use a JBJ nano glow and put it in the back of the pico. No extra plumbing and will save me near $100. No risk of leaks either. Going to ponder for a few days before pulling the trigger. I have the same light on my 14g and it grows chaeto like crazy in the back compartments

 

[Ghxst]

If that's an option do et!!!

 

[kireek]

Is my two pump design as wacky as it sounds?

I think it was a great idea.

Had a predominantly SPS/LPS in a small pico been done before? I've seen little on the subject. Would love some pointers, along with do's and don't's

Check out my thread here-
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/coral-compatibility-in-the-nano-aquarium.315413/

Be certain to check out what others are doing in their build threads as well-
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/nano-reefs.89/

Help!

My sps are almost dead or completely bleached. Not sure if it's because Red Sea coral pro salt is higher alkalinity or my light intensity. I have no fish in my pico and have 0 mutates. I do have inverts and feed them. I just ordered the spectral controller for my A80 hoping it will help. I think it's my lighting as I'm using the same water chemistry levels I do in my 14g. In my 14g I do a 30% WC with Red Sea coral pro salt weekly. I do also have a skimmer on that tank and an AI prime hd with a programmed light cycle. The water parameters are identical, with the difference being a different light source and the pico doesn't have a skimmer. Help? Is it the light and settings? That's what I'm leaning towards. Again, water parameters are identical with the 14g is producing awesome sps growth and coloring

It is possible that the tank is simply too new to support SPS.Combined with intensive lighting that may have been the problem.

I have a 4g pico. Up and running for about 3 months. Have a Kessil A80 with a spectral controller (just got the controller a few days ago). I use two pumps for higher water flow. Auto aqua micro ATO. I do bi-weekly one gallon water changes. I use Red Sea coral pro salt. My sps are dead/bleached, my lps aren't looking great. I have no idea what my levels should be on the spectral controller for a 4 gallon pico. Any settings recommendations would be appreciated.

I'm really frustrated with this tank. It looked so beautiful at first and everything is going downhill. Parameters are where they should be, so I'm guessing it's light settings.

Have been contemplating a mame glass skimmer, to boost filtration. My only filtration is biological and I use chemipure blue.

Please help

Don't be frustrated.There are plenty of good things going for it.I am not familiar with the settings on your particular light.You definitely want to ramp it up slowly though.A skimmer is always helpful.

Water Chem results would be a fantastic addition to start. All of them, ammonia, nitrate, pH especially, phosphate the whole gamut. Also how do you track your temp? Preset heaters always emit the same energy but the surrounding temp will flux. Do you have a controller of any kind attached or temp log you can post?

As we spoke about earlier it is too early to have Stoney corals thriving. It takes several months to end the mini cycles ( July 18ths pic shows evidence it's not fully ready to go). You will get there, trust me. The first thing we have to do is get you the secret sauce recipie to an awesome reef tank, time and patience. Then comes sound water chem followed by established biology. After that adjusting your lights and reef equipment will really tune your tank.

I read along most of your other post on r2r and noted the advice you have previously received. No one mentioned the importance of time and patience and some seemed to think a 4g pico is easy and fast to do. I apologize on our community's behalf and urge you to embrace the things that are most needed. @revhtree is there anyone you know of that can confirm or identify other issues?

I would look into the temperature readings as well.It can be easy to overheat a Pico aquarium.Especially with pumps running inside and a warm light.Make sure the heater is accurate and not set too high.

Would an mj1200 fit in there? I can't find the specs for size

They are compact,I believe one would fit.

All I know is slow flow is best. I can find dyi stuff when I look on google but not here on r2r.

#reefsquad is there a dyi thread for cheto reactors?

This guy is making one, maybe he will post his plan https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/lets-talk-ph-swings.320033/#post-3957330

I don't know of one myself.

I think I'm going to opt for a simpler solution and simply use a JBJ nano glow and put it in the back of the pico. No extra plumbing and will save me near $100. No risk of leaks either. Going to ponder for a few days before pulling the trigger. I have the same light on my 14g and it grows chaeto like crazy in the back compartments

Might be a good idea.You will have to find a way to keep the cheato from getting into the pumps.You may need to harvest it frequently as well.