IM Pico 4g Reef Build

Ghxst · Aug 14, 2017

kireek said:
I think it was a great idea.

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/

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

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.

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.

They are compact,I believe one would fit.

I don't know of one myself.

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.

Reef squad is real!!! I think this tank will flourish with the above advice and with a little patience and time be a real gem.

Nano101 · Aug 14, 2017

kireek said:
I think it was a great idea.

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/

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

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.

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.

They are compact,I believe one would fit.

I don't know of one myself.

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.

I have 3 chambers. The chaeto would be in the first, the 2nd I use rubble rock and is also where my heater is. It would be hard for chunks of chaeto to get through.

Nano101 · Aug 14, 2017

Nano101 said:
I have 3 chambers. The chaeto would be in the first, the 2nd I use rubble rock and is also where my heater is. It would be hard for chunks of chaeto to get through.

Yeah, it was too soon for adding sps. Just a dumb idea. Will get the tank back will it needs to be and try again in a few months. I don't have much for skimmer options seeing it's 4g pico. Was planning on just doing water changes every 5 days or so. Maybe a mame glass skimmer if I need to.

kireek · Aug 14, 2017

Ghxst said:
Reef squad is real!!! I think this tank will flourish with the above advice and with a little patience and time be a real gem.

We keep it real all the time.All day long.

Nano101 said:
I have 3 chambers. The chaeto would be in the first, the 2nd I use rubble rock and is also where my heater is. It would be hard for chunks of chaeto to get through.

Oh good.The only and biggest problem I have with cheato is that it gets everywhere.Even your shoes,lol. I was also going to suggest maybe doing slightly less water changes or even switching your salt brand.It may help bring to bring the KH down a tad.

Nano101 · Aug 25, 2017

Got some reef crystals and took out the dead SPS. We'll see over the next month or two if the lps and softies adjust well

Nano101 · Aug 29, 2017

Switching from Red Sea coral pro salt to reef crystals has made a huge difference. The Red Sea salt is great in an established, alkalinity demanding tank, but in a pico like mine I don't think it's the best choice. My sps are gone, but everything else is bouncing back.

Ghxst · Aug 29, 2017

Glad to see improvement! Pics??????????????......????????

najer · Aug 30, 2017

Yeh that ^^^! Good to hear.

Nano101 · Aug 31, 2017

Stuff is a little closed up today, but has been open the past week

tdileo · Aug 31, 2017

Nano101 said:
Stuff is a little closed up today, but has been open the past week

Looking great. Just keep an eye on the shrimp, I hear if not well fed they will snack on corals

oscargrumete61 · Aug 31, 2017

What kind of light do you have now ? Doing light great job

Nano101 · Aug 31, 2017

oscargrumete61 said:
What kind of light do you have now ? Doing light great job

The same Kessil A80 tuna blue with spectral controller

oscargrumete61 · Aug 31, 2017

O yea right looks different lol ke a bulb but its the kessil [emoji1303][emoji1303][emoji1303][emoji1303] love the kessil i got the 360 WE for my 20 gl

Nano101 · Sep 12, 2017

Just added a jbj nano glow fuge light in the back of the tank. I peeled off about half of the back to get the light where I need it. Bummer is the light is too bright too keep on at night since the tank is in my bedroom, so I'm going to run it during the day. I really would love to find a small skimmer that doesn't use an air stone.

Nano101 · Sep 12, 2017

Feeding time!

Nano101 · Sep 12, 2017

In a month the top is getting an sps or two. Looks like part of birdsnest frag that I put in there months ago didn't croak with the other sps. Switching to reef crystals from Red Sea salt seems to have gotten the alk in check and the corals are coming back. Wish I would have done it before the sps died. Never would have thought a cheaper salt would be better. The Red Sea salt in my other nano is great, but there are many coral to absorb the excess alk quickly. Both tanks are on the up and up

saltyhog · Sep 12, 2017

I think you would like this substitute for the standard return nozzle. It does a good job of getting some more random flow without dead spots. I use it on my IM Fusion 10

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/auqa-gadget-spin-stream-nozzle.html

Sandroni · Sep 12, 2017

I have an a80 on my nano, it is a good light but I wouldn't really recommend it with high maintenance. My favia grows pretty good with it, but it is also high up so it can get more light.