Setting up a new saltwater pico tank.

[Max447]

I'm going to give myself a challenge and set up a little pico tank. Just incase anything bad happens to the water I have a fully established tank that I can move the inhabitants into. I am thinking about putting some mushrooms or other softies into the tank and maybe a shrimp. As you will see in the pics the light is very small and I need some advise on lighting. I also wish to hear your opinions on coral Choice for this aquarium. This will be in my little sisters room so some bright colored corals and pink corals would be great, no sps their is no way I could fit a light strong enough to keep sps in that aquarium. Any and all tips for my new pico would be great!

 

[Nick92515]

What kinda light is that. Looks like something that would cause a lot of algae. Thats looks to be a freahwater Pico. Also an ato would be optimal

 

[Max447]

What kinda light is that. Looks like something that would cause a lot of algae. Thats looks to be a freahwater Pico. Also an ato would be optimal

I was just showing the light for size reference, it can't grow anything else than algae. I need some suggestions on replacements that are similar in size.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Cool! Following!

 

[Rybren]

I ran a 3G pico for quite a few years. If I were you, I'd look for a small LED fixture or DIY one that would fit in the space that you have available. I went with a 18W DIY LED on mine.

 

[tomtom2245]

If you want to keep that lid your best bet is probably going to be a DIY LED. Look at heatsinkusa for something that will fit in there and then Boost LED for a driver and LEDs. My current fixture is all custom built from those supplies.

 

[Coastie Reefer]

If you want to keep that lid your best bet is probably going to be a DIY LED. Look at heatsinkusa for something that will fit in there and then Boost LED for a driver and LEDs. My current fixture is all custom built from those supplies.

I don't think BoostLed is around anymore...

 

[Chrisfish]

My first SW was a 3 gal. Pico tank now I'm hooked and up to a 30gal. Following

 

[DeniseAndy]

I made a couple DIY LED for a 2gal. Although I eventually went with a open top and a 38PAR bulb. Only real choice to keeping that top is custom DIY LED. Rapid LED should have something.

 

[tomtom2245]

I don't think BoostLed is around anymore...

Thanks, Rapid LED is what I went with. Never could keep those two straight for some reason.

 

[Coastie Reefer]

I'd maybe see about making a top out of lexan polycarbonate (sold in different sizes at HD and Lowes) to keep evap down, and then see about putting a Par 38 bulb on it.

 

[Max447]

I'm looking into diy leds for now.

 

[BobE]

I have a Fluval spec 3 I belive it is 2.5 gallon. I use abi led bulbs and am converting my tank to sps lps only the light is awesome and only $38.

 

[Max447]

I have a Fluval spec 3 I belive it is 2.5 gallon. I use abi led bulbs and am converting my tank to sps lps only the light is awesome and only $38.

Thank you very much for the tip!

 

[BobE]

I have a Fluval spec 3 I belive it is 2.5 gallon. I use abi led bulbs and am converting my tank to sps lps only the light is awesome and only $38.

If it wasn't for brandon429 and maritza the reef vase i would have never known about the lights from Abi

 

[brandon429]

Those lights are awesome Maritza was directly involved in planning and consultation for those, they're highly affordable glad they work well!!

 

[BobE]

Those lights are awesome Maritza was directly involved in planning and consultation for those, they're highly affordable glad they work well!!

They are great. I just installed the 24w the colors are amazing

 

[Skrilla]

sweet. I had a spec myself

 

[adestafi]

anymore updates on this?

 

[BobE]

Thank you very much for the tip!

No problem. What light sis you end up using ?