My 1.2 Gallon pico build...

[pensiveone]

Yes, you read that correctly; 1.2 gallons! Going to try an experiment and see if I can get this to work. I picked up this little tank at a rummage sale last summer and forgot about it until recently. Its all glass and measures 6" x 6" x 8" wide. Did the calculation and came up with 1.2 gallons. For light I am going to make a DIY unit from this metal box I picked up at the Restore. It measures 6" by 10" so its a pretty close fit. I plan to build a stand to hold the light over the tank. I have two dry rocks that fit and weigh just over a pound each so I will pick one of those two to use. Not sure yet, but leaning towards the one on the left. For heat I will order a betta heater to put under the gravel. For circulation I could probably get away with an airstone since there are no power heads small enough for this..are is there? Hmmm... maybe I could use one of those little water fountain pumps that come in those novelty desktop water fountains? Might give that a try.
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[madjoe]

Nice good luck small tanks big headaches lol

 

[pensiveone]

Nice good luck small tanks big headaches lol

True. But hey, if it gets too annoying I can brake it down like in three minutes. Will try some Zoas, palys and maybe a small piece of Kenyan tree to start.

 

[pensiveone]

Did some checking on E-bay and found some tiny submersible pumps that may work. May try this one which has an adjustable flow rate: http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Plug-AC-110V-3W-Submersible-Water-Pump-Aquarium-Fountain-Pond-micro-mini-/291404658209?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43d9123621

 

[Darienreefs7]

That pump won't last very long. Maybe the Hydor nano? I'm running a wp10 in my 2.5 and it's waaaaay over powered

 

[jrpark22000]

you can also use a small hob filter like the aquaclear. They will provide a little more water volume and all the needed flow.

 

[William Lutman]

Did some checking on E-bay and found some tiny submersible pumps that may work. May try this one which has an adjustable flow rate: http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Plug-AC-110V-3W-Submersible-Water-Pump-Aquarium-Fountain-Pond-micro-mini-/291404658209?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43d9123621

I use these for my ATO, don't run dry and they are fine. Not a Mag 9 but are fine

 

[pensiveone]

you can also use a small hob filter like the aquaclear. They will provide a little more water volume and all the needed flow.

I do have a small HOB from Azoo that might just fit...

 

[pensiveone]

Thanks!

 

[William Lutman]

Check this out

http://micro-reefs.com/

 

[pensiveone]

Check this out

http://micro-reefs.com/

Those are some sweet pico systems!

 

[pensiveone]

Well, I have finally set up this pico tank. I am currently using a small desk lamp that I modded by changing out the Halogen light with LEDs. Its only 3 watts, but seems enough for now. My last light project was just too bright so now I have a 9W Par 20 off ebay onts it way instead. The Mushrooms, GSP and Kenyan Tree seem to be doing fine so far. A tiny Azoo HOB is providing plenty of water circulation.
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[BMMMW]

Any updates in this tank?

 

[Fish_wiz2]

^+1. Would like to know where you got that Azoo filter if you got it locally.

 

[turbojim88]

wow, Im digging the tank!

 

[Smith11]

It can be done, just check out my old 2 gallon thread.

 

[Paulip]

What makes it a lot easier is that you have a bigger tank with stable water parameters. So, you can do big water changes like Melev was doing.

Reef Central had an article about the depletion rates. My memory of the maths is very rough but the function was implying a 50% WC every other day. Obviously, people have gotten by with less.