Jims 3gal temprate pico

[fullmonti]

I have always been interested in pico tanks. Also always envied people who could collect their own livestock. I don't live near a coast & tropical live stock is pretty much available, so temperate critters seemed to be exotic. I gave up on the idea of having a temperate tank because I couldn't find a source for the livestock. Found a source for livestock recently (Coldwater Marine Aquatics) so decided to combine the two things.

Wanted to keep it small simple to start out. The first consideration is the temperature 55 degrees, so you need a chiller. In keeping with the idea of small & simple an ice probe seemed the way to go. That means 3 gallons max, probably should be less. Next if you make it out of normal glass it will sweat & drip on what it sets on. So decided to make it out of 1" thick acrylic.

I first thought I'd build the tank my self. Did a little research & found some types of acrylic are better for aquariums than others & didn't have a good source for acrylic locally. Long story short a RC member "Acrylics" (James at Envision Acrylics) built it for me. He did a great job too! I did the finish work on the edges because James said that would double the cost of the tank. I now know why, 12 sanding steps & then polishing.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/tinytankfront_zps59645e12.jpg

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/tinytankside_zpseac4c2fe.jpg

This is it!

Inside display dimensions are 8" wide X 6" deep & water level is 12". As you can see there is a built-in HOB filter. This area has the ice probe coming up from the bottom (can bring another ice probe down from the top if needed) & houses the return pump, temp probe & any filter media that will fit in the small space.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/tinytankfilter_zps5bbe9f6a.jpg
Inside the HOB. The pump is a small 120gph Rio (looks like a good flow rate). I will shorten the pipe from the return pump to fit when I get the rock in place.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/lids_zpsc4523f8c.jpg
James made nice lids too.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/tinyampholdingtank_zps9a93859e.jpg
Doing a temperature test, looks like one ice probe holds about 58 degrees. Will need the second ice probe in the summer at least. The round vase aquarium has the rock & sand for the new tank. I glued several pieces of dry rock together so the whole aqua scape will only be one rock, that way if/when I need to do anything in the tiny tank I can take the one rock out & put it in a bucket. The vase distorts some & looking at the rock form the side now, will be new pix when Its all together. It has been cycling for a couple months now (pretty much done). Will move rock, sand & water over soon & lower the temp slowly. Hoping it will be ready for startup critters soon after that.

I have one prototype LED light & another on the way from a new (to me anyway) manufacturer. I think they are perfect for nanos & picos, very small & custom features!

I need to build a small canopy more to hide the second ice probe more than anything. More photos when aqua scape is in & I have the lights & canopy in place.

More to come
Jim

[Touring]

That's sick!! Beautiful tanks

[brandon429]

Really great!

[Boboli]

That is cool !

[RaineyDays]

Wow! Great idea.

[Daniel62]

Beautiful!!!!!

[yukyuklee]

wow what a unique tank!

[DC650]

Whoa that's cool.

[JoeCanada]

More

[fullmonti]

Thanks every one.

Been working on the canopy, mostly done. See if I can get enough done tomorrow for new pix

Jim

[JasonBJones]

Jim, the tank is beautiful. I look forward to watching this one progress.

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

Cool little tanks!

[fullmonti]

Canopy is done, at least for now. You know how it goes, may end up changing it.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/FTSwcanopy_zps53f29f3d.jpg
Added the second ice probe. Just cut a hole in the HOB lid to fix it to.
The canopy is made of 1/8" black acrylic.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/2lights_zpsbd37be38.jpg
The lights were made by Build My LED, these are prototypes. You can choose the LEDs to get what ever spectrum you want. They are VERY small as you can see. I think they're perfect for nanos & picos. These are multi channel which they will be offering as a option in the future. I'll make a video changing the different channels when I get water & rock in the tank so you & I can see how the colors change. I believe right now the shortest fixture they offer is 12", but these are only 6" long & Randell (one of the owners) is working on a single fixture for me 7-8" long. Check out their website & let them & me know what you think.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/2lightsup_zps04099f1d.jpg
Besides how small they are I think the coolest thing is, the housing is the heat sink & the optics are a strip that slides in the length of the fixture.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/2lightsuplit_zps9530f847.jpg
These have RB, NW, UV, red & green bulbs

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/lidsfixed_zps24ad9f0e.jpg
I frosted/sanded the lid for display area because I like the softer less contrasty look rather than the contrasty look. I know I'll lose the simmer effect, but that's OK for me.

That's it for now. My next challenge is to get the little ReefKeeper Lite progamed. As usual the simple intuitive directions are any than BUT if you're not a chip head & I am not!

Jim

[KafudaFish]

Really interested in where you take this.

I hope the lights work well for you because I need something similar for a 5.5.

[fullmonti]

I had been looking for a good while for a small LED light. If they had any power at all they where big. I think these are going to be the answer for a lot of people & Randall is really great to work with. And the custom spectrum is a nice plus.

[tommer725]

lookin great!

[MBIETZ]

Awesome!!!!

[fullmonti]

lookin great!

Thanks, and

I have always enjoyed seeing people avatars (like yours) & wondering how they came up with them.

[Postyoa28]

Following this thread. Can't wait to see how this tank turns out.

[Stephen73ta]

Looks sick! Post some pics of the different color modes?!

[tommer725]

Updates?

[burnah]

subscribed as this is a great build, i want to see it stocked!

[geldof]

Wow, loving this unique build and so well done. I can't wait to see it stocked.

[fullmonti]

Thanks

Was going to get water, rock & sand in today, but some friends stopped by & stayed a long time. Should happen tomorrow.

The dry rock has been in a holding tank cycling so long it has coraline algae growing already. Temperate tank cycle tanks a really long time, hoping that will shorten it. I can't wait to see some critters in the tank.

[fullmonti]

Aquascaping

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/aquascape_zps22d430b6.jpg
I glued a half dozen pieces of dry rock together to fit.

FTS

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/1stFTS-2_zpsdf085bc5.jpg

Sadly it is not in a showy spot, on a self in the filter back room. My hope is, after I have some nice live stock established my wife will say That's so nice you should put it in the living room. Dare to dream.

I wanted to find some acrylic discs to set the tank on. Thought it would like good & make it so I can get under it to pick it up & move. Also when some water get on the table it can be cleaned up & dry out better. Couldn't find any so guess I'll have to make some. It's setting on some plywood strips for now.

Every thing is running OK. Temp is at 69 now, will take it down 1 degree a day to 55. Then start checking to see if it is still cycling. Think it should be mostly done.

I don't have a video camera just Iphone (no tripod mount) so will have to get some help shooting a video of changing color with the channels.

I don't like the gap between the water line & the bottom of the canopy. I didn't think i'd mind, but I do. Have to make another one now. This time may have the front open, might be to small a gap to do the spot feeding, but only one way to know for sure.

Jim

[tommer725]

Nice coming along well

[tommer725]

update

[fullmonti]

I thought I posted this earlier but apparently I did not. One of my ice probes quit, temp is only 60 now. So ordered another & will get this one fixed & keep for a spare. Till this is worked out I'm holding off on livestock.

I just got the other lights, very nice. I'll get one of the two mounted soon. A single strip seems to look better than the two shorter ones, in this tank any way.

[gimmi]

ciao, sono curioso di vedere coma va a finire, molto interessante.
ciao
Max

[fullmonti]

I seem to remember hearing there was a way to translate posts, but don't know how it's done. Anyone know?

[tommer725]

ciao, sono curioso di vedere coma va a finire, molto interessante.
ciao
Max

He says " hello, I'm curious to see coma ends up, very interesting. Byr max"
Coma I'm not sure what it means so I just left it in his language, but I think it means "how it".

So all together I think he is saying. "Hello, I'm curious to see how it ends up, very interesting. Bye, max"

[fullmonti]

Thank you & Max

Is there some way to run posts through some place for translation?

I'm the typical American, english only. Not even all that good at english either.
Jim

[tommer725]

Thank you & Max

Is there some way to run posts through some place for translation?

I'm the typical American, english only. Not even all that good at english either.
Jim

Google translate

[fullmonti]

It's all there on the internet. I should have known that.

Thanks
Jim

[tommer725]

Also did you get the other ice probe?

[fullmonti]

Supposed to be delivered tomorrow! I have talked with the guys at Cold Water Marine about a livestock order. They were collecting this weekend & said they'd get back to me Mon. or Tue. about what new they would have in stock.

Getting close!

[tommer725]

...?

[fullmonti]

The order got held up a bit. It's here now & critters are in. Was going to give them a couple more days to settle in, then take a bunch O pix. I'm learning what they like to eat so I can get pix when everyone is open & happy. Stuart put together a nice order for me. Good CUC, 4 kinds of snails, tiny decorator crabs, several brittle stars, 3 shrimp. Three kinds of nems to start & tiny barnacles that feed most all the time. One freaked out Catalina goby, has only come out of his cave a couple times so far. One clump of macro algae.

Surprisingly there is plenty of room on the rock for a good bit more livestock. There is several things I'm wanting from the next UK order they get in. Plus a few more things from their coast.

Also have the bolts to mount the other lights with. Will do that too & see which looks best. I'm sure any of them would be fine.

[Neatfish]

Looks nice that light looks good too.

[tommer725]

....

[squishifishi]

Hey! I'm in the cycling process for my new pico! it is a 2.5 gallon so I'm interested to seehow yours turns out! what do you plan to stock this with?
it's kind of funny that you have a 2 page thread and mine only has a few responses...I wonder what the difference is.
Anyway,I absolutely LOVE your rock setup. very nice and unique looking!
Let me know about your stock!
good luck!

[flightjunkie]

That is one NICE looking tank!

[fullmonti]

We've had some better weather so I've been working on a project that requirers warmer temps. Would have had pix by now, but weather is turning cold again, so should get some pix to morrow. Any way what I have so far was in my last post. The Catalina goby hardly ever comes out still. The three shrimp all took up residential in the back chamber along with a porcelain crab. Finally took the extra rock out of the back chamber so I could catch them all & put them back in the front. I glued some plastic needlepoint grid across the overflow to keep them out of there.

I hope to get a few more kinds of nems & some cold water corals from the UK (or Canada maybe) when Coldwater Marine Aquatics gets some other orders in. Mostly just see what becomes available. Toss in how much money I can spare when it does.

A good update is over due, I'll try to take care of that!

[fullmonti]

OK finally took some pix!

If you've ever taken tank photos under the normal blue & white LEDs you were probably disappointed with the color, as I have always been. This FTS was taken with the full spectrum little 8" build my LED fixture (sorry no pix of it yet). Didn't mess with the color at all!!! Just auto white balance on the camera. It looks just like that in person too!

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/FTS3-1-13_zpsae1d71e0.jpg

The rest of the photos were taken with a off camera flash, so no movement blur & more depth of field.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/strawberries_zps9a38fdc8.jpg

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/nemampredfootsnail_zps76855fa5.jpg

I've been rubberbanding some nori to a the big barnacle shell for who ever likes it, mostly the snails.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/shrimp_zps90e7a4a5.jpg


http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/macroalgae_zpsad81121f.jpg

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/pinkampwhitenem_zps959d0cae.jpg

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/tanamppinknem_zps45c555e7.jpg

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/tallnems_zpsf8422f8e.jpg

I think it's pretty obvious what every thing is, but if you have any question let me know.

The Catalina Goby came out today for the first time in two three days. No photos of him cause as soon as he sees me he's back in his cave under the rock. There are two small decorator crabs that weren't out when I was taking pix, but they are very small & not easy to see anyway.

That's it for now
Jim

[wlyon]

As far as the built in HOB filter goes, do you use media, live rock, or a HOB filter pad? I didn't see anything but the chillers and return pump in the pictures.

[stackrat]

That is beautiful. A truly unique scape.
Nicely done.

[fullmonti]

As far as the built in HOB filter goes, do you use media, live rock, or a HOB filter pad? I didn't see anything but the chillers and return pump in the pictures.

Just some live rock & 3-4 micro brittle stars from the CUC. I feed a lot of small foods & didn't want a filter pad to catch & hold it. Besides there isn't room for much in there but the iceprobes & pump.

[fullmonti]

That is beautiful. A truly unique scape.
Nicely done.

Thanks, one rock seemed the way to do it since the tank is so small. Do you have a cold water tank? From what I understand there is a lot of good livestock in the waters around England. I hope our supplier here will be getting some nems & corals form your area soon. I would love to be able to collect my own livestock.

[AquaticEngineer]

Looking good! Let me know when that Orange Metridium Senile starts slpitting, I still only have a handful of them I've been able to find so only the cool kids get them for now ;)

[kalgra]

That is super cool! So excuse my ignorance, this is a cold water tank?

[fullmonti]

Looking good! Let me know when that Orange Metridium Senile starts slpitting, I still only have a handful of them I've been able to find so only the cool kids get them for now ;)

Is that the orange nem in the 6th photo? I like that one very much & wondered what it was.

Not sure i have ever been in the cool kids group before!!!

Again, I am so pleased with my first order from AquaticEngineer. He put together a great CUC & nem order for me. Can't wait till they get some more UK livestock in for next order.

Thanks Stu!!!

Jim

[fullmonti]

That is super cool! So excuse my ignorance, this is a cold water tank?

Yes, 55 degrees.

I checked the nitrates just before the last WC. I feed these guys several times a day & have been doing a 1 gal WC every week. I was concerned about nutrient build up with only live rock for filtration. Was relieved to find nitrate at 10, which I think is pretty good in a filter feeder tank. Also the Catalina Goby is coming out a bit more now.

[AquaticEngineer]

Is that the orange nem in the 6th photo? I like that one very much & wondered what it was.

Not sure i have ever been in the cool kids group before!!!

Again, I am so pleased with my first order from AquaticEngineer. He put together a great CUC & nem order for me. Can't wait till they get some more UK livestock in for next order.

Thanks Stu!!!

Jim

Yup, its an orange morph of the same anemone that is in front of it. I only find maybe 1 orange one for every couple thousand white ones I see. There is a larger species of Metridium called Metridium Farcimen that the oranges are much more prevelant, but they get REALLY big, upwards of 39 inches tall fully extended. So getting these orange Metridium Seniles to people is super cool for me, especially when they can thrive and reproduce in a nano :)

[tommer725]

So what's been happening to this tank lately?

[fullmonti]

I had some water quality issues. I was & am still feeding a good bit. I did several 2gal WC & started syphoning out the back camber & bottom off the tank with ever WC and stopped feeding Phyto & Osterfeast. Every thing seems happier now, they all stay open most the time. I took the macro algae out because it collected so much gunk (nems poop a lot). I have settled on alternating feeding 4-5 times a day two kinds of cyclopeeze & mysis now. Also took one of the lager greenish nems out (not in one piece sadly) because he moved right in the meddle of the strawberry nems and was killing them.

The goby still only comes out to eat. A shame too because he is really pretty. The porcelain crab only comes out at night. I got some tigger pods & seem to have a good colony of them in the gravel.

I am about to start building a stand for the tiny tank so it can come out & live in the living room. Can't wait!

Other than all that, the tiny tank is doing great! About ready for a few new critters.

Jim

[fullmonti]

Well was still getting gunk build up in just 2-3 days. I can't get over how much waste anemones put out. Decided some kind of filter was needed. Thought about a small canister filter but all seemed to be way to big & temp control was an issue, plus I really want this to be a AIO. After some research I settled on a tiny internal filter in the back chamber. That way it could be turned off while feeding & temp would hold OK since it would be in tank water. The trouble was they were too big or too small, so I made one.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/tinyfilter2_zps25106ae8.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/tinyfilter2_zps25106ae8.jpg.html)

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/tinyfilter4_zps4d3cf2dc.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/tinyfilter4_zps4d3cf2dc.jpg.html)

Just a box that water from pump comes in one side overflows into a media chamber & out the bottom.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/tinyfilter_zpsae8430ce.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/tinyfilter_zpsae8430ce.jpg.html)

Bucket test. The box goes in one side of the back chamber & pump on the other side. The back chamber now has two iceprobe probes, a temp probe, filter box & two pumps. No more room for extra rock in the back any more. Put a sponge in the very bottom, a couple table spoons of carbon & topped off with floss.

Have to wait & see if this keeps the gunk from getting out of hand for more than a couple days. I am still amazed how much gunk anemones put out. There really are quite a few of them in only three gallons of water though. I still wanted to get a least a couple more kinds so looks like some filtration will definitely be needed. Have to wait & see how this does!

Jim

[fullmonti]

Looking good! Let me know when that Orange Metridium Senile starts slpitting, I still only have a handful of them I've been able to find so only the cool kids get them for now ;)


White Plumose babies have been popping up and now a couple of them have gotten big enough to tell they are orange.

[fishouttawater]

So frickin cool. Well done. and "My hope is, after I have some nice live stock established my wife will say That's so nice you should put it in the living room. Dare to dream." cracked me up haha...so true

[Moort82]

Amazing little system, subscribed.

[Kataro]

Awesome tank!

Quick question for ya, how do you do the water change? Do you chill the water after mixing it before pouring into the tank?

I got a 15G, and I was planning on mixing water and pouring into 1g jugs, and just storing in my fridge til it's cold enough.

[fullmonti]

That is exactly what I do. I put about 3/4 of total WC volume in the fridge & leave 1/4 at room temp. That way when I mix it all in a bucket it's close to 55 degrees (45-50), Just let it set till it's the right temp.

The new tiny filter has worked wonders. The water has been much much clearer. The numbers never were that bad but the water was never really clear, except right after a WC. Think/hope every thing will run smooth from now on.

One of the larger green nems which had not moved hardly at all before, just started walking around. It got into the strawberry nems & was spinging the hell out of some of them. One other big green ones did that & killed several strawberries so I took this one out right away. Now the little guys are all low in the tank & the bigger ones up higher. Will try to keep it that way.

[Kataro]

That is exactly what I do. I put about 3/4 of total WC volume in the fridge & leave 1/4 at room temp. That way when I mix it all in a bucket it's close to 55 degrees (45-50), Just let it set till it's the right temp.

The new tiny filter has worked wonders. The water has been much much clearer. The numbers never were that bad but the water was never really clear, except right after a WC. Think/hope every thing will run smooth from now on.

One of the larger green nems which had not moved hardly at all before, just started walking around. It got into the strawberry nems & was spinging the hell out of some of them. One other big green ones did that & killed several strawberries so I took this one out right away. Now the little guys are all low in the tank & the bigger ones up higher. Will try to keep it that way.

Ah, looks like everyone is doing the fridge thing for WC hah.

Did you experience a bacteria bloom initially when you set it up?

[tommer725]

New FTS?

[fullmonti]

Ah, looks like everyone is doing the fridge thing for WC hah.

Did you experience a bacteria bloom initially when you set it up?

No but I ran a 3gal tank with the rock & sand at room temp for a couple months before setting this one up. I transferred rock & sand & lowered the temp to 55, plus the LEDs are dimmed pretty low. Don't get algae on the acrylic but a whitish film that is a lot easier to clean off than tropical algae. There is a little growth on the rock near the top.

Iill take a new FTS this weekend, not much has changed though.

[squishifishi]

What kind of shrimp is that? I've never seen one of them before.
you should post here:http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2288886 and help our pico compilation grow;)
just saying
great tank. love it sooo much! such a unique scape and corals

[fullmonti]

Sorry don't really know what the name of that shrimp is, just what Stu from Coldwater Marine sent me.

[AquaticEngineer]

The shrimp I sent you is a Sitka Shrimp (Heptacarpus sitchensis)

https://www.google.com/search?q=Heptacarpus+sitchensis&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=COCFUcnBOaSgiALnyIHIAw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1163&bih=873

[AquaticEngineer]

White Plumose babies have been popping up and now a couple of them have gotten big enough to tell they are orange.

This is awesome :D

So happy that the orange ones are reproducing in your tank, those suckers are hard to find out here!

[fullmonti]

I do have a new FTS but just a snapshot. I had the thing we all dread happen this weekend. Got up Sun to water on the floor. My 180 Discus (once reef tank) sprung a leak. Luckily it's very near the top in the overflow area so could lower the water level enough to stop it leaking. Didn't leak the sump dry just 20-30 but a mess never the less. I don't trust it long-term though so I have started trying to sell my Discus because that tank is built into the house it would be a way to hard to take it out to fix or replace (as if I had the money to do that right now). So I have stated trying to sell my Discus. I plan to set that tank up as a Paludarium, thats part land part water (a terrarium with a water feature). Always wanted to do one of those, just hate this is the way it's going to come about..

Anyway here's the new FTS & a couple cropped in close ups.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/FTS5-6-131comp_zpsf5d43604.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/FTS5-6-131comp_zpsf5d43604.jpg.html)

I thought the glass was pretty clean, but no.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/nembabies_zpsd4d8c0ce.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/nembabies_zpsd4d8c0ce.jpg.html)
Baby nems

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/jewels_zpsdc3177b6.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/jewels_zpsdc3177b6.jpg.html)
Green jewels have finally started growing. That odd thing on the upper right is a small decorator crab.

The two small shots are just cropped in from the overall shot, I forgot to bring the macro home.

More later

[Deedoo]

I love your pico. It's amazing ! I'll follow it with attention ! Any new photos ?

[fullmonti]

Nothing new right now. I just picked up a piece of black granite countertop for a stand for the tiny tank. It will be moving into the living room soon as the stand is done. I was going to make this elaborate thing but then thought, the tank is so simple looking & not that big so the stand should be too. I ended up buying 12" overhead kitchen cabinet from Lowe's, paint it to match, put the top on, done.

[Kataro]

Are nitrate still a problem for you jim?

I'm pondering if I should add a small skimmer for my tank

[fullmonti]

The tank was running smooth, then a snail died & I've been doing WC every day to clear that up. If I had enough cooling power I definitely would have a little skimmer. From what I understand they pull a lot of warm air into the system & I don't have enough cooling power for one. If you have a chiller I'd put one in.

Got some new critters, but things not settled in yet. Will post some pix a little later. Also got the stand finish on so that will be done soon.

[Kataro]

The tank was running smooth, then a snail died & I've been doing WC every day to clear that up. If I had enough cooling power I definitely would have a little skimmer. From what I understand they pull a lot of warm air into the system & I don't have enough cooling power for one. If you have a chiller I'd put one in.

Got some new critters, but things not settled in yet. Will post some pix a little later. Also got the stand finish on so that will be done soon.

Ah, I was thinking of getting one of the Gnome Glass skimmer. Look simple enough to use and very compact!

Can't wait to see the new critters!!

[fullmonti]

That was exactly the skimmer I was going to get.

The new critters are all doing good. Just wish the anemones would make up their minds where they want to be. I got a small green surf nem & he wasn't attaching right away like most do, so I put him in a crevice (not really a good spot) thinking he would move any way. Wouldn't know it he hasn't moved a bit, all crammed up under the return tube. The red Beadlet nem (love it) which I put in a primo spot, immediately moved way off to one side.

[tallball158]

Very cool, I like the small tanks! I will be following along!

[Whysoserious]

Beautiful setup.. One of the best Pico I have seen!

[fullmonti]

Alright not sure what's going on with my tank. The water has been clouding up. A snail died so I thought that was the cause. I have done several 2gal WC (about 70% each) over the last week to ten days & it still clouds up after a day or two. I checked the nitrates, it was zero as you would expect with that many WC. With zero nitrates & all the shrimp are doing just fine I don't think water quality is the issue. I did a big cleaning of the filter area & put a brand new pump in so I could clean the old one good. Thought the cloudiness could maybe be micro bubbles but don't see how. I'll put the old pump in next WC to see if that makes a difference. Cold water tanks don't ever seem to be as clear as tropicals for some reason but this is too much. Here's a photo so you can see what I'm talking about. This was 2-3 days after last WC.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/thefog_zps8d9d1147.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/thefog_zps8d9d1147.jpg.html)
Any ideas what could be happening???

I also had cut back on feeding to see if two times a day would be enough. The white Plumose look like they have gotten smaller so guess not. Back to 3-4 times a day & more spot feeding too.

[Kataro]

I feed my white plumose maybe 2-3 times a week and they grow pretty fast. I give them each 2-3 shrimps per feeding (sometime more if they're bigger), what are you feeding?

And the cloudiness might be a bacteria bloom perhaps? From all the water changes, mine look exactly like that when I first started the coldwater tank. I just killed the light for 2-3 days and it slowly return to normal

[fullmonti]

I hadn't thought of a bacterial bloom. I've never had one in any tank in the past but have heard of them. I'll try leaving the lights out for a while & see what happens.

I feed mysis (not a lot) & cyclops mostly, some baby brine shrimp, some spot feeding some just let some food loose in the tank.

[Kataro]

I see you got yourself a snakelock anemone! Very nice, are those barnacles on your glass?

[fullmonti]

The spots along the corners are just a weird thing with the acrylic & light. The spots near the white plumose are where they have moved a little & I think they will become plumose babies.

Yes the snakelock is very nice. There is also a Red Beadlet that I really like, but was not open when I took the photo. Also a small Moonglow nem & tubeworm. When I get the cloudiness thing cleared up I'll take some good photos.

Jim

[Kataro]

Hows the tank looking? Still cloudy?

[fullmonti]

Yesterday it was almost back to normal. Some one on another forum said they had a cold water tank that did the same thing & it was a moon glow nem spawning. I have a moon glow but it is really small so doubt that was it, probably the bacteria bloom. Hard to know, but nothing seem hurt & it about gone so we're good. I'll take some new photos in the next few days.

Thanks for the help
Jim

[sellmecorals]

awesome.

[Kataro]

Any update?

[fullmonti]

Thought it had cleared up. It was crystal clear for a week, then started clouding up again. Every thing seems healthy & happy but a small green surf nem. He is not in a really good spot & I thought it would move till he found a better one but never has moved even a little.

I'm sure there is a reason for the cloudiness, I just haven't figured it out yet. Going on the old saying "only bad things happen fast" & sense the critters even the shrimp seem to be happy. I am waiting for the good things to slowly happen.

I am feeding less & have turned the light down very low hoping this will help too.

I was about to take some new pix when it clouded up again. The Snakelock nem under the LED light (that has two UVs in it) is beautiful, unfortunately it doesn't photograph nearly the way it looks in person.

[Kataro]

Any Update Jim?

[fullmonti]

It's odd, it will be crystal clear for a week, then cloud up a bit for a while, then clear again. Every thing still seems healthy & happy. One of the white plumose nems has moved, he has parked him self on the overflow screen. Between the little filter blocking some of the screen & now a nem the water level in the tank is really high.

Guess I'll go ahead soon & take some new pix. More baby nems & many have moved around some. The snake lock has grown! He moved to the strongest flow spot in the tank, also in the path of passing food. He is gorgeous waving in the flow & under the LEDs but not as much with the flash. My little green surf nem is not very green, but not much light for him so not to surprising. He does open up fuller & stays open more now.

All in all other than the water not being really clear all the time, all is well.

Really need to take some new photos!!!
Jim

[knap_123]

Try a bag of chemi pure

[fullmonti]

Never used it but checked it out. Looks like good stuff. Looks like the smallest unit size treats 20gal & said not to divide packages under any circumstances (in bold type).

[Whysoserious]

Try a bag of chemi pure

Agreed. It really helps with the cloudiness. One of the best investments if you do not want to invest in a reactor/carbon setup.

Let us know how it goes.

[fullmonti]

Don't think 5 or 6 oz of media will even fit in that little filter, & that treats 20gals (only a 3gal tank). There seems to be some kind of serious problem dividing the package. So don't think I can use it.

[Whysoserious]

^ Lets see if this helps.. I had it confused with the other user above my previous reply.

He is talking about ChemiPure. I meant to speak about Purigen. Purigen helps clean the water well. It is like Carbon.

Option 1:

http://www.marinedepot.com/Seachem_Laboratories_Purigen_Carbon_Replacements_Resin_Chemical_Filter_Media-Seachem-SC3231-FIFMCHRM-vi.html

Option2:

Http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1782/
&
http://www.marinedepot.com/Boyd_Chemi_bags_2_pk_5_in_x_11.5_in_Filter_Media_Bags-Boyd_Enterprises_%28Chemi_Pure%29-BE2111-FIFMFB-vi.html

Modifying the bag of course to your size. Should help.

[fullmonti]

The filter in this little tank is very little. The area for media is about 1x3" & not so deep, too small for any kind of media bag.. I put in a couple tablespoons of carbon & floss. Looks like the purigen is loose (not is a packages) so I could use some of that.

I'm beginning to think I may have been doing to many or to large of water changes. For a good while at first I had no filter at all, so I did 2gal WCs once a week or even more often. I have noticed some times the water is clearer 2-4 days after a WC. Now that I made the little filter box think I'll try doing 1gal WC & see how that goes.

[iced98lx]

I know the issues are frustrating, but it's fun to be on this end watching the work to keep such a great little tank moving. Good work and I look forward to more pictures :)

[Kataro]

I recently had a bacteria bloom as well, added some new livestock and I suppose to increased bioload caused this.

It went away within 3-4 days though, water is crystal clear again

[KafudaFish]

For a media bag, buy panty hose footies and ziptie them close.

[knap_123]

Purigen works great as well as suggested by whysoseroius. And it comes in a thin ,small, flat , square package.

[knap_123]

This might helphttp://i12.*******.com/4tp84yh.jpg

[Hzuiel]

You can buy purigen loose or in the pre-sized bags, and either way it can be re-packaged. I can't think of any reason why you can't re-size a bag of chemipure. I did it before and I can't see that it hurt anything. Maybe they are afraid someone will mess it up and have the chemipure loose in their system...I really don't know.

BTW great job on this aquarium, by far the most unique thing i've ever seen since i started getting into the hobby.

[fullmonti]

Finally took some (a lot) new photos. All but the tank & stand shots are taken with a off camera flash to get better detail & eliminate camera & subject movement.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5713CustomName1_zps3cfb3d83.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5713CustomName1_zps3cfb3d83.jpg.html)

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5715CustomName1_zps2d911d88.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5715CustomName1_zps2d911d88.jpg.html)
The new stand. Really a 12" overhead kitchen cabinet with a piece of granite on top.

Now a bunch of livestock photos

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5730CustomName_zps686ca3f5.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5730CustomName_zps686ca3f5.jpg.html)
Orange/Red Plumose nem with orange & white babies

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5702CustomName_zps22510d6e.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5702CustomName_zps22510d6e.jpg.html)
Closeup of White Plumose nem

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5639CustomName_zpsb26a978e.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5639CustomName_zpsb26a978e.jpg.html)

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5663CustomName1_zps257c03ac.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5663CustomName1_zps257c03ac.jpg.html)

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5723CustomName_zps864b8f70.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5723CustomName_zps864b8f70.jpg.html)
Strawberry & Jewel nems

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5647CustomName_zps473008e8.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5647CustomName_zps473008e8.jpg.html)
Green Surf nem, he is the only one that looks better (more color) in the photo than under the LEDs.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5660CustomName_zpsa85dc4c8.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5660CustomName_zpsa85dc4c8.jpg.html)
Red Beadlet gathering his lunch, Love this guy but he stays closed unless there is food in the water.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5651CustomName1_zps6391dbcf.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5651CustomName1_zps6391dbcf.jpg.html)
Little Moonglow nem, close as I could get the color on this one.

Have to start a new post

[fullmonti]

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5652CustomName_zps42205bc9.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5652CustomName_zps42205bc9.jpg.html)
Gange of Strawberrys

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5642CustomName_zps4c539bdf.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5642CustomName_zps4c539bdf.jpg.html)
little shrimp

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5653CustomName_zps678d1a1a.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5653CustomName_zps678d1a1a.jpg.html)
Redfoot snail & pods

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5653CustomName1_zps628210fb.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5653CustomName1_zps628210fb.jpg.html)
cropped in on the pods. Have a lot of pods right now.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5667CustomName_zps02a38722.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5667CustomName_zps02a38722.jpg.html)
Finally got a shot of the Porcelain Crab, he is very shy.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5657CustomName_zpsba4d6b8f.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5657CustomName_zpsba4d6b8f.jpg.html)
Small some what obnoxious Hermit Crab. They steal food from the nems.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5701CustomName_zpscc171c4f.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5701CustomName_zpscc171c4f.jpg.html)
Really small Tubeworm, hard to get a shot it's so small

[fullmonti]

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5733CustomName_zps04f634af.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5733CustomName_zps04f634af.jpg.html)
Snakelock nem & white Plumose & bunch of babies. Love the snakelock & how it flows in the current. It has grown a good bit in a short time too. He is pretty big now, hope he stays on the side cause he is so big if he got on the rock he would sting the crap out of everything.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5732CustomName_zps214058af.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5732CustomName_zps214058af.jpg.html)
Back side

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/_MG_5658CustomName_zpsb30f1329.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/_MG_5658CustomName_zpsb30f1329.jpg.html)
And eating fast as he can.

That's it for the photos for now. I'm very pleased with this batch. Hope they make up for taking so long to get them out.

The tank Is doing better about staying clear. I have gone to one gallon WC once a week & feeding just once a day. Major cleaning of filter & pumps etc once a month. The water gets a little cloudy right after feeding but clears up in a few hours. I think I was feeding too much & doing too large of WCs. Takes a while to find the sweet spot.

Thanks to the guys at Coldwater Marine for the great livestock!!!

Good night all
Jim

[KafudaFish]

Those last pictures show why these tanks are so interesting.

[jarrod13]

Looking awesome!! Loving the nems!!

I haven't ordered anything from the guys at CWM but I've talked to Stu a bunch and they are great guys! Hopefully one day I can order something ;-)

[cdouble]

this thing looks awesome!

[MJSavage]

What an awesome tank! I think it is the perfect size too, I wish Micro-Reefs would offer this size with two bottom mounted Iceprobes.

What temperature are you able to maintain with both Iceprobes?

It is any problem keeping the acrylic clean on the inside without scratching it? (how do you clean it?)

One last question. Where are you putting the off-camera flash for these photos?

Thanks!

Mike

[fullmonti]

Thanks all!

I have the temp set at 57, it will hold 55 but iceprobes run nearly all the time so 57 seems OK

The lights are so dim & not on all that much, so inside stays pretty clean. When I do clean it I use a piece of filter floss on a bent stick. That works fine for the little bit of soft algae there is. I use Brillianize plastic cleaner on the outside, it works great.

The flash is in different places for each shot. I usually place it so the subject is side or a little back lit to bring out more shape & details. No set rule just what ever it works/looks. best.

Jim

[MJSavage]

Thanks Jim, that really helps, especially for flash placement.

Mike

[ifringe]

I am completely amazed by your build... looking at the photos, it seems like your system is far, far larger than it is... Thank you for sharing your build and photos, and what a STUNNING system!

[fullmonti]

Thanks

Cold water livestock is pretty small, so think it works well with small tanks. I did think about how to configure this little tank, for a long time.

Jim

[fullmonti]

I haven't checked in in along time. This little tank is running just fine & nothing new to show.

I've been working on what is probably as far away from this little tank as is possible. A very large paludarium. I know some if not most have no idea what that is. More or less it's a terrarium with a water feature. I had never heard of this before a couple years ago. When I did see some of them I loved them.

I once had a 180 sps tank, then converted it to a planted discus tank. That tanks silicone started turning loose & leaking. I found a home for the discus & used that space to put in a paludarium with the same footprint. It is 60x30x48"tall. It's not nearly done yet & is much more work than even a SPS reef tank to set up. If you have a minute or need another thing to become addicted to check it out. I believe you would enjoy it!

http://www.dendroboard.com/forum/members-frogs-vivariums/133898-jims-display-paludarium-my-first.html


If the link gets zapped go to dendroboard.com then member's frogs & vivariums then Jim's display paludarium my first.

JIM

[MJSavage]

Jim,

Your paludarium is turning is turning out fantastic! You sir are an artist.

Mike

[IgnatiusRath]

Subbed! Inspiring cold water build! And the paludarium is something I've wanted to do since I was a kid. There used to be one at my library and I spent hours reading next to it growing up. . I love biotops and it has always seemed like the ultimate way to experience a small patch of the world. Once my reef is at a place I'm happy with I think I'll have to plan one out. Was thinking of doing a planted tank next, but I'm really thinking a planted pauludarium would be even more fulfilling. Thank you!

[fullmonti]

Hope you do. I'm really looking forward to this!

[sellmecorals]

The thick acrylic is awesome

[fullmonti]

You know how some times you see a sticker on an old car that says my other car is a Mercedes? This is why I haven't posted any thing here for along time. MY other Tank.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/othertank1small_zpsc531d2b4.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/othertank1small_zpsc531d2b4.jpg.html)

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/fullmontitog/othertank2small_zpsf5d07703.jpg (http://s673.photobucket.com/user/fullmontitog/media/othertank2small_zpsf5d07703.jpg.html)

Just a couple iPhone photos. Still not done but looking lived in anyway. It's called a paludarium, a terrarium with a water feature. Basically a 70 gal planted fish tank with a 300 gal terrarium on top of it. The most complicated tank I've ever set up!

Thought you might like to see it. Here's a build thread if you care to see more.

http://www.dendroboard.com/forum/members-frogs-vivariums/133898-jims-display-paludarium-my-first.html

Jim

[edward1096]

Wow

[Kimkjaer]

Both amazing ¨
Great job

[boothie]

I really like the paludarium! I'm working towards a large wabi kusa aquarium with horsetail, mini-cats and lotus. I like what you've done with the tillandsia type plants, too. What type of wood is for the focal?

[fullmonti]

Thanks, if you like plants & fish a paludarium is the way to go.

The wood is manzanita from

http://manzanita.com/stumps/page1/page1.htm