2.5 Ag Mini Bow

[moespeaking]

I have a 2.5 mini bow that currently houses a betta. I was thinking about moving the betta and turning into a nano reef. Im pretty sure I can fit a 10w or so power compact bulb in the fixture. Has anyone ever used one of these for a nano? Good idea, Bad idea?

 

[sir_dudeguy]

I've used the coralife mini 50/50's that are like screw in ones if that is what you're talking about? Its a pc that can screw into a regular clamp lamp instead of having the pins?

I personally did not like it at all. I used the 20w one on a 2.5 minibow and it wasnt enough really. Plus the color was pretty bad even though it was supposed to be a 50/50 (with 10K and 03 actinic).

I suggest using the coralife aqualight mini instead. Its 2x9w pc's and one is a full 10K and the other is a full 03 actinic. I use one of them on my 3g picotope and have good color with that, not to mention good growth.

 

[moespeaking]

I could go the coralife route seeing as it only costs 30 bucks, I was also thinking maybe a diy AC fuge for it.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

The fuge would be a good idea too. And on a 2.5 minibow, that would be all the flow you need as well. Just get one of the smaller AC filters (not sure how much you can throttle down the bigger ones, but i've heard you can cut off parts of the impeller to slow it down more if needed) and fill it w/LS and a bit of rock rubble and a ball of chaeto. Then just put a clip on light over it. Actually on mine i'm using the light you were thinking of using for the display of your 2.5 lol. Works for me

I think hellolights.com sells the coralife for 25.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

and i wouldnt worry about all those rumors about these tanks being week. I mean come on...its TWO GALLONS. How much rock will even FIT in 2.5 gallons? :lol: I have yet to see mine have any affect from rock falling in it and when i loaded it up i just dropped the rock in w/no sand on the bottom (actually turned out nice )

 

[moespeaking]

Just moved my betta into a 2 gallon critter keeper and cleaned up the bow. Going to up my workplace tommorow for 3 gallons of RO, salt, 50/50 bulb(until I get the coralife), and maybe some sand out of one of the 240s. Id say in a few days il have all the rock and maybe a few blue legs to start.

I got an old AQ20 in the basement that Im going to use to start, and probably upgrage to a AQ50 within the month depending how the 20 works.

 

[moespeaking]

up and running with the aq20 and live sand. Just using the stock 15w bulb until thursday when I get the coralife.

 

[cschwaj]

2-3 blue legs should be plenty; any more will just kill each other. I have similar experiences with the screw-in bulb. Fine for fish-only, bad for coral. I second dudeguy's comments and recommendation.

An AC 20 is the best choice for that tank and a small, quality heater is a good idea. Good start. Keep it up.