Any pico reefs in URS?

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Hello all,

Thinking about setting up an extremely small reef in the near future, following in the footsteps of the "vase aquariums" of folks like brandon429:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1942854

These aquariums are similar to but different from typical nanos, in that they typically don't have any fish, and are probably as close to a sealed, zero-maintenance system as is possible given the current state of the hobby. Anyone in URS done one of these?

 

[5380]

I almost set up a 2.5 for pom pom crabs at the office. I bailed and did a low maintenance 5.5 gallon anubias planted tank. I just couldn't bring myself to deal with an ATO at work.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Check out that link - the "vase style" typically employs a lid for minimal evap. Brandon is claiming he does once weekly topoff, and once weekly water changes immediately after once weekly feeding. Pretty different from the standard nano tank.

 

[kelso1980]

I have a 5.5 that I'm looking forward to setting up in the future. I plan on tying it into into my main system though so I think temperature will be my biggest challenge. Good luck with your setup! I'll be tagging along!

 

[cardiffgiant]

That vase pico is awesome! I'm sooo tempted to try one.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Part of the reason why it is attractive is that there's so little at stake. You could throw one together in an afternoon for maybe $50 including livestock.

 

[5380]

Part of the reason why it is attractive is that there's so little at stake. You could throw one together in an afternoon for maybe $50 including livestock.

I don't like the sound of that at all. With your technical know-how I'm envisioning an arundino controlled RGB LED light. Aurora borealis effects would be a nice touch....lazers+fog machine?

I'd like to see a wabi kusa type display for SW but I don't know much of intertidal zones to make a biotope besides mangroves. But the large surface area is an evaporation problem. Anyway back to the vase topic!

 

[bluebayou]

That vase is awesome, the only thing I don't like is the curved glass and it's inherent distortion. I would find some small container. I'm thinking the fluval edge. 6 gallons, $100, you have the beautiful top view, it's sealed so no evap and you can put an LED or two on each side of the center cap.

 

[mr86mister]

Don't get me going Nate. I keep wanting to go smaller and smaller! I'm looking to get a nice 3 Gallon Pico and just have zoanthids. With you, you'd just need 3 LED's and you'd be set...lol.