My 2.5 Pico

[2_zoa]

I thought I'd share my pico tank. I don't remember who made the tank. It was acquired maybe 6 or so years ago. In that time it's been up and down a few times unfortunately. As of yesterday it's back up and running.

The tanks external dimensions are 12L x 7 1/2W x 7 1/4H which plays out to 2.8 gallons. Since it's not filled to the top, or is that the inside measurements. I consider it a 2.5 gallon.
I used an Aqua Top 15 watt heater
I DIY'ed the "sump" area. It's 1/8 ABS plastic
The ATO is a Blue Line Tsunami AT1 and a 32oz rubber maid drinking bottle and a Aqua Lifter pump.
Water movement and filtration is an Aqua Clear 50. I had to shorten the intake just a bit. 1/2" or so. It's currently got 2Tbs of rox-0.8
Substrate is crushed pukka shells. I've never had a substrate this corse before, I wanted to try it out. There's enough to make about an 1" thick layer.
There's about 1.5 lbs of rock. It's sitting on the glass with the sand filled in around the rocks.
Lighting, I have an old kessil A-150 ocean blue. I also just ordered a PAR-38 from ABI off amazon. I haven't got around to hanging the light just yet.

Not real sure what's gonna go in? Maybe some crabs or shrimp. Gonna have corals, for sure. Since harlequin shrimp sit in one spot, does the group think I could do a pair of harlequins? I can put several chocolate stars in my sump that's on my other system. Feed a leg every week or two. I figure water changes will be a snap on this little tank.

Thanks for checking out the thread.
Questions, comments, or ideas are always welcome.

 

[2_zoa]

Got the light bulb in two days ago. A par 30-38 from ABI. I'm currently using the desk lamp fixture from my fly tying desk.

I've got a couple test corals in the tank. The coral is from my bigger system.
A hydnophora
A German blue digitata
A piece of GSP on a small rock with sand all around

 

[2_zoa]

Well, I lost my hydnophora. The digi isn't looking very good either. It's pale in color. Good polyp showing, just light in color

 

[ReefinChicago]

I'm guessing that......

I'm guessing that......

.......the LR is from your larger system? Maybe the water, too? Just guessing, given your experience level. But is the substrate new? How are your water parms? Don't have any experience with the lighting, but maybe move the remaining coral down a bit, at least for awhile? How's the gsp doing?

Sorry I have more questions than answers.

 

[2_zoa]

.......the LR is from your larger system? Maybe the water, too? Just guessing, given your experience level. But is the substrate new? How are your water parms? Don't have any experience with the lighting, but maybe move the remaining coral down a bit, at least for awhile? How's the gsp doing?

Sorry I have more questions than answers.

No worries.
No, the LR nor the water is from the larger setup. My larger setup is in total disarray. Has been since day one. I can't get it right and I'm to stubborn to tear it down and try again.
So, this tank was about another tank that I could maybe enjoy. I'm getting very tired of fighting the other system. (Thinking of leaving the hobby actually)
At any rate, the hydnophora was a frag from my other tank. I was hoping to save it since it started to die in my other tank. My buddy bought a frag from the same guy on the same day at a frag swap and his is also on the way out. We can't figure out why. 3 systems, 3 frags, all dyeing or dead???

I can't speak to the this tanks water params? I haven't tested yet. I have just let it settle in.
The GSP are not open very much. Just barely if at all. When it does open, it's open big time.
Now, the digitada is doing ok. Nice polyp extension. A little more pale from day one but not receding or anything. In fact, showing growth at the tips.

 

[Bagabaga]

could your lights be too bright? Do you have a par meter?

 

[2_zoa]

could your lights be too bright? Do you have a par meter?

I wish I did. Sorry.
That's one piece I haven't sprung for just yet.
The bulb is very point source lighting. I do know that. It's hard to light up the edges of the tank with this bulb. Kinda a bummer given the cost. I wonder if the manufacturer would be willing to change the optics upon customer request?? If they would you just can't beat the cost of the color. It's an aqua blue. Turquoise color if you will. I do enjoy it.

Maybe I should move the GSP and see if they are more happy????

 

[BeachVacationer]

What are your water parameters? Do you have test kits to measure them? You also use a refractometer? Does your ATO keep the water level fairly even? I notice my GSP and and other softies corals close up if water salinity changes quickly. Try routing your ato to squirt into the hob to mix the water before it hits the corals. My GSP is open 24/7 but can close up during WCs when when it senses change in water param. If it's really ****ed off it can close up for weeks.

 

[Bagabaga]

Yeah without dimming the corals could not be able to acclimate to the light and it's going to cause them to bleach.