Want to set up first tank...and pico

[Jens9]

I know pico for a first tank is probably a little ambitious, but I'm definitely wanting to stay on the small side of the scale.

I would love suggestions for something all-in-one that I could maybe just add extra lighting to. Hoping to do mostly corals, polyps, small clean up crew, and then maybe think about adding something else if the tank can support it. Possibly a seahorse or two, but I haven't researched them yet to see if it would be suitable.

So.. yeah.. AIO tank suggestions? Any tips? Hoping to get it going soon so it can cycle and then I can add some of the fun stuff around my birthday in mid-late August.

 

[mcgyvr]

Got a budget?
How many gallons?
What type of corals?

small tanks are very difficult for newbies (as you are aware of).. consistent water parameters is key..
I started with a regular 10 gallon tank/heater/powerhead and did daily 1 gallon water changes and it worked great for 2 years for me..

 

[Jens9]

No particular budget in mind, but under $400 to start would be good, I think. I can always add more things later.

Looking at 2-5g range.

No particular corals in mind. I have to do some reading on them still. Very open to suggestions, though!

Yeah, a pico will be a challenge, but I'm thinking I couldn't keep up with a large tank at this time. I could maybe go up to something around 12-15g, but I think that might be pushing it for me. I have chronic pain, and spending forever fiddling with a large tank just isn't going to do it for me, as much as I'd love to have a nice, big one some day.

 

[Reef Frog]

A pico tank is ultra small, often 5 gallons of under. A 15 gallon tank or even a 25 gallon tank doesn't take up appreciably more room in the home and are much more stable then trying to run a really tiny tank for the first time.

When we say stability, we are usually talking about a stable salinity and a relatively stable temperature. That's easier with 15 gallons the. It is in 3-5 gallons. I'd get an AIO and consider a canopy model. You will need to keep the system topped off with fresh water daily so you should look into an ATO or a partial top or canopy to slow evaporation. A few days without topping off can wipe out a small tank quickly. You must plan ahead for this.

Biocubes, options from Innocative Marine & Red Sea are good choices.

 

[Jens9]

Yeah, I know what stability is. XD We don't travel, so making sure to keep a tank topped off isn't a problem.

I'll look at those brands, thanks!

 

[bat21]

Have you considered a planted freshwater tank instead? For a first tank, a picoreef is very ambitious and very challenging. A fresh water tank with plants instead of corals is much more forgiving and can make for just as interesting and beautiful an ecosystem. And there are way more options for fish to occupy a fresh water Pico as opposed to a reef.

Since you don't have any particular fish or corals in mind I thought this could be something you might enjoy. I'm probably going to set up a pico planted tank pretty soon in addition to my 65gal saltwater. And make a little underwater forest with tiny shrimp and some little tetras.

If you're dead set on a reef though, I echo the others and suggest going for at least 15-20 gallons.

 

[BeachVacationer]

I like my fluval 5 gallon all in one. I have the spec v but I think there is a newer one with better led lights that wii support soft and lps corals. An upgrade to stronger pump is what I recommend to make that an awesome pico tank.

 

[Jens9]

Have you considered a planted freshwater tank instead? For a first tank, a picoreef is very ambitious and very challenging. A fresh water tank with plants instead of corals is much more forgiving and can make for just as interesting and beautiful an ecosystem. And there are way more options for fish to occupy a fresh water Pico as opposed to a reef.

Since you don't have any particular fish or corals in mind I thought this could be something you might enjoy. I'm probably going to set up a pico planted tank pretty soon in addition to my 65gal saltwater. And make a little underwater forest with tiny shrimp and some little tetras.

If you're dead set on a reef though, I echo the others and suggest going for at least 15-20 gallons.

I'm not interested in fresh water. =/

 

[Jens9]

I like my fluval 5 gallon all in one. I have the spec v but I think there is a newer one with better led lights that wii support soft and lps corals. An upgrade to stronger pump is what I recommend to make that an awesome pico tank.

I'll take a look at Fluval, thanks!

 

[Jens9]

I'm thinking I'm going to go Biocube 14. Is there anything else that I need to grab other than just the Biocube itself? Will I need additional lighting, a different filtration system, etc etc? Or am I good to go out of the box for most things? LFS has Biocubes, and I do like to shop local where I can.

 

[Jens9]

Scratch that, just realized that Biocubes don't have LED lighting, and that they're prone to getting too hot. Back to fishing around for tanks.