2 gallon pico tank

[squirt_12]

after reading a little bit on this from what cocoa pleco put in i thought...well i think that it would be cool to have one and make it into a reef tank and it is small so maybe my parents would let me set one up.

so i need to ask some questions:
1) what all would i need??
2) how much would it cost??

thanks.

[tropfish]

That would be VERY hard to maintain, i wouldn't even think of setting such a small reef up until i have some experience, but some people are more daring :wink2:

[squirt_12]

That would be VERY hard to maintain, i wouldn't even think of setting such a small reef up until i have some experience, but some people are more daring :wink2:
i know that they are harder to maintain but i just don't want to blow alot of money on a huge tank.

and i think that i would only be adding maybe a few inverts. and coral....that would be all.

[unleashed]

i know that they are harder to maintain but i just don't want to blow alot of money on a huge tank.

and i think that i would only be adding maybe a few inverts. and coral....that would be all.

if you don't know what you're doing with a tiny tank it will soon add up.......

[squirt_12]

if you don't know what you're doing with a tiny tank it will soon add up.......
i don't really understand what you mean???

[unleashed]

i don't really understand what you mean???

small tanks are far more prone to crashing than larger tanks. (don't take this part badly) As you are obviously not experienced with any kind of SW tank, you are far more likely to have a tank crash. Tank crashes can be expensive........ Trust me, I know

[squirt_12]

small tanks are far more prone to crashing than larger tanks. (don't take this part badly) As you are obviously not experienced with any kind of SW tank, you are far more likely to have a tank crash. Tank crashes can be expensive........ Trust me, I know
how could they be expensive if they crash???

[Incredulous_Ed]

Well, if you tank crashes, you're going to buy all the corals and stuff again, right? Would this be your first SW tank?

[coachfraley]

What Unleashed is talking about is killing coral. Coral frags are pretty expensive, and if you crash your tank, it will add up to a lot of $$$.

If you do decide to set up a nano, you do have the right idea as far as livestock...fish and coral would NOT be a good idea in a tank that small.

The problem you are going to run into is that corals like ZERO nitrates and phosphates. So you are going to have to figure out a way to keep your levels down, and water changes will probably not be enough. If you look around, the people that have successful picos usually have some sort of fuge (with macro-algae like chaeto) as a means of knocking down the nitrates. I don't know what kind of setup you were planning on, but you can set up a fuge using a modified HOB filter like an aquaclear.

In my humble opinion, you would be better off switching up to a 10G. Your costs will only be marginally higher, and you will have more room for error and more room to grow. But I really shouldn't talk, because I have a SW 2.5G myself:14:

[cocoa_pleco]

i would at least get a 10g, even i wont dare touch a 2.5g. in tanks like a 55g if you make a mistake theres enough water to dilute it, but in 2g theres not alot of room for error

[Rue]

Well, I've only had my 34g for 6 months...

...but I'm so glad I didn't try for a pico...

Not worth it I don't think...esp. to start with...too finnicky and too expensive should you loose your livestock...

[cocoa_pleco]

look at this guys pico 2g, scroll to the bottom of the page (its insane, he even has a seahorse)

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[squirt_12]

look at this guys pico 2g, scroll to the bottom of the page (its insane, he even has a seahorse)

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
hahaha....thats where i got the idea from. lol.

but a 10g would be too expensive for me and my parents wouldn't let me set up a 10g. But a 2 or 3 gallon they actually might let me set it up.

a 2 or 3 gallon tank would cost around $200 to set up???

[squirt_12]

well if i did set this up i think that all i would get in coral wise would be some zoanthids.

I have been doing some research on tehm and it said that they need good current, but not too much, extreme lighting, so i would ned probably a MD (?? i think that that is what it said??), and they are one of the hardiest coral that you could get for a beginner. And they are very colourful and that would all i would put into the tank. It says that it can have a minimum of less that 10ppm of nitrate, 1ppm of phosphate, and undetectable ammonia and nitrite.

from just doing that research i have thought about it and i think that they would be a good beginner thing for me and they don't seem to be too expensive.

what do you think???

is my research correct??

[gm72]

I really think this concept of "larger is easier/more stable" relates to fishkeeping in general, not just SW tanks.

[cocoa_pleco]

to me zooas are a mislabeled coral, theyre difficult for some reason. me and zackish have a few patches of them, and we give them high lighting, and perfect water yet some of his arent opening and 2/3 of my patches arent opening.

the one coral that would be easy to care for are mushrooms, low light and extremely low needs, and can tolerate bad water. a complete 3g with 5lbs LR, stock light, filter, argonite, a few mushrooms, heater, and a invert will cost about $100-110


GM has the idea, i set up my 5.5g, 20g high, and 10g as nanos before, but i was always worried about water quality. eventually i just thought screw it and may as well use my 55g for a reef

[Incredulous_Ed]

Well, if this is your first SW tank, I would get a 5.5 gallon and make it fish only with some live rock. 5 gallons are small enough so they can fit anywhere, and also big enough so you can make a stunning display. After you have had some experience with this, then it would be way easier to set up a small reef.

[coachfraley]

Well, if this is your first SW tank, I would get a 5.5 gallon and make it fish only with some live rock. 5 gallons are small enough so they can fit anywhere, and also big enough so you can make a stunning display. After you have had some experience with this, then it would be way easier to set up a small reef.

+1

If you can't go 10, at least do a 5. It will be a lot more fun.

[gm72]

look at this guys pico 2g, scroll to the bottom of the page (its insane, he even has a seahorse)

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Wow, amazing!

[squirt_12]

i would love to do a 5g and set it up nicley BUT....my parents just let me open up another tank and well i thought that if it was a 2g...which is small....they might let me. and it will be fairly cheap. 100-110 dollars really isn't alot...thats abotu how much i spent on my 10g FW.

[gm72]

Educate them though about size and ease of maintenance. Bring them online with you and show them this thread so they can better understand what you are trying to do.

[squirt_12]

yes...my mom found out about this site the other day and i thought that she might get angry at me...BUT....she was like...'o cool'....lol...so i might just show her this. and latly i have been doing ALOT of research on SW tanks.

[squirt_12]

the one coral that would be easy to care for are mushrooms, low light and extremely low needs, and can tolerate bad water. a complete 3g with 5lbs LR, stock light, filter, argonite, a few mushrooms, heater, and a invert will cost about $100-110
is there certain equipment that you would recomend for me??

[Rue]

Squirt? What grade are you in? (Mom's like to know these things...:22: )

[squirt_12]

Squirt? What grade are you in? (Mom's like to know these things...:22: )
hahaha....lol..i am in grade 10..

[gm72]

yes...my mom found out about this site the other day and i thought that she might get angry at me...BUT....she was like...'o cool'....lol...so i might just show her this. and latly i have been doing ALOT of research on SW tanks.

I would want to understand what my child is getting into. Bring her aboard!

[squirt_12]

I would want to understand what my child is getting into. Bring her aboard!
well latly (sp?) i have been talking to her about setting up a SW tank and when i told her ht eprice she said 'no'...but i wanted to set up a 10g. so this 2 or 3g is ALOT cheaper so i think she will let me.

EDIT- she also said 'no' about getting the puffers and the 10g tank...but she eventually let me. lol.

[country_boy454]

Wow, after reading all this and looking at that pico tank, I want to try a ten gallon SW. I know I won't be doing this for a while but I think I am going to give it a try. Maybe even convert my 20 over when I build the new tank.... ideas... ideas...

[coachfraley]

Hey squirt, what about this?

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Pretty good size compromise, and a good price. Enough lighting for low light corals. Get a heater, maybe a small powerhead(see below), your live rock, live sand, hydrometer, and you are rollingthumbs2:

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Rue]

hahaha....lol..i am in grade 10..

So's my daughter! And she's quite close to you this weekend...she's in Montreal...

[cocoa_pleco]

get the one in coaches link, its good!

[~Erik3.8.07~]

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

bookmarked! awesome little product :D

[squirt_12]

Hey squirt, what about this?

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Pretty good size compromise, and a good price. Enough lighting for low light corals. Get a heater, maybe a small powerhead(see below), your live rock, live sand, hydrometer, and you are rollingthumbs2:

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
omg...thanks so much coach...i added that to my to my favourites...both of them...i am going to ask my parents tonight....

how should i ask them???

'i really want this for christmas...i don't care if it is the only thing i get but i really want it!!!!' ???? is that good????
lol

cause my mom was asking my and my brother and sister what we want for christmas and i said 'i dunno' so she was like 'ok'. lol

now i know what i want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cocoa_pleco]

that line should work! lol

[squirt_12]

that line should work! lol
omg i hope so.

and could a clown go in a 8g??? cause my family loves the clowns so i could also add that into the line if clowns will fit in a 8g.

[cocoa_pleco]

a smaller species like tank raised clowns will work

[squirt_12]

a smaller species like tank raised clowns will work
sweet....lol....maybe i will beable to now...my parents pretty well let me have anything...and seeing as this is fairly cheap i might beable to....i hope so....fingers crossed...knock on wood. lol.

[squirt_12]

ok...few questions about the tank that coach recommended.....:
1) so the lights are good for low light coral????
2) would i beable to get the parts from my LFS's or would i have to order them online???
3) would i need a protein skimmer for it??? or no???

thanks :thumb:

[squirt_12]

ooopppsss....i also forgot.
4) would that pump be good enough for an 8g tank????

[~Erik3.8.07~]

1) I have no idea sorry
2) I think your just going to have to go and see, my lfs has everything needed for salt tanks and what they dont have they can order in for me.
3) For smaller tanks you dont need a protein skimmer (i think hopefully someone can comfirm this)
4) In the customer review for it someone said they use it on their 10 gallon so i'd say it's good enough

[squirt_12]

ok...thanks Erik :thumb:

[coachfraley]

The tank comes with a small filter, which you can set up however you want. The tunze powerhead is just for extra flow. The light will be fine for low light corals. Erik was right about the skimmer.

You could set up a tank with a variety of shrooms. There are plenty of different types to choose from.

You will probably have a hard time finding that setup locally, but you can try. You might have to order it online, in which case, you will need to see how that company handles international orders. I am sure the other Canadians can help you out with the shipping details.

Good luck!!!

[squirt_12]

thanks so much with all of this info coach...i really appriciate it :thumb:

[squirt_12]

ok so how much would this cost all together (the 8g one) with all of the $$ it costs to buy the tank and powerhead. Plus all of the other stuff i need??

P.S.
What else is everything i need????
eg. live rock, sand, etc..?

[cocoa_pleco]

other than the filter, tank, and light, you need-

argonite- $20
bag of salt- $20
powerhead- $15
10lbs LR- $80
hydrometer- $10
SW test kit- varies

[squirt_12]

other than the filter, tank, and light, you need-

argonite- $20
bag of salt- $20
powerhead- $15
10lbs LR- $80
hydrometer- $10
SW test kit- varies
wow....i would be saving quite a bit...IMO...if i go this way....lol.

but that second link that coach gave me...isn't that a powerhead???

[cocoa_pleco]

yep, its a powerhead

[squirt_12]

it would be sufficiant for a 8g right???

[cocoa_pleco]

yeppers...

[squirt_12]

yeppers...
ok....sory for asking you so many questions but,....i have more...

could you buy a powerhead at petcetera or petsmart??? cause i want to limit what i buy online becuase i want to know that i can just go out and buy it without having to order it.

[cocoa_pleco]

yep, any regular powerhead will work

[squirt_12]

well is there a certain type becuase i dont want to get one that doesn''t have enough flow or anything.....i just want to get all of the info incase i am allowed. lol.

ur probably sick of me by now.

[cocoa_pleco]

i love answering saltwater questions! 10x more than FW. i could answer them all night (and day, lol)

get one rated for 10g, or 2 rated for 5g

[squirt_12]

ok...would 2 be better...because then i can aim one at the top of the tank to get the ripple effect to let oxygen in and let gases out and then the other one cna point downwards to get the coral moving??

also what all should a SW test kit include and roughly what would and how much did you pay for yours???

thanks....you rock.

[cocoa_pleco]

yep, ideally you want one making small rippling on the surface and one towards the middle.

a saltwater test kit had the same stuff as a FW but it specially formulated for SW. FW ones will not work on SW. i paid the same price as a FW one, about $25

[squirt_12]

yep, ideally you want one making small rippling on the surface and one towards the middle.

a saltwater test kit had the same stuff as a FW but it specially formulated for SW. FW ones will not work on SW. i paid the same price as a FW one, about $25
thats not that bad of a price...$25...i was guessing around $60...i was wrong..lol.

EDIT- is that argionate (sp?) the sand for the bottom of the tank???? and is it 'live sand'??

P.S.
Your a fast poster. lol.

[cocoa_pleco]

lol, i have the fastest internet possible to im fast.

argonite is like live sand, either or. i personally prefer argonite

[squirt_12]

o is that like the gravel looking type stuff???

yeah your internet is fast....mine is highspeed but not as fast as yours. lol.

a dumb question...what do corals eat????

[cocoa_pleco]

live sand is a brownish grey, and argonite is the same soft sand but white.

it depends, some corals rely on photosynthesis, meaning they need actinic lights or 50/50's, and some corals dont rely on photosynthesis.

[squirt_12]

live sand is a brownish grey, and argonite is the same soft sand but white.

it depends, some corals rely on photosynthesis, meaning they need actinic lights or 50/50's, and some corals dont rely on photosynthesis.
o....ok....so this would mean that i would have to do alot of research on a coral before i buy it???? of course...i can answer my own question.

do i HAVE to have 10lbs of live rock????? or should i have it???

[cocoa_pleco]

the tank looks best with 1-2lbs/g of LR, but its not a must.

[squirt_12]

yeah i was figuring on getting atleast 1lb/g...so you think that 10lbs would look nice??

and i am guessing that i should buy it all at once???

[cocoa_pleco]

10lbs would look the nicest, and its best to get it all at once. if you add some later you may have to cure it before you add it

[squirt_12]

10lbs would look the nicest, and its best to get it all at once. if you add some later you may have to cure it before you add it
ok thanks.....i am pretty sure that that is all of the questions for now. YOu may want to check it out tomorrow or something cause i might think of something. lol.

well i am now going to bed becuse well it is 12:20 a.m. here so i am tired. lol :ezpi_wink1:

[cocoa_pleco]

lol, its only 10:20 here.

i have to work tomorrow 11-6 so i'll be up for 2 more hours

[squirt_12]

lol, its only 10:20 here.

i have to work tomorrow 11-6 so i'll be up for 2 more hours
lucky....well...yawn...yawn.....c ya.....lol.

[squirt_12]

ok...what coral could you use in a 8g with low lighting???

EDIT - and probably good curculation....current

[~Erik3.8.07~]

heres a couple links that have been helpin me

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

you could also go down a few threads and look in "Help picking out corals?", cocoa and rue both gave me good info there or you could probably check dr. foster & smiths for their coral selection. Hope that helps, im still trying to learn as much as possible like you are:11:

[squirt_12]

thanks Erik......yeah i was checking out that thread that you started.....it helped alot.

Yeah i want to learn as much as i possible can. lol.

[~Erik3.8.07~]

oh i almost forgot, i also have this link with a bunch of good articles on nano-reefs

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[squirt_12]

thanks......coral is so freakin' expensive...i think i am getting into the wrong hobby here.....lol.....no im not but it would be worth it in the end. :thumb:

[~Erik3.8.07~]

coral is so freakin' expensive

yea it is.... man.... i need a job....

[squirt_12]

hahahahaha.....amen to that......yeha i am like broke...so i am like going to hardcore save my money.....i have a little job but i don't get many hours so i don't make much money.

EDIT- if i am allowed to set up a SW tank it wont be until 2008.

[squirt_12]

how much live sand or argonite (sp?) would i need for a 8g???

[Rue]

...aragonite...and 8 lbs will be lots...

[squirt_12]

so you only need as much argoonite as the gallons the tank holds??? sweet :thumb:

[squirt_12]

what would some good beginner corals be for someone like me??

[cocoa_pleco]

some basic low light ones like mushrooms, zoas, and brain corals should work

[squirt_12]

some basic low light ones like mushrooms, zoas, and brain corals should work
and are the fairly easy to care for??? like feeding wise and such??

[cocoa_pleco]

theyre photosynthetic so they are easy. mushrooms are really hard to kill, zooas are for the most part easy to care for, and brain corals are easy. brain corals sometimes like krill if theyre arms are open. when i had a low light 20g high i had my brain coral in it and he did good, now hes in my 55g and my watchman goby has a house under it

[squirt_12]

ok....thats good then...and by doing research mushrooms arn't tooooo expensive but they arn't cheap...lol....and zoo's are very cool.

EDIT- i thought that you said somewhere else that you were having troubles with your zoo's because they wont open or something like that??

[cocoa_pleco]

yep, i was. i have 3 patches of zoas, a tiny one with about 4 of them, a medium with about 100, and a large one with 400. the 100 and 400 patch wouldnt open for a few weeks, no matter what. i tried turning off the metal halides and everything, but nothing worked.

on the 400 patch, a 1" wide red band was slowly moving across the zoas, so i think it was a disease. after the band reached the end of the patch it was gone for good. now, they've re-opened again

[squirt_12]

ooo....ok....cause i was reaading on sites and they say zoo's are one of the easiest things to keep for beginers.

thanks cocoa :thumb:

[cocoa_pleco]

i would say theyre more like for beginners but with caution

[squirt_12]

ok.... :P thanks for all of the help....i am sure that i will have more questions later but right now my brain is in another place...lol.

[squirt_12]

well...i am not allowed to set up a reef tank :(.......lol....i asked nicly but they (my parents) said 'i thought that the 10g was the last tank??' and i was like 'um...no' and they were like....well i don't want another tank in this house....

soi i am not allowed :(

[~Erik3.8.07~]

awww thats too bad, maybe later on though if you ever have an empty tank

[squirt_12]

awww thats too bad, maybe later on though if you ever have an empty tank
yeah thats what i was thinking....like maybe after like 2 years or something and like if my puffers die or something i may decide to create the 10g into a reef tank. But i hope the puffers don't die.