Deskmate Classic Build

[Sourdoh]

Hello all. This thread will be tracking the progress on my first ever reef tank. Decided to accept the challenge of starting small. I'm always down for tips and help along the way especially if I'm doing something wrong. The tank will have softies and LPS and I plan on adding a tailspot blenny to the tank. If someone can share their AI prime settings if they have a deskmate with one that would be appreciated. Mainly wanna know how long you have it running each day and at what power %. Don't wanna cook anybody

As far as equipment here goes:

1x Eshopps Deskmate 4.8 Pico Tank
Stock Pump
VCA Dual Random Flow Generator Kit

1x AI Prime 16 Black
Ai Prime Flex Arm Mount

1x Nano Life Rock Kit

1x 10lb Fiji Pink Sand Bag

1x 100W Titanium Heater w/ Inkbird Controller
Backup- Eheim Jager TruTemp 50W

1x Duetto2 Dual-Sensor ATO



I would Like opinions on the aquascape. Played around for about an hour and this is what I came up with. Water will be going in Sunday and I will be using Dr. Tims One and Only to get her going. Any recommendations from here on out are much appreciated! Also a lid and filter floss holder will be coming from Kraken Reef!

 

[Peace River]

Congratulations on the new adventure! This is a great little tank!

 

[Sourdoh]

Congratulations on the new adventure! This is a great little tank!

Thanks man! I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous but I’m excited for sure.

 

[Peace River]

There are some amazing builds that have used the same tank like this one:

Reef Spotlight - REEF OF THE MONTH - December 2022: Lou Schiavo's Pico Deskmate Masterpiece! Crazy awesome reefs can be tiny too!!

Lou Schiavo of World Wide Corals is the winner of our Pico Tank Showdown! We've decided to feature his award-winning @ESHOPPS.INC DeskMate Pico tank as our Reef of the Month for December 2022! Photo of the reef as it was just getting started...

www.reef2reef.com

Good luck!

 

[Sourdoh]

So here is the final rock layout I've decided on. A lot of surface area for corals on the rocks with enough room for a few sand dwelling corals. Let me know what you guys think. Water goes in tomorrow!

 

[Peace River]

This looks good! Once you get water in it you will be able to get a better sense of the flow patterns. Also make sure that you have enough space to clean the inside walls of the tank between the rock and the walls (hard to see for sure from the picture). It is visually pleasing and there are a lost of caves for fish and attachment points for corals.

 

[Propane]

Rock work looks really balanced and pleasing. Good luck!

 

[Sourdoh]

This looks good! Once you get water in it you will be able to get a better sense of the flow patterns. Also make sure that you have enough space to clean the inside walls of the tank between the rock and the walls (hard to see for sure from the picture). It is visually pleasing and there are a lost of caves for fish and attachment points for corals.

Thank you! As far as space between the glass I have enough to get a magic eraser sponge in between so should be good.

 

[Sourdoh]

Update 7/2/2023:

Water is in! Fortunately I didn't get the water too cloudy. A lot of microbubles on the surface and on the acrylic but with time I think they will disappear. If I should intervene with the bubbles lmk. Ill be checking water parameters in a few days to make sure the cycle has started. I put Dr. Tim's one and only in so that should help it along.

One question I have is about keeping the light on or off during the cycle. Which is better if any is better and why? Seen mixed opinions on it so figured I'd see what ya'll think.

Thanks to all following the build!

 

[Sourdoh]

So just a quick update. Just started the Dr. Tim's cycle with their One and Only as well as their ammonium chloride. Gonna be following the steps and logging my water tests on here every day til the cycle is complete. Any recommendations for anything during this process, leave a reply!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

So just a quick update. Just started the Dr. Tim's cycle with their One and Only as well as their ammonium chloride. Gonna be following the steps and logging my water tests on here every day til the cycle is complete. Any recommendations for anything during this process, leave a reply!

Did dr Tim’s for my tank as well!! Just follow the instructions provided with it and you’ll be good to go

 

[ISFNick]

Can't wait to see how this turns out! I think the tank could do without that front left rock, it would really open up the space and look less crowded 6 months down the line

 

[Sourdoh]

So here is the water tests for 7/8/2023

Ammonia : 3.0
Nitrite : 3.0
Nitrate : 20 ppm

So this is technically day 2 of the cycle. I added the bacteria and ammonium chloride yesterday. After a few hours I tested the ammonia and it tested around 5.0. Is it normal for the ammonia level to drop that low and for nitrite to rise that high that quick? I did use quite a bit of the Dr. Tim's One and Only but only two caps. Took the "Can't overdose" to heart

 

[Sourdoh]

Can't wait to see how this turns out! I think the tank could do without that front left rock, it would really open up the space and look less crowded 6 months down the line

I do see what you're saying. That would open it up for some sand dwelling corals as well. I'm gonna have to think on it. What does everyone else think about that idea?

 

[Sourdoh]

Water test results for 7/9/23

Ammonium : 1.0
Nitrite : 5.0
Nitrate : 20ppm

 

[CoastalTownLayabout]

There’s something about these little tanks that’s really appealing. In terms of your scape, it’s a little busy in there buts that’s par for the course with small tanks. On the plus side, having a separate rock is great for corals that you don’t want spreading to your main structure.

 

[Sourdoh]

So I decided to try removing the front left rock and tbh I am so happy I did. Opened up the space a lot more and still plenty of room for coral on the rock! Lmk what ya'll think!

 

[Sourdoh]

There’s something about these little tanks that’s really appealing. In terms of your scape, it’s a little busy in there buts that’s par for the course with small tanks. On the plus side, having a separate rock is great for corals that you don’t want spreading to your main structure.

Just posted a pic with one less rock piece. lmk what ya think!

 

[CoastalTownLayabout]

If you’re happy, we’re happy

 

[Sourdoh]

Water test results for today

Ammonium : 2.0
Nitrite : 4.0
Nitrate : 5 ppm

Per the Dr. Tims directions, I added more ammonium chloride solution. Checking it 24 hours later it only went up by 1.0.
Im showing nitrates in the tank at the level I need now. I suppose its just a waiting game for ammonium and nitrte to go to 0.