A Desktop Reef

[the_rainy_day_aquarium]

Hey all.

It has been a while since my last little reef build. The Mrs. and I are in the process of moving, so a new larger setup is out of the question. Not sure if I want to go reefing fallow though, so I’m setting up a tiny reef tank on my desk to keep the coral side of my brain happy until I can set up a larger system. Also, it will be so much easier to move a tiny reef when that time comes

I actually design and build small pico tanks and supplies for my LFS, but I’ll be making this one for myself, just for my enjoyment

This little reef is hopefully going to remain simple, but I have a knack for complicating things haha. I’ll start off with some Zoas and go from there; a tiny mixed reef would be fun.

For now, equipment will be as follows:
Tank: Obsidian Ocean Laboratory O6 AIO
Light: Zetlight M1
Heater: 10w usb
Filtration: Media basket with filter foam, ceramic media, and carbon.

-Upgrades will probably be made, but for now I think that this is a solid start-

Maintenance routine will be about a 30% weekly water change, cleaning the display, and replacing filter media as needed. Not much to it! I should be able to get the tank wet this week to start the cycling process. Thanks for tagging along with me on this new *tiny* adventure!

 

[stE25wy14]

following along!!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

What are your plans for stocking?

 

[Fishy888]

Any updates?

 

[the_rainy_day_aquarium]

What are your plans for stocking?

Not at the moment. Maybe a tiny shrimp of some sort, but wanted to focus on corals with this one. Probably going with zoas first and maybe some mixed reef things later down the road.

 

[the_rainy_day_aquarium]

Any updates?

Oof no :( We are smack in the middle of moving to a temporary place before we actually move haha. Also I have some orders from my LFS I really need to fulfill so this tank has been put on hold for another little while. Hopefully soon though!

 

[ColorMeGone]

Your still on the move? Lol. Nano tank looks great and hope you get settled in soon so you can concentrate on some nano stuff!
You make some nice stuff in my book. Thanks again for my nano ATO tank!

 

[the_rainy_day_aquarium]

@ColorMeGone haha YES unfortunately! We’re staying in an apartment for about 6ish months so the Mrs. can finish up her current job. Then it’s off to Texas for my job.

Thanks! I actually have a ReefCasa order that will probably be replacing that tank soon. Believe it or not it’s a lot more cramped than I like when I do maintenance on it. Spare time for me has become scarce; I need something easier to maintain. I’ll use all of the same gear from it, but will just have a different shaped tank. No one knows on NR so don’t say anything haha ;)

That means a lot, thank you! Really happy that you like the ATO! How long does it last before you need to refill it?

 

[ColorMeGone]

Good thing I guessed somewhere else in the desert. :cool:
I fill it to the top line and refill at the middle line. Takes well over a week or so.
I know what you mean about small tanks. Every time I want to add/mess with something I knock stuff down/around. I gotta keep my hands out of the tank now and let things take off. Just need to add a few more colorful Rhodactis shrooms and I'll be good to go. I had a sweet baby Orange one that let go and is now in the lower intake. May or may not make it but it's still hangin after more than two weeks and I'm not messing with it. lol

 

[Imrahilwjz]

Sounds like a nice project!

 

[the_rainy_day_aquarium]

Wanted to give a little update on this.
Nothing has changed, lol!
Still just waiting to get this thing filled up, well, rather, waiting to get my desk moved into our office so that I can set it up.

 

[keepingfishwithnoidea]

following along!!

 

[the_rainy_day_aquarium]

I've recently been toying with a new tank design and am really liking where it's going. So I'll probably will be switching this tiny tank out with it as it will have a little more in the realm of creature comforts that I like. Stay tuned and maybe, just maybe, in another few months we'll see an actual tank filled with water on here lol!:grinning-face-with-sweat:

 

[the_rainy_day_aquarium]

A little sneak peak of how the updated pico build is coming along. Just need to finish up some parts for the filtration and then it should be ready for water. I also got the actual light I’ll be using in the mail today (the Kessil A80 is just for kicks and giggles); things are moving along!

Next question is: you guys think I should leave it bare bottom or add sand? :thinking-face:

 

[ColorMeGone]

Tank looks great!
I luv bare bottom tanks and started out that way but wound up adding sand.:cool:

 

[the_rainy_day_aquarium]

@ColorMeGone yeahhhh I’m thinking I’ll go against my better judgement and add some super fine oolite :face-with-raised-eyebrow:

 

[keepingfishwithnoidea]

Sand is a must for pico's just a thin layer is enough

 

[Tahoe61]

Sweet little tank.

I always want to go BB, but I never do.

What's the little power head on the back?

 

[the_rainy_day_aquarium]

Sweet little tank.

I always want to go BB, but I never do.

What's the little power head on the back?

Thank you!

Once upon a time I set up a bare bottom pico. It was very easy to keep and did well. A clean sand bed does look better in most applications imo.

It’s a mini wave maker by Hygger.

 

[Tahoe61]

Thank you!

Once upon a time I set up a bare bottom pico. It was very easy to keep and did well. A clean sand bed does look better in most applications imo.

It’s a mini wave maker by Hygger.

I thought so on the Hygger. I have one on my 14 gallon. I tried it on my 6 gallon Pico and no go. I guess I need to dial it down.