The "high tech" ultra compact Pico build. : Fluval V build (lots of pics)

[chaostactics]

Another re-scape to make the scape more interesting and to declutter the tank.

Stuff is ticked from the scape but overall more room for the clowns to swim before they move over to a bigger display tank. And opens up the flow a bit

 

[chaostactics]

The Fluval Marine Nano 3.0 is an excellent light but better suited for a cube. We were very happy with the program-ability of the Fluval light, spread, and profile. So it's being replaced with the "regular" Fluval Marine 3.0 for better light distribution for the lenght of the tank.

It may be hard to believe since it's a Fluval V build and I'm running a Fluval light but I'm not usually blown away by Fluval stuff and it normally wouldn't be my first choice for anything. However on a pico or nano tank I would honestly say I've not seen any light that combines pleasant physical profile and accessories, tuning with a stable app, power and color, super low mounting height, and price point as these Fluval lights. Cheers to Fluval.

 

[chaostactics]

Sorry for the video quality screen grab. Better pics coming soon. The adjustments for this light are awesome just like the nano version but better coverage for the longer tank.

Temporary carbon cuz of stress from adding a whole bunch of frags at once.

 

[chaostactics]

Adding new frags soon. Bringing the Hygger pump back online due to a bit of cyano build up but this time with a shroud to reduce flow a bit.

 

[RC51]

A Fluval Spec / Evo V build!

*The tank no longer resides with me in Hawaii, but I get to live vicariously through the new owner.




17-Sept-2020 First Photos

11-Nov-2020 Update

1-August-2021, update

Tech list:
- Fluval Spec V tank.
- Fluval marine 3 LED with Current USA mounting bracket.
- Marineland 606 return pump
-Hygger Adjustable DC powerhead
-VCA Random Flow Generator
- Inkbird ITC-308S
- Hydor 50 watt heater.
- XP Aqua Duetto ATO (super slim power supply)
- Auto Aqua Smart Level Security
-InTank Aquatics water director, plug kit, and surface skimmer
- Artic COV- 44100 8 Switch power strip with custom ICM203 feed delay circuit.

Always wanted to try a proper PICO reef. I love DIY and this one absolutely pushed my limits, the hardest build I've ever done. The biggest constraint was using all UL or other certified products.

Picked it up as a aptasia garden with two adult clowns (sold them off right away).

Wow that looks good.

 

[chaostactics]

Bad news, apparently red turf algae has taken a liking to the tank. No idea where it came from. Hopefully a pin cushion urchin will fix it along with a new approach to nutrient management.

Good news, the Hygger was taken off line for a while because the flow was so strong. But a 3D printed "Nem Guard" combined with the lowest flow setting seems to have resolved the crazy flow.

It looks rather seamless don't you think?

File can be found here https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4921569

 

[chaostactics]

Wow that looks good.

Thank you! We really appreciate it!

 

[chaostactics]

Slowly but surely improving after mini-crash.

 

[chaostactics]

Being that it's a a 5 gallon it's a bit on the slower side to recover from a hiccup but everything is showing progress. Including a RFA that was once bleached out and suspected to be on the way out the door.

 

[Norcoreefer]

Hows this tank going? Still got it up and running? I'll be adding the pump you listed to my 5 gal evo shortly. Glad I found this thread. I really hope you still are running this tank and maybe have some updates?