CJ's PNW Micro Reef-Ready Tank (40oz)

[Gumbies R Us]

So this is how it turned out. The light was about an inch too long. I cut slots in the plastic housing to fit the top of the tank. Also had to cut the ends down on the light bracket to slide them closer together. I plan on filling all the gaps and sealing the light housing with some silicone. I cut a slot in the lid for the overflow sensor. The blue lights are turned all the way up and the white light is at it's minimum setting. It's a little on the blue side right now. I need to get a par reading to see what will grow in there. It's all powered by a smart power strip running on smartthings.

What power outlet are you using?

 

[Shanel]

So this is how it turned out. The light was about an inch too long. I cut slots in the plastic housing to fit the top of the tank. Also had to cut the ends down on the light bracket to slide them closer together. I plan on filling all the gaps and sealing the light housing with some silicone. I cut a slot in the lid for the overflow sensor. The blue lights are turned all the way up and the white light is at it's minimum setting. It's a little on the blue side right now. I need to get a par reading to see what will grow in there. It's all powered by a smart power strip running on smartthings.

What power outlet are you using?

https://a.co/d/gRhGJ4j

Its a matter power strip. They have a wifi version too. I choose Matter so i didn't have another app to deal with. All the 120v outlets are individually controlled. All the usb outlets are controlled together as one outlet.

 

[Nnavarro1982]

Where did you get the small light strips for the sump? I’m currently building and for the life of me can not find lights that small.

 

[Nnavarro1982]

I just finished building my PNW Micro Reef-Ready Tank (40oz), and I’m really excited about how it turned out! I started by installing a white and red LED bar for the refugium. I added a small piece of cheato to help with filtration, and then I set up the AutoAqua Smart Level Security on the return pump to prevent overflow in the display tank.


Next, I tackled some wire management by securing everything with clips to keep things neat. For the aquascaping, I took some Aquaforest rock and flat-cut the backs before using MarcoRocks mortar to attach them to the back wall. I made sure to cover both the overflow and water return pipe with rock. I also found a small rock to fit a frag plug and used some mortar to create a hole for it.


As part of the aquascape, I mixed my cat CJ’s ashes into the MarcoRocks mortar to create a memorial reef in his honor. It’s a peaceful tribute — now a part of the reef where new life will grow — and it brings me a sense of comfort to have him with me in this way.


After that, I added sand to the bottom and filled the tank with water to start the cycling process.


I’m not entirely happy with how blue the light is right now, so I’ve ordered a new one, though I’m not sure if it’ll fit or work properly. Finding the right light for this tank has been a challenge. I’m also researching options for a clean-up crew that will fit in the tank.

Where did you find the lights for the refugium? I can’t find anything anywhere!

 

[UncommonSense]

Where did you find the lights for the refugium? I can’t find anything anywhere!

Use “USB” in your search keywords, these lights are tiny and don’t take much power! keep in mind that a single LED diode is even a possibility; these can be <1/8” square, even!

 

[VintageReefer]

This would be a good light for the main display

https://reefbreeders.com/products/pico-led-2023-model
Cool build. I thought my 1g was small lol

 

[VintageReefer]

i use the pico v2 on my 1.1g
It’s 15w compared to the v1’s 9w

The v2 has two channel control to adjust white vs blues
I’m not sure if the v1 has 2 channels to adjust the color balance

Could always get a v2 and run it at 30-50%

 

[Nnavarro1982]

Use “USB” in your search keywords, these lights are tiny and don’t take much power! keep in mind that a single LED diode is even a possibility; these can be <1/8” square, even!

These are the ones I’m finding. Should these work?

 

[UncommonSense]

I’m sure those would work just fine! @VintageReefer had a very slick recommendation too; that’s the fanciest pico tank light I’ve ever seen!

 

[VintageReefer]

I’m sure those would work just fine! @VintageReefer had a very slick recommendation too; that’s the fanciest pico tank light I’ve ever seen!

Works great!
This is the v2

I have to move coral out often because they grow so fast

Some prior corals I grew in here

 

[Nnavarro1982]

Use “USB” in your search keywords, these lights are tiny and don’t take much power! keep in mind that a single LED diode is even a possibility; these can be <1/8” square, even!

 

[Nnavarro1982]

You think these would work??

 

[Shanel]

Where did you find the lights for the refugium? I can’t find anything anywhere!

I bought the ones you see in the pics on Amazon. I have a white one and a red one. I turn on the red first then white. White turn off first the the red one. Got them about 2hours on the white ones.

 

[wsanley]

Curious if you still have this up and running?

 

[Bigfishie]

Works great!
This is the v2

I have to move coral out often because they grow so fast

Some prior corals I grew in here

What tank is this?

 

[VintageReefer]

What tank is this?

1.1 Gallon Oceanbox P1-G Pico Reef​