DIY coral only pico

usc_lax9 · Apr 10, 2015

I was wondering if anyone has a mini coral only reef tank. I am considering making one out of an old plastic tank (>1 gallon). I would put water from my existing 90 into it as well as some live sand and rock. I would use frags from here as well. Im also considering adding a hermit crab or two. I have almost everything for it except for a flow generator which i'll use an air stone, and lighting. I was wondering if i could just put and incandescent grow light in desk light fixture or if that wont be enough.

kireek · Apr 16, 2015

Sounds like a fun project,I would go for it! I would recommend using a Coralife compact fluorescent bulb for your setup.It would also be helpful to save a area for adding carbon or other media if possible.Stick to corals that will stay small and tolerate low lighting.Also be prepared to do frequent water changes and lots of algae scrapping.And you may want to check out some of the tank threads here for more inspiration.
Nano Reefs

usc_lax9 · Apr 16, 2015

kireek said:
Sounds like a fun project,I would go for it! I would recommend using a Coralife compact fluorescent bulb for your setup.It would also be helpful to save a area for adding carbon or other media if possible.Stick to corals that will stay small and tolerate low lighting.Also be prepared to do frequent water changes and lots of algae scrapping.And you may want to check out some of the tank threads here for more inspiration.
Nano Reefs

Thanks for the light rec. I don't know if it will work. It depends on how much hear it gives off. If I decide to get a ceramic heatlight for night I'll definitly go with it then. I won't be adding media since I'm doing 3/4 water changes daily using water from my 90gallon reef tank.

usc_lax9 · Apr 16, 2015

Here's what I got so far. My hand is for comparison.

kireek · Apr 17, 2015

It's looks good,I like the rock work! Yes heat may be a issue,although your bulb placement will help.You could simply move the bulb away from the tank or point a fan at it during the summer.I wouldn't recommend using the Coralife compact as a pendant light though,it's designed to lay sideways over aquariums.You would probably be better off with a quality grow bulb like you were thinking.