the under-100-dollar pico reef build challenge

CarnationCrab

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I'm attempting to build my first ever saltwater tank, a pico reef tank. And, because I like a challenge, I'm going to try and do it in under 100 dollars. Yikes. ;Nailbiting

Okay, so what is the plan? I just picked up the tank, a 2.5 gallon fluval aquaponics embark. I chose this tank for its price-- 5 dollars. I think the petsmart website mismarked it or something, but the tank was legit only $5.67. It is glass and has some kind of weird built in bit that I think was an attempt at a built in filter. Jury is out on whether or not that is staying. Determined that the filter pump (only 50gph, whyyy?) is definitely not strong enough, so I decided I will replace it with a marineland maxijet 400. Woo!

While I was there I picked up some fluval filter media for all three stages. All that rung up to $5 as well. So far so good, yeah? I was that horrible person in petsmart holding up the line trying to price match with the website, but hey, when you're pinching pennies, you do what you gotta do.

Here is a picture of the tank! Its not so bad but has a smaller footprint than I thought it would.

19105709_10210866496871875_101618117586706271_n.jpg

Wish me luck!
 

Coco Go

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Here's a 2 gallon fluval Pico tank under 100$ [emoji846]
b9725e5a811c612b2017b55395dcd578.jpg
 

reeferfoxx

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You'll need an ATO and between that and a reservoir will hit $100 alone.
 

Coco Go

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Also has a built in filter. Upgraded the pump from 40g/hr to 80g/hr.
 

coris

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You'll need an ATO and between that and a reservoir will hit $100 alone.

DIY? Could probably get by without it I don't think you NEED one, just depends.

Anyway I'm sure this will be cool good luck!
 

reeferfoxx

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DIY? Could probably get by without it I don't think you NEED one, just depends.

Anyway I'm sure this will be cool good luck!
Guess you guys will found out lol.

My ATO broke last week and I'm having to top off at least twice a day on a 30 gallon. Can't imagine 2.5 gallons.
Not to mention needing to go out of town, or any type of emergency.
 

pickupman66

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