Hey! New here :)

[ChefReeferThomas]

I’m thomas, I’m 25 & I’ve been keeping freshwater for years. (Live, all natural tanks for schooling fish to cichlids) Decided to start my adventure with a 5 gallon pico.

So far, all is going smooth in the establishing phase. I’ve got 2 hermits, and a small baby emerald who I noticed was having his legs ripped off at a local petco by his own kind (way too many in the small display, go figure). I call him stumpy.

About 2 months in now (date established 6/12/21) and she’s passed the ugly diatom phase.

noticing a nice culture of copepods all over the glass. Hoping to stock a small fish before looking towards corals. Any ideas?

Also any recommendations for a low power wave maker?

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

 

[coralfishreef]

Welcome!

 

[Stuartmercer]

welcome to the reefing fam!

 

[PeterC99]

Hi Thomas - Welcome to R2R!

 

[G Santana]

Welcome to the dark side

 

[Ro Bow]

I’m thomas, I’m 25 & I’ve been keeping freshwater for years. (Live, all natural tanks for schooling fish to cichlids) Decided to start my adventure with a 5 gallon pico.

So far, all is going smooth in the establishing phase. I’ve got 2 hermits, and a small baby emerald who I noticed was having his legs ripped off at a local petco by his own kind (way too many in the small display, go figure). I call him stumpy.

About 2 months in now (date established 6/12/21) and she’s passed the ugly diatom phase.

noticing a nice culture of copepods all over the glass. Hoping to stock a small fish before looking towards corals. Any ideas? View attachment 2286671
Also any recommendations for a low power wave maker?

Hi! So as for the powermaker, i would check out redsea, or the Hydor Koralia 240 gph powerhead. As for fish, i would add a red possum wrasse, two spot blenny, or a pygmy coral groucher. I would choose 2.

 

[ChefReeferThomas]

I’ve seen good things about the koralia 240!
And thanks for the suggestions on livestock. Pulling info up on them now

 

[Hydrored]

Welcome!

 

[Ryan3313]

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[thatone08]

Welcome!

 

[Doctorgori]

You do know adding salt to your tank drains your wallet faster
WELCOME

 

[ChefReeferThomas]

I’ve definitely felt my wallet get lighter that’s for sure haha! Just getting this thing started has cost a pretty penny, but it’s worth it. I’ve been fascinated with marine biology since I visited the buccoo reef in Tobago while living in Trinidad. But, my real talents and love go to my food, so I consider all this science a “hobby” (more like an obsession…)

 

[DonTavo27]

Welcome! You’ve come to the right place, as this is the best Reef Community in the world!
What light are you running Over this pico?

 

[ChefReeferThomas]

I can tell this community will be really helpful, glad I decided to join!

 

[ChefReeferThomas]

Welcome! You’ve come to the right place, as this is the best Reef Community in the world!
What light are you running Over this pico?

30W Nicrew LEDReef, not the best but it’s a start for sure. I don’t have anything to measure it’s output but I’ve had success with their LED’s on my planted freshwater tanks.

It has 18 LEDs that range from 405 nm (UV) to 660 nm (Deep Red). Nicrew claims it has a peak PAR of 100µMol at a depth of 24 inches. Running them dimmed (about 70% intensity)

looking to upgrade in the long run, but I’m on a cooks wage so budget stays tight.

 

[Just John]

Glad you are here!

 

[MERKEY]

Hello and welcome to R2R!

 

[DonTavo27]

30W Nicrew LEDReef, not the best but it’s a start for sure. I don’t have anything to measure it’s output but I’ve had success with their LED’s on my planted freshwater tanks.

It has 18 LEDs that range from 405 nm (UV) to 660 nm (Deep Red). Nicrew claims it has a peak PAR of 100µMol at a depth of 24 inches. Running them dimmed (about 70% intensity)

looking to upgrade in the long run, but I’m on a cooks wage so budget stays tight.

Hey as long as it works, run it till it burns out!
The Kessil a80 might be a good one to consider
As a replacement when the time comes, somewhat affordable, and puts out enough power to keep a variety of coral and even anemones thriving.