PNW Custom Small-In-One Build

[USAFReefer]

Just Wanted to Drop in and share my build and story for any one maybe in a similar situation.

Due to my Job and moving every 2-3 years having a large tank isn't really a great option for me, but a coral only small Pico tank works.

Main reasons why?

1. Quick set up and tear down

2. Limited Live Stock options (sounds lame but when you have to have a contingency plan for off load this helps)

3. Maintenance is relatively quick (250ml Beaker and turkey baster water changes)

4. USB powered Lights, Pump, Heater (when you get sick of different plug types and way cheaper to buy USB wall Plugs)

Draw Backs

1. Stability - this tanks fluxes a lot temp swings water parameter swings and everything happens fast!!

2. Dosing - having to all the math to get manufacture dosing instructions right can be a bit of a pain but a ratio calc and a mincro pipet help with this alot.

3. If you run an ATO on this unplug it anything you want to remove anything from your tank (even for 2 seconds) other wise you will set it off

 

[Gumbies R Us]

We just set up our PNW pico a few weeks ago and love ours!

 

[kenkaniff]

Just Wanted to Drop in and share my build and story for any one maybe in a similar situation.

Due to my Job and moving every 2-3 years having a large tank isn't really a great option for me, but a coral only small Pico tank works.

Main reasons why?

1. Quick set up and tear down

2. Limited Live Stock options (sounds lame but when you have to have a contingency plan for off load this helps)

3. Maintenance is relatively quick (250ml Beaker and turkey baster water changes)

4. USB powered Lights, Pump, Heater (when you get sick of different plug types and way cheaper to buy USB wall Plugs)

Draw Backs

1. Stability - this tanks fluxes a lot temp swings water parameter swings and everything happens fast!!

2. Dosing - having to all the math to get manufacture dosing instructions right can be a bit of a pain but a ratio calc and a mincro pipet help with this alot.

3. If you run an ATO on this unplug it anything you want to remove anything from your tank (even for 2 seconds) other wise you will set it off

What are you using for temperature control? Mainly cooling the tank. I just set mine up and the temperature is continually rising. I don’t have lights on and I don’t have a heater going. The pump is the only thing running. The room temperature is 74 degrees. The tank temp continues to climb up to 82-83 degrees.

 

[USAFReefer]

What are you using for temperature control? Mainly cooling the tank. I just set mine up and the temperature is continually rising. I don’t have lights on and I don’t have a heater going. The pump is the only thing running. The room temperature is 74 degrees. The tank temp continues to climb up to 82-83 degrees.

Ive Got mine hooked up to an ink bird But thts just because i had an extra laying around.

As far as cooling goes there has really only been 1 day this year where i live that ive needed any type of cooling. and ive just got a small computer fan that plugs into a USB port. If your tank is always running hot i would check the heater its self make sure if operation right or run it with out the lid.

 

[USAFReefer]

Just wanted to stop in and give a Bit of an update on this tank and things ive noticed

1. ATO is completely unnecessary if you keep the lid on

2. Stability is not a thing

3. don't over do the rocks or flow sucks

4. water changes are pretty simple

Had a bit of a run in with what i think was cyano but after every other day 400ml water changes it seems to be clearing up a bit but the GHA is coming in. only running lights for 8 hours a day but the zoas are thriving.

Tried to feed the tank reef roids but it causes the PO3 to spike..... lesson learned wont be doing that again

Enjoy some pictures of testing results and zoas

 

[kenkaniff]

Ive Got mine hooked up to an ink bird But thts just because i had an extra laying around.

As far as cooling goes there has really only been 1 day this year where i live that ive needed any type of cooling. and ive just got a small computer fan that plugs into a USB port. If your tank is always running hot i would check the heater its self make sure if operation right or run it with out the lid.

I actually don’t even have my heater in at the moment. That was my concern; my return pump seems to be generating this heat. It’s the only thing running in the tank

 

[USAFReefer]

I actually don’t even have my heater in at the moment. That was my concern; my return pump seems to be generating this heat. It’s the only thing running in the tank

Are you running the stock return pump that came with the kit?

 

[kenkaniff]

Are you running the stock return pump that came with the kit?

Yes I am