UNS 45S - 5g Shallow Pico

[Pico_Libre]

I've had this tank sitting around for about 4 months not really sure what I was going to do with it. A couple of weeks ago I had the vision and began assembling all the parts I would need. I wanted something that would be on the minimalist side. It isn't something that is very common in the saltwater side of the hobby so I though it could be pretty cool.

Tank Dimensions: UNS 45s
Length: 17.71"
Width: 11.02"
Height: 7.09"
Glass thickness: 5mm
Volume: 5 gallons

Heater: Innovative Marine - 30w Helio
Lighting: Ai Prime 16HD
ATO: Duetto

The setup is pretty simple I went with a canister filter, I wanted a large bio-filter along with having enough flow to not need a powerhead. I went with the Fluval 107 canister as it has the no leak quick release and it has build in flow adjustment. Hind sight I would have gone with the Oase Biomaster 250. It's a bit large for this tank but the built in heater would be great to help reduce in tank clutter aiding in that minimalist look I'm going for.


Once I had the vision I began working on the stand. Unfortunately I didn't document the process as I should have and truth be told it didn't finish the way I was hoping (botched the lacquer coat). I wanted the stand to be stained black so you could still see the exposed wood grain but it ended up going the complete opposite direction and just painting it white.


Again with the minimalist theme I kept the scape super simple with a single flat rock structure in the center of the tank. I wanted to make sure there was plenty of negative space surround the scape to give it a larger appearance.


I insta-cycled the tank with some ceramic media from my main tank. I put a bag in the sump for about a week and once the ammonia in the pico spiked I added the bag to the canister filter, 2 days later the tank was cycled.

I'm not entirely sure as of right now what I'm going to do in the way of corals, probably a zoa garden (just bought a lot of zoas) and have various things scattered around on the sand.

I'm going to get fish today! I'm thinking damsels? Possibly firefish? not sure yet. I have a diamond back goby who is ultimately destine for the 130 gallon tank but is currently in a 3.2 gallon pico so I may move to this for a little while

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Nice idea. Keep posting

 

[ackshee]

Following!

 

[Pico_Libre]

I got a couple of fire fish today! They when straight into the rocks, of course. Lol. But they contrast beautifully. I went on a bit of a spree last night bidding and the nano is going to be pretty full soon. I’ve got a couple astrias, stomatellas, and a tiger conch ready to toss in but the “uglies” shouldn’t be too bad.

Used my glasses and got a few decent photos. This is getting closeish to its final state. To be honest the heater might have to go. I feel like it takes a lot away from the tank.

I’ll post some photos of the fish soon.

 

[Pico_Libre]

The fire fish decided to come out today. I also got the door put on.

 

[Pico_Libre]

The uglies are starting to show up. Pretty exciting. I added two snails today. Probably let them feast for a week or so before I clean it.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

The fire fish decided to come out today. I also got the door put on.

Love your firefish!

 

[Rjukan]

Nice setup!

I went on a bit of a spree last night bidding and the nano is going to be pretty full soon.

POTO? If so, I did too lol

 

[Pico_Libre]

Nice setup!


POTO? If so, I did too lol

Lol. Yep. Thank god I fell asleep towards the end I was going to get those scolys too. I think I ended up with about 15 pieces

 

[Rjukan]

Lol. Yep. Thank god I fell asleep towards the end I was going to get those scolys too. I think I ended up with about 15 pieces

Nice! Yeah I wonder what they ended up going for, bids were high before auction even began. I was good this week and kept it to 4 items lol.. having them local is dangerous.

 

[Pico_Libre]

There is a lot going on here. Lol my other tank is pretty full right now and I’m not sure what is happening with my other pico. So this is what I’ve got for now.


I have a pico that has been going on 2 months now and it’s doing really well. It’s a Uns 25T 3.2 gallons. This is my first post about this. I plan on doing a thread for it soon

All the specks are pods. This thing is absolutely covered with them.




I also just got to take over our 130g at work. The company maintaining it was not doing a very good job unfortunately as I really liked the guys. It is what it is but that thing is in such bad shape it will basically be a restart on the entire thing.

 

[Devaji]

nice tank and stand.
I would add a screen top for those fire fish they be jumpers.

 

[Pico_Libre]

nice tank and stand.
I would add a screen top for those fire fish they be jumpers.

Thank you!

As for the lid I have one ordered it’s going to be a few more weeks unfortunately.

 

[3rd Coast Reefer]

awesome build, i've also been eyeing the 45S just need to pull the trigger.

 

[Pico_Libre]

awesome build, i've also been eyeing the 45S just need to pull the trigger.

Thank you!

I really really like this tank probably a bit more than I thought I would. Not sure the vibe you're going for but if it's minimalist I would without a doubt use the Oase Biomaster 250. The only thing that would be in the tank would be ATO and lily pipes. I think I'm going to add/remove a few corals but I'm going to let it run the way it is for a while.

 

[Pico_Libre]

The tank is through the uglies. I don't think I will ever start a tank again with out cycling some media in a tank prior to. I cycled and went through the uglies in about 2 weeks and now the tank is infested with pods. I am sad however to report that I am down a fish Devaji had to go an jinx me with the lid comment. Lol

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