2.7 Gallon Pico

[Beano1169]

Hey all I have just started a 2.7 gallon pico tank, 1.5 lbs of LR an Aquaclear 30 and the fluval spec lighting system is on it. It has been 2 days and I have noticed no ammonia or nitrite, the concern to me is the possiblity of low PH currently Im sitting at 7.8-8.0 using the API saltwater master, as well as a boom in Nitrate about 5-10ppm. In a tank this size should i be doing water changes daily weekly bi-daily?? how can I fix the nitrate issue?

thanks for your help
-Jayden

[Myka]

The more often you can do waterchanges the more stable the tank will be. Pick a schedule and stick to it, the worst thing you can do is be hit or miss on the schedule. Since you've only had it set up for 2 days I assume there are no fish or corals in there yet? If that's the case, do a 100% waterchange. Generally, there will be some nitrate show up at the beginning as the cycling of the tank will create an abundance of nitrate.

[Snaz]

The most important "upgrade" for a Pico or nano is an ATO.

[Beano1169]

any suggestions on where to get an ATo I have seen how to DIY Ato nano systems but im not sure about the quality verus ease situation

[Snaz]

Originally Posted by Beano1169

any suggestions on where to get an ATo I have seen how to DIY Ato nano systems but im not sure about the quality verus ease situation

Nano-reef.com has a great DIY forum which includes many styles of ATO. For a pico I would go with the simple and easy to build float switch/air-pump to pressurize a container of fresh water, like this one:
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/inde...&st=&p=&#entry

If you go with a battery powered system you don't have to worry about relays etc.

[Snaz]

Actually this ATO looks better suited to your pico. No pumps or moving parts.
http://reefbuilders.com/2009/05/26/d...r-auto-topoff/

[Beano1169]

thanks I have already grabbed my battery pump i think fo the style of the tank the pump will work nicely. Ill have some pics up soon once i put things in there

[Beano1169]

Would anyone have any ideas on where I can get some royal blue LEDs to fit ontop of my pico? and suggestions on DYI?

[Nano]

Modular led, he's in reddeer too so shipping would be peanuts. Plus you get a chocolate bar

[Beano1169]

thank you very much thats a huge help