Clifford's JBJ 3 Gallon Picotope Reef Aquarium:)

Check out my JBJ Picotope reef aquarium ***Pictures Below****. I've had it for 2 months now. I'm still a newbie at this hobby, but I'm learning so much in a short time from reading forums about other people's experiences.

In my tank, I went with a sandless/bottomless set-up. The reason why I did this was because I got nasty brown algae growing on-top of the sand that wouldn't go away, and also the sand kept getting blown away by the water current and I got tired of reshaping the sand. I also incorporated a minimalist design to my live rock. This way I have plenty of room for my fish and decrease the bio-load.

For water filtration and treatment, I'm using the stock power filter that came with the picotope and added some SeaChem Purigen and Phosphate remover. I find that with this set-up, I don't need to build a sump and save some money in the long run. I'm also using a AquaEuroUSA Nano Skimmer II which fits perfectly in my tank. It works like a charm!

For lighting, as of the moment I'm using the stock lighting 9W 50/50 Flourescent Actinic Lamp. This is not enough lighting power, so I'm in the process of ordering a Current Satellite 18W 24 hour lighting system.

Reef organisms I have on my live rock are:

Crocea Clam
Cup Coral
Pulsating Xenia
Torch Coral (not opening up)
Clown Fish
Cleaner Shrimp

 

Hey Clifford...I also have a Pico. They are tough to maintain. I like the little skimmer you have in there. All I can offer is to take it real slow, and do your water changes. I do 2 a week-50%

 

Very nice

 

Thanks for the advice Robman. You should post up some pictures of your pictotope.

 

hey clifford i like the setup the clam looks great. i have a picotope myself but im running a dsb, well its deep for this tank lol but i have not had a problem with the brown algea. i would highly recomend the sand because it provides a place for tons of beneficial bacteria to grow and live it works well in my tank, so well that i don't have a filter on it. and yes i know this will probably be frowned apon but i do not have a skimmer, or a hob or even any chems in the tank itself i depend on the dsb the small amount of lr i have in there, a small clean up crew (nasarrius snail, a cerith and a few hermits) and a weekly water change and the tank is doing great. but keep me updated on your tank id love to hear how things are going ill see if i can get some pics of mine on here if i can figure it out lol anyway have fun and agian love that clam