Pico Reef Contest...

So, growing up my father took over several hundred square feet of our house with a 250g live reef system that included a three tier gravity fed filtration system. To say it kindly, he goes over the top with any of his projects.

Since I was around this as a kid, I've always wanted to do one myself but due to the constant moving of my job (about every year or two) I haven't been able to do it. Today I proposed a challenge to him, a one year contest for a pico reef (3g) in the effort to get him to create his 800g octagon dream tank and for me to get my feet wet. No fish just live rock, associated attachments, and legged animals.

I've searched for an overall list of supplies / requirements but have only found bits and pieces here and there. Right now I’m looking at the JBJ Picotope kit and probably want to add some kind of flow device. Also, what kind of books would you suggest for this application as this will be my first tank ever?

I'm hoping to buy something sometime next week and get it set up to cycle in the next few weeks. Nothing was ever said about getting outside help!

 

Welcome to 3reef,

I found this book to be relevant to keeping small nanos, and basically the concepts are the same. The book provides good example of inverts appropriate for small tanks, like some types of shrimp, crabs and corals.

Amazon.com: The Nano-Reef Handbook (9780793805723): Chris R. Brightwell: Books

You can buy picos that come with filtration and lighting.

Ecoxotic Eco Pico small on size, big on flavor

Do a search here on the forum and you will find other examples of good pico types.

 

Here is another.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/fish-tank-brands-kits/dymax-iq3-pico-aquarium-77902.html

 

My first reef tank was a 3 gallon Eclipse. Kept it for 4 years.