Almager's 4g Pico New Build

#1
Hello all! I'm getting back into this addictive hobby. I wanted a challenge while jumping back in & went with a 4g Pico to get my experimentation on. Lifegard 4g All in one tank, Cobalt neotherm 25w heater, Bahama oolite live sand, dry rock in display with dry rock in back compartment for additional bio filtration once established. Currently using supplied pump at 87gph, will see if this supplies enough flow once established (any suggestions to increase flow I would love to discuss with anyone). No lights currently but I have my eyes on a few. I won't set up any lighting until fully cycled. Hoping to eventually turn this guy into a small breeder or holder for inverts. Maybe even a garden for future food needs. Currently shrimp cycling with dry rock, 4 days in. Wish me the best! View attachment 18711
 
#5
Have you done the Pico's before? I always wondered how difficult it is with chemistry swings and stuff.
I did about 11-12 years ago. So much has changed since then. I really didn't have an issue with the fluctuations. More daily upkeep but that's about it. One thing I have noticed is my pico back then cycled a lot faster due to live rock & live sand. But I'm trying to be patient & really build from the ground up. It looks like I'm coming down from a bac bloom so hopefully that means I'm headed in the right direction
 
#7
Update: Cycle is going well or at least in my experience it is. Our shrimp for cycling (we named him Cocktail) gave up every last piece of himself to this tank. It's been 2 days since & the bac bloom seems to be dissipating. Water is clearing up & it feels like a good, small hurdle to cross. Ammonia is still high but I know will start to mellow out in the coming weeks. Love this!

View attachment 18719
 

SynDen

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#8
Welcome, and welcome back to the addiction :) I like the tank. Picos are fun and challenging in their own way. look forward to seeing it progress.
 
#9
Great day today! Watched my ammonia nose dive over the past few days. Literally halved each day with today ending at a big fat goose egg! Looks like nitrite is dropping & nitrates are there. Cycle almost complete... Which means I need to prep for the near future... AI Prime 16HD acquired! Turned em on to play with of course, leaving off so they don't jump start algae growth.

I am kinda surprised how quick this cycle is going. Thinking of testing the system in the next couple days if params continue to trend the way they currently are... Am I wrong here?
View attachment 18738
 

Tinyreef

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#10
Wow thats cycling fast. Did you add any starter bacteria or seed with live anything? When I started with dry rock and sand I had to wait ages.
 
#11
Wow thats cycling fast. Did you add any starter bacteria or seed with live anything? When I started with dry rock and sand I had to wait ages.
I used live sand & a shrimp but didn't add anything extra. This isn't my first pico but even I am surprised with how quick it is flipping. I know the sand helped tremendously but even with that I figured a month before I would get to this point.
 
#13
So params didn't end up trending the way I needed them to. Nitrites stayed high & nitrate holding steady. I am hoping within a week I see a change, until then, nothing added in. I did play with my AI Prime & put in a calming blue setting. Lights aren't running yet but I have turned it on for a half hour here & there just to enjoy it. Gotta say I love the look even at this stage but my family is excited to get something in there.
View attachment 18776
 

SynDen

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#14
Doing good. Ya, be patient this step of the cycle always takes forever. It will get there eventually
 

SynDen

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#16
ya can't be real live rock
 
#17
First Fish added in! It's name is Pennywise. We actually added him a couple of days ago but it took him a little bit to get comfortable swimming around. Nice to see some life in our tank & the fam is loving it. Also added a blue legged hermit (HIM) & a snail (Gary). View attachment 18807
 
#18
What a great last few days & then today was almost a heart dropping moment! First, we added a neon candy cane on Saturday. Dipped, then coralamino before lights out & all seems to be well! Then today I get home & notice my return pump is not working, absolutely zero flow, & the temp dropped 4 degrees. Good thing I had the original as a back up & was able to get it going again. Not sure how long it was all down but after 6 hours everything seems to be unaffected.

Other additions this past week, a few snails, a couple dwarf red tip hermits, & a small piece of live rock.

View attachment 18902
 
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