Need Experts Help, New To The Hobby!

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

Hello! I am a 16 year old that is new to SW and would like to build a 3.5 gallon pico reef. I know it will be hard, but its all i am allowed at the moment. I don't want any fish, but just a simple cleaner crew. I would like a variety of corals that are easy to take care of, bright and colourful. I have gathered a ton of information already from multiple sources. I would like someone to clarify my remaining questions and share their tips with me! I am limited on the amount of money I can spend and already have a lot of the equipment I would like picked out.
Thank you so much!

 

[heath]

welcome to tft.. there is a wealth of information on this sire,, if you have a specific question I would suggest that you post it " general discussion" and you will get some great advise and answers..

 

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

welcome to tft.. there is a wealth of information on this sire,, if you have a specific question I would suggest that you post it " general discussion" and you will get some great advise and answers..

OK!

 

[Kman]

What are you thinking of keeping coral wise? I would stick to the easier corals and stay away from sps. Look at softcorals, zoes, mushrooms etc. What lights are you looking at getting? What hardware do you have?

 

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

What are you thinking of keeping coral wise? I would stick to the easier corals and stay away from sps. Look at softcorals, zoes, mushrooms etc. What lights are you looking at getting? What hardware do you have?

I would definitely stick to the softies! I don't have any hardware yet, just a cylindrical acrylic tank.
This is the light i was thinking about. http://www.amazon.com/ABI-Aquarium-Light-450-470nm-15000K/dp/B00CXTZN2Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432255261&sr=8-1&keywords=ABI LED Aquarium Light
This salt: http://www.petsmart.ca/fish/saltwat...-catid-300012?var_id=36-32188&_t=pfm=category

 

[Kman]

Look for some par38 bulbs they will work well. Not sure if those you just linked are the same. The salt will work as well.

 

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

Okay great! Thanks! Will I need to monitor calcium and magnesium by using this salt?


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[EricTMah]

Pico is going to be a challenge. For a pro and especially for a new comer.

My suggestion would be small water changes very frequently. Perhaps daily even.

 

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

I have heard that. I think I can do it though! What about twice a week?


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[EricTMah]

It's very easy to upset the tank being that size.

The smaller and more frequent water changes will not be such a shock to the system.

 

[Kman]

Yes it will be difficult. If you keep the bio load light you can keep thing balanced better. Even then you have to upkeep on maintenance.

 

[derrick orosz]

If you watch on here you'll normally see some 30-40 gallon tank only sales for $50 or less...would be easier to maintain that size tank imo

 

[dale]

im thinkin what you have/suggesting will prob b fine,,, change a cup of water every 2 days and youll b good.. your calcium n stuff wont change much with just softies, even if you get an lps , changing water with reef crystals you would be fine.. monitor salinity, and nitrate.. the light your looking at looks pretty blue, a lot of people like that..

 

[SamB]

Started my first SW reef tank in a 10 gal - not sure if that counts as pico or not
Zoa, Acans and candy canes all doing well
Yellow clown goby and 2 blood shrimp
WC once a week (10%)

I took my time and researched everything that I could
Once the tank stabilized, it became very little maintenance

Great forum here with lots of helpful reefers - good luck !