Pico Build in cheap Aliexpress USB tank

[betareef]

Wanted to set myself a challenge. I bought a cheap all-in-one tank from Aliexpress for just $35. It holds about 5 or 6 litres, and runs completely on 5V USB power. It has a built in filter at the back, comb weir to sump, filter medium section, and return pump to an adjustable angle nozzle. All I need to add is a heater later maybe. Photos at the bottom of this post

In the pictures I am just test running it with fresh water, but the aim is to have saltwater with shrimp, hermits, snails, and some coral. Maybe one tiny goby or something. Maybe some macro algae. I am going away for a couple of weeks, so I think I will set it up and let it start cycling while I am away. Then, about Christmas time / New Year, the fun will begin

 

[fishywishy]

Nice

 

[betareef]

Nice

Thanks. I just posted about the first "problem" to do with the lights and automating them with a timer (here https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/automating-built-in-lights.1085249/ ) but I am really happy with the quality of this little tank. Maybe my expectations weren't all that high at the price. I can see I will have to be careful not to get the external USB sockets and stuff wet/salty.

 

[fishywishy]

Thanks. I just posted about the first "problem" to do with the lights and automating them with a timer (here https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/automating-built-in-lights.1085249/ ) but I am really happy with the quality of this little tank. Maybe my expectations weren't all that high at the price. I can see I will have to be careful not to get the external USB sockets and stuff wet/salty.

If you’re handy, you could try bypassing the on/off switch, but personally, I’d just get a new light. The one that comes with the tank is probably not very good, and you can find a very good light for a tank that size very cheap.

 

[betareef]

post updates if you can. i want to start a pico build and i am curious how this turns out.

If you’re handy, you could try bypassing the on/off switch, but personally, I’d just get a new light. The one that comes with the tank is probably not very good, and you can find a very good light for a tank that size very cheap.

Yes, a new light, while not as neat as the built in one, is a possibility.

Sure will post updates.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along! Always curious to see what people do with the limited space of a pico tank

 

[betareef]

Following along! Always curious to see what people do with the limited space of a pico tank

Hoping to get time to get some natural seawater and add some sand/coral to the tank today. I am currently considering if I will use some snails and/or hermits to help the cycle along.

 

[betareef]

Changed the water to saltwater, added sand and a few oyster shell bits to the display, and added coarse grit/rubble to the filter at the back. The grit/rubble is from an established tank, so that should help the cycle.

 

[KeremAltinbasak]

Hello!
I'm following, I like watching projects like this.
I would like to give a little advice. A slightly larger rock would be better for biological filtration. Sand thickness is very good for creating a bacterial bed. AF's rocks can also give a very good image in terms of color.
A few small mushrooms, maybe a head of zoa and a small goby would be very nice

 

[betareef]

Hello!
I'm following, I like watching projects like this.
A few small mushrooms, maybe a head of zoa and a small goby would be very nice

I was thinking mushroom myself.

 

[betareef]

Meanwhile, I put in hermits and Nassarius' snails

 

[KeremAltinbasak]

Very good.
I don't know what type of Hermit it is, but did you ask the place you bought it from if it was reef safe? There was a red legged devil in my old tank, he ate all my conches and zoas. Before I realized it, it was too late
Some can be annoying. It would be beneficial for you to follow

 

[betareef]

A slightly larger rock would be better for biological filtration.

I have added more stuff, and will build it up over the next few days

 

[betareef]

Very good.
I don't know what type of Hermit it is, but did you ask the place you bought it from if it was reef safe? There was a red legged devil in my old tank, he ate all my conches and zoas. Before I realized it, it was too late
Some can be annoying. It would be beneficial for you to follow

He is a local I collected myself. I have had these little hermits before. They are very well behaved.

 

[KeremAltinbasak]

Super.
I'm following, I'm sure it will look amazing. You just have to pay close attention to the temperature. How do you plan to keep it stable?

He is a local I collected myself. I have had these little hermits before. They are very well behaved.

 

[betareef]

Super.
I'm following, I'm sure it will look amazing. You just have to pay close attention to the temperature. How do you plan to keep it stable?

It's summer here so no need for a heater. I have started looking and there are little 10W USB powered heaters which would fit in the filter area at the back of the tank when Winter comes.

 

[betareef]

Also posted in CUC lovers thread.

Let's all fight over some food.

 

[betareef]

Trying some macro algae and stuff found on the shoreline. I suspect the light won't be good enough.

 

[betareef]

I have been struggling with the white balance, trying to get the photo to look like it does in real life under the coloured lights. This one is close to what I see

 

[lil sumpin]

I have been struggling with the white balance, trying to get the photo to look like it does in real life under the coloured lights. This one is close to what I see

beginning to already look like so much is goin on in so little of a space, very cool!