0.9 pico tank planted (tank #3)

[theDeanoRama]

My wife picked me up one of the little cubus 6"x6"x6" tanks for xmas (yay) as I wanted a little shrimp tank on my side table. I have a little elite filter for it which if this really keeps me happy may end up getting some diy 1/4" acrylic lily-ish replacements hooked into a Toms Canister. Heat will be from a Hydor mini heater under the sand. Substrate will be Flourite Black Sand.

I love the size, but the ball was really dropped for lighting although I'm sure that it wasn't designed with live plants in mind, more like a torture device for poor unsuspecting bettas. The 3 LEDs are definitely inadequate for anything other than plastic plants.

Image with the included lighting:


I will use stones in this tank vs driftwood, I found a decent selection at a local Bonsai shop:


To address the lighting issue I found a clip on 9 watt at the same store my wife sourced the tank. Looking at the box its from china and definately not a name brand. Closest thing I could find on the box was a website address, after going there and digging around I found it ... sort of, the clip is a little different but the rest of the light is the same. I have no idea what the colour temperature is, but I'll probably go online and try and order a 6000-6700k for it, I can tell that its outside that temp for sure, it has a bit of a green hue to it.

You can also see in the pics I'm playing with stone layouts. I may have to break up some of these stones as some are still a bit big. I already cut one of the rocks to get the larger peice in the back, I like that one, but all the others fill the tank quickly when used. I would like to try terracing with the one in front but it may be a bit big. I'll be able to tell more once I get some sand in there ... most likely in a slow going from the lower right to wards the back left to allow enough clearance for the filter.

The planting plan as it stands is anubias petite nana along the terracing behind the curved stone in front of the stone "mountain" (I'll call this midground). Unsure what I'll put behind the mountain or as a foreground plant. If anyone has any suggestions for the background that would survive lowish light and dosing only please feel free to chime in.

Forground will be either dwarf hairgrass, UG or glosso (if I can source the glosso or UG, I know I can get my hands on the DHG), I dont think HC would survive with the lower light and no CO2 being bubbled in.

Light out to show the full fixture as attached:


Light on:

[theDeanoRama]

Quick correction to my light details above. Its the 5 watt, not 9 watt variety and it is in fact a 6500, it just seems to be a cooler light that the 6700 I have on my 12gallon but that could be because there is no backing on this tank yet and its reflected light off my green walls.

[Maxxxboost]

looks cool!
This will be a cute little tank

[Keri]

Awesome! Can't wait to see this on the go ... and it's very inspiring, so small, I could do one, hardly takes any space at all!! lol

[neven]

definately going to keep an eye on this thread, pico's always intrigued me

[2wheelsx2]

The new light is infinitely better, but yes, you should go with the Tom Thumb as that filter really detracts from the look of the tank.

[theDeanoRama]

The new light is infinitely better, but yes, you should go with the Tom Thumb as that filter really detracts from the look of the tank.

I came across something a few weeks ago where someone was using a water pump about the size of an airpump as a filter (little foam canister inline of the uptake) ... if i can find that I may consider going that route.

[theDeanoRama]

Today saw the application of the same frosted glass film I applied to the 15g I'm putting together. I also spent an hour over the sink rinsing sand for the tank .. this one. I am SOOOOO not looking forward to rinsing enough of this sand for the 15g!

This is my 1st layout attempt, the bottom rock may have to go for some smaller ones. I'm not sold on the appearance.

[Emily]

Looks great! I can't wait to see how this turns out, I am such a sucker for tiny planted tanks

[2wheelsx2]

What kind of sand is that? Is it just quartz sand? If it is, I would just consider using Estes quartz sand. Took me 10 minutes to rinse 20 lbs and put it in the tank.