August 26, 2017

Setting up a Pico 8 lt Planted Aquarium

Pico 8 lt Planted Aquarium original


Hardscape

The tiny aquarium dimensions are 27 (L) X 14 (W) X 21 (H) cm allowing for very little aquascaping.
The substrate consists of 1 cm JBL Aquabasis Plus, next 2-3 cm beige neutral quartz sand and small black publes with a few black stones.
A small driftwood is glued on the rear glass with silicone.
The rear glass is covered with a black film oiled and taped on the outer surface.

Pico 8 lt Aquarium hardscape overview

Pico 8 lt Aquarium hardscape left side view


Pico 8 lt Aquarium hardscape right side view

Pico 8 lt Aquarium hardscape front side view

Mini Thermometer

A mini stick on thermometer by Tetra matches the size of the tiny aquarium. Color change of the bars on the film shows the temperature in °C pretty accurately.

Pico 8 lt Aquarium stick on thermometer

External Power Filter

Some attempts with small internal filters were not so effective in keeping the small water volume safe. Therefore, an older Aquaclear 20, hang on, external Power Filter was found more appropriate, giving also the proper aeration and oxidation of the water for small invertebrates.

Aquaclear 20 Hang on Power filter side view

Aquaclear 20 Hang on Power filter circulation pump

The filter media in the small compartment, start with a coarse sponge for mechanical filtration, Seachem Denitrate for biological filtration.
Denitrate was chosen instead of Seachem Matrix due to its smaller grain, that would give better results in the slow flow of filter.

Aquaclear 20 Hang on Power filter filter media

Aquaclear 20 Hang on Power filter hanged on

Aquaclear 20 Hang on Power filter overview

Aquaclear 20 Hang on Power filter covered

Cover and Fans

The domed plastic cover was modified opening extra holes for better ventilation and two small fans one intake, one exhaust, were added on the sides.

Pico 8 lt Aquarium cover right fan
Pico 8 lt Aquarium cover right fan with AC/DC adapter receptacle

Pico 8 lt Aquarium cover left fan

LED Light

The most recent addition was the LED lamp in replacement of a 9W PL lamp which actually increased the temperature of the tiny aquarium very much.

Pico 8 lt Aquarium cover with LED light


Pico 8 lt Aquarium cover details
Pico 8 lt Aquarium cover with extra aeration holes details

Final Picture

Pico 8 lt Aquarium complete

Planted Picture

An older picture of the planted aquarium.

Pico 8 lt Aquarium original picture with plants


Thank you for viewing.
All Photos © 2007-2017 S.C.Vlachos

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