$185.00
from
$99.00 USD
from
$85.00 USD
The Biota Custom Micro 40 oz Reef-Ready Tank: A Reefer's Tiny Paradise
In the world of reef aquariums, bigger doesn’t always mean better. The growing popularity of nano and pico tanks has shown that small can be stunning, and micro aquariums are the new frontier for both beginners and experienced reef enthusiasts. The Biota Custom Micro Reef-Ready Tank made by PNW Customs is a 40-ounce desktop aquarium that is as functional as it is visually appealing. Because it’s reef-ready, it comes equipped with features that make maintaining it easy, even in such a small volume.
At just 40 ounces, the Biota Custom Micro Reef-Ready Tank is about as compact as it gets. These tiny tanks will fit nicely on just about any surface - your work desk, kitchen countertop, living room end table, college dorm, bookshelf, nightstand, or child’s bedroom; the possibilities are endless. Whether you already have a larger reef and want to keep a tiny pet on your desk; or you're new to reefing and want to start small, this tank is perfect for you.
Not too long ago, keeping a pico saltwater aquarium was considered to be very difficult, and beginners were advised to go for the biggest tank they could find. But times have changed. Advances in aquarium equipment and husbandry have made modern pico tanks much easier to maintain - in a lot of ways, even easier than large aquariums.
Advances in aquaculture have also changed the livestock available to hobbyists. Biota’s captive-bred fish are more manageable than their wild counterparts because they’re already accustomed to eating prepared foods like small pellets. Plus, since some nano fish have shorter lifespans, choosing captive-bred fish ensures you’re getting a young pet that will live out its entire lifespan with you. Cultured corals that have been grown in captivity over generations are also better accustomed to aquarium life than wild corals.
What really brings a micro tank to life are the pets inside. Its compact size doesn’t mean sacrificing the beauty of a larger reef tank. In a tank this size, you’ll want to focus on smaller species that don't need much swimming space. Biota has many nano sized pets that fit perfectly in this micro system.
Captive-Bred Goby Fish for Micro Reefs
Soft corals are perfect for micro aquariums because they’re generally easier to care for than stony corals, and they don’t require as much light or calcium. At shop.thebiotagroup.com, you’ll find a great selection of soft corals that come from exotic locations like Palau and Panama.
Clean-up-crew and Invertebrates
No Heavy Lifting
Micro tanks, while requiring more frequent water changes to maintain stability, are much easier to maintain in terms of effort. The reduced size means each water change can be done quickly and with less water compared to larger aquariums.
The micro tank is a perfect way to learn the ropes of reef aquariums without the commitment of larger tanks.
Budget Friendly
Micro are much more affordable than large aquariums because they don't require the expensive, powerful equipment that big tanks do. In a small tank, you can easily "reset" water parameters by doing quick and simple water changes, which eliminates the need for complex filtration systems, protein skimmers, and strong wavemakers. Since you’re dealing with a smaller water volume, maintaining stable conditions is easier and less costly, while larger tanks need heavy-duty equipment to manage water quality on a larger scale.
While larger tanks require large vats for storing and making new saltwater, you can use small, easily storable storage jugs for a micro tank. Instead of buying a large RO/DI unit, you can buy 1 gallon jugs of RO water from your grocery store for top off water and mixing saltwater.
Even with frequent water changes, your reef salt budget will be much smaller with a micro tank than with a larger tank. Since your reef salt contains all the elements needed to grow coral, a water change "reset" is all that is needed to replenish elements, saving you money on costly supplements.
While micro aquariums offer a ton of benefits—like lower cost, easier maintenance, and space efficiency—they also come with their own unique challenges. Many hobbyists worry that keeping such a small tank might be more difficult than managing a larger aquarium. However, with the right strategies, micro tanks can be less work than larger tanks and just as successful and rewarding.
One of the biggest concerns with micro aquariums is maintaining stable water parameters. Due to the small volume of water, changes in temperature, salinity, or pH can happen quickly.
First and foremost, it's imperative to monitor the salinity and "top off" daily with RO water. In such a small volume, evaporation can quickly raise the salinity to dangerous levels.
Small, frequent water changes are key to maintaining stability in a micro tank. You'll want to change the water more often when the tank is newly set up and still maturing. It takes less than a minute to perform a small water change on this tiny tank with a turkey baster.
Make your new saltwater according to the salt manufacturer's instructions and keep it circulating with a small pump or airstone and a heater if needed. Make sure your new saltwater is the same temperature as your tank. Always aim for water parameters as close to natural seawater as you can.
Feed your fish and corals in small amounts. Overfeeding can quickly lead to water quality issues in such a small volume of water. It's a good idea to feed larger meals to corals and fish up to an hour before a water change. Be sure to use a turkey baster to remove any uneaten food after each feeding.
How to set up the Biota Custom 40 ounce Micro Tank
This plug and play kit includes all the equipment you need to get started. (Most Micro tank keepers don't require a heater, since the small pump keeps the water warm.)
Features
In addition to small, frequent water changes, regularly test water for pH, salinity, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.
Change the Chemi-Pure pouch in your sump filter often to help reduce pollutants and maintain crystal clear water.
Inspect your pump, sump, pipes, and lights regularly to ensure they’re clean functioning properly.
By following these simple steps, your PNW Custom 40-ounce micro aquarium will thrive, giving you a beautiful, low-maintenance micro slice of the ocean for years to come.
