The biggest technical challenge cold water marine aquarists face is “tank sweating”, which is caused by water vapor condensing on the cold surface of the glass or acrylic. This vertical edge pico reef aquarium by micro-reef systems with 1/2 thick acrylic however should have no trouble staying clear even in the most humid and warm areas you can throw at it. Of course the thickness of the acrylic might seem extreme to regular aquarists, but any cold water aquarists knows that the extreme thickness is necessary. Beside preventing “tank sweating” the rather thick acrylic should also work the other way around, keeping the water well isolated and cool reducing the need for a larger chiller and excessive electricity usage.
The micro-reefs 2 gallon vertical edge temperate pico system beside offering thicker acrylic than the other micro-reefs temperate pico, also features different dimensions with a much more vertical footprint. The vertical edge measures 6 by 5 by 9 inches while the original series measures 11 by 5 by 7 inches. Other wise the vertical edge also contains a filtration chamber with a micron filter and is connected to the display with a 1/2 bulkhead and 180 gph return pump. The back chamber is additionally drilled to fit an iceprobe chiller, or can be plumbed to accommodate a sump. An 1/2 thick acrylic top is also included, although canopy and light are sold separately. The system should keep a steady 55F with iceprobe chiller, although micro-reefs recommends keeping the room temperate below 77F.
The 2 gallon temperate pico reef is available for pre-order now, and should ship in the next four days. The system is currently on sale for $139.99 and full retail pricing will be $159.99
