Tank equipment priority
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=79232
Printed Date: August 19 2025 at 12:05am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Tank equipment priority
Posted By: Holyzion
Subject: Tank equipment priority
Date Posted: February 25 2016 at 11:21am
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Alright everyone i have a question on what each of you think would be a more important part when it comes to tank equipment. I have got layn's old tank up and on a fish less Dr. Tim's cycle so now i just need to get a few more pieces of equipment. 1. Light Controller 2. Skimmer 3. Dual GFO/Carbon Reactor 4. ATO These are just the things I need and are in no specific order. First off, I will be getting my Kessil light controller first, i would like the tank to be on a standard time cycle instead of me trying to adjust the dials throughout the day. As for the ATO, that really isn't an issue for me. I have never had one in my 4 years of reefing, it would be more of a convenience to have one on a tank this size now. In everyone's opinion what should come after the lights, the Skimmer or the Reactor? ------------- 74G Mixed Reef 3G Picotope |
Replies:
Posted By: jdinchak
Date Posted: February 25 2016 at 11:26am
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A lot of that depends on your budget. You can do a basic light timer for cheap if you just want it to turn off and on or are you looking for a tank controller like an Apex? Each of these can probably wait a bit but I would say Skimmer Dual Reactor Controller (if more then just a 20 dollar timer) ATO I personally feel the Controller is one of my more valuable pieces of equipment but I could go without if I had to. ------------- 180G Mixed Reef Tank 170G Dart Frog Tank |
Posted By: Holyzion
Date Posted: February 25 2016 at 1:09pm
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Budget is flexible. So, i already have a Reefkeeper 2 for my controller, it doesn't give me a fancy web GUI or anything like that but it controls everything i need currently. Kessil has a dedicated light controller that runs at 100 bucks. it takes care of all the lighting needs from ramp up to ramp down, i can also use it to run a second light if i decide to get one of their grow lights for cheato. Over all it like like i am in the range of 94 gallons of water, so if the suggestion is skimmer that would be over sized for that. Currently looking into this skimmer http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/skimz-sn143-monzter-mini-protein-skimmer.html Since it's rated for 90 under a heavy bio load. As far as a Reactor i will more than likely go with a BRS branded one. ------------- 74G Mixed Reef 3G Picotope |
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: February 25 2016 at 1:22pm
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Ooh, I'd go top off number one. Then a skimmer. Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: Holyzion
Date Posted: February 25 2016 at 1:30pm
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I prefer to top off my tank daily, it falls into my tank routine, which is why it is last for me. I like to get off work, let the dog out then go to my tank and have a look at everything. After this long it has become a habit. on top of that i need to figure out a good pumping method, only place i have enough room to keep spare RO is in the basement. That's 2 votes skimmer, would you suggest just running a bag of Chemi-pure or something in the mean time? In my smaller tanks i didn't have the room to run anything else so i just hung a bag of carbon and did water changes. ------------- 74G Mixed Reef 3G Picotope |
Posted By: Fatman
Date Posted: February 25 2016 at 2:25pm
| If you have an ATO or don't want one, skimmer is next on my list. |
Posted By: Holyzion
Date Posted: February 25 2016 at 2:36pm
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What ATO unit's do you guys use, I think i am mostly paranoid about one failing. ------------- 74G Mixed Reef 3G Picotope |
Posted By: Baccara
Date Posted: February 25 2016 at 2:57pm
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tunze ------------- 210g Display in progress |
Posted By: Marcoss
Date Posted: February 25 2016 at 3:02pm
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Tunze as well. You can get a nano one if your tank is smaller. It'll fill at a slower rate and have a timer to go off sooner. They are adjustable insight the controller. I have one turned up way high on a 300g system and one turned to the middle on a 80g system. The higher the setting, the more water it puts into the tank for a longer period. ------------- RedSea Max S400 - 90G Rimless Frag Tanks x2 - 185 Lookdown Bin |
Posted By: Holyzion
Date Posted: February 25 2016 at 3:19pm
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Thanks for the info, i will have to do some more research as for now, i will just keep on filling it up. I only lose 1/2 gallon a day with the lights off, we will see how it goes once i start running it with the lights on. ------------- 74G Mixed Reef 3G Picotope |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: February 26 2016 at 1:12pm
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In my experience, lights, unless they are 400 W MH, are not the biggest reason for water evaporation. Water movement is what evaporates water. Relatively speaking, water hardly evaporates at all from a stagnant pond but start moving that water swiftly(good reef tank) and the excited water molecules fly away. The most bullet-proof top-off system is two different types of gravity fed water, Drip and Glug Jug. It seems that most hobbyists would rather spend money, not me.  Shoot, I have set up dozens of tanks without skimmers, without reactors and without controllers. If you like the message contained in the acronym, KISS, then take a look at what I do.Aloha, Mark  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: kevin.st
Date Posted: March 02 2016 at 10:18am
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I actually prefer a nano type ato even if you have a large system. Maybe it doesn't matter, but I like my ATO to slowly add water. I have an adjustable 100gph pump turned way down so the water just trickles into the sump. When the ATO is tripped, it will flow for about a minute. Again, maybe it doesn't matter, but if you keep kalk in the ato and also don't heat that water, I think slowly adding it is a smart thing. |
Posted By: kevin.st
Date Posted: March 02 2016 at 10:18am
| I am also not convinced a skimmer is necessary. I do run one, but I have thought about getting rid of it. |
Posted By: scfurse77
Date Posted: March 02 2016 at 10:47am
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If you want a good nano ATO, Look at Smart ATO Micro. Works awesome for my tank. Also this keeps you from having to deal with float problems. ------------- CADLIGHTS 42 Versa, 20 Gallon Sump, ATI Dimmable 8 Bulb T5 w/SbReef Lights Sbar, Bubble Muggus Skimmer and really mad wife :) |
Posted By: Holyzion
Date Posted: March 03 2016 at 10:33am
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Just ordered my Kessil light controller today. After hearing everyone agree on an ATO i decided to look into it a little further and i am sure i came up with a solution that will allow me to place my RO water under the tank in the basement. As it stands now my upgrade path will now be ATO>Skimmer>Dual Reactor. Still undecided on which ATO to go with but i will be weighing the pros and cons of everyone's listed systems. ------------- 74G Mixed Reef 3G Picotope |