- Joined
- Jan 13, 2020
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Hi All – New to the forum, but not new to reef / freshwater fish keeping. I’ve had aquariums going on 30 years. Anyway, I received a nice fat tax refund this year and was thinking of upgrading / automating my heavily stocked 120 gallon acrylic AIO (no sump, hollow back) mixed reef tank – chiller, ATO and automatic dosing. Would appreciate thoughts on each item:
Chiller – Was thinking of the 1/10 HP JBJ-Arctica Titanium Chiller. If I understand correctly, I do not need a separate controller to operate this? If I set my heater at 76 degrees and the chiller at 78, it theoretically should not go above 78 / 79 degrees? I currently run the AC in the summer, and probably still will, but not nearly as cold as I currently keep it. I have had moments where the AC didn’t work correctly and the temp shot up and could tell tank was stressed, so think a good investment.
ATO – Was thinking of the Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155 Auto Top Off. Thoughts? I would have to switch this off when doing water changes, correct?
Automatic Dosing – This is where I struggle the most. I have been using ESV 2-part for alk / calcium manually and has been a thorn in my side given my travel schedule. Will any doser be able to pump up from the bottom of the stand 5 ft to the top of the tank? I would like one with wi-fi control. I have not been dosing mag, but from what I understand, ESV already contains? So thinking I can get away with a 2-pump doser? I do 10 gallon water changes 2x / month. Ecotech vs. GHL vs. ?
Thanks!
Mike
Chiller – Was thinking of the 1/10 HP JBJ-Arctica Titanium Chiller. If I understand correctly, I do not need a separate controller to operate this? If I set my heater at 76 degrees and the chiller at 78, it theoretically should not go above 78 / 79 degrees? I currently run the AC in the summer, and probably still will, but not nearly as cold as I currently keep it. I have had moments where the AC didn’t work correctly and the temp shot up and could tell tank was stressed, so think a good investment.
ATO – Was thinking of the Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155 Auto Top Off. Thoughts? I would have to switch this off when doing water changes, correct?
Automatic Dosing – This is where I struggle the most. I have been using ESV 2-part for alk / calcium manually and has been a thorn in my side given my travel schedule. Will any doser be able to pump up from the bottom of the stand 5 ft to the top of the tank? I would like one with wi-fi control. I have not been dosing mag, but from what I understand, ESV already contains? So thinking I can get away with a 2-pump doser? I do 10 gallon water changes 2x / month. Ecotech vs. GHL vs. ?
Thanks!
Mike