Getting back into reefing

[Amiller295]

Hello all,

I’m thinking of getting back into reefing after a break of 10 years….(horrible tank crash). At the time I was doing everything as cheap as possible, so I never had anything Ecotech or Neptune.

A few questions.
Is Ecotech still the top dog for lighting and pumps?

If going with an Apex controller, would it be best to keep it all Neptune (lights, powerheads, return pump)?

Of course I will keep doing my own research. And I know that all depends on the situation, but just wondering if these questions were a generalized “yes” or “no”.

Thanks for your time!

 

[ryanjohn1]

Ecotech is pretty good. But imo Neptune control isn’t necessary. Look at ai pumps wave maker and lights all easily controlled with an app

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome back, glad you are here!

 

[Amiller295]

Thank you for the input. (I was a little afraid of getting roasted)

 

[Amiller295]

Ecotech is pretty good. But imo Neptune control isn’t necessary. Look at ai pumps wave maker and lights all easily controlled with an app

Will start researching ai!

 

[kevgib67]

Thank you for the input. (I was a little afraid of getting roasted)

Na, you won’t get roasted here, we welcome questions.

 

[Troylee]

Thank you for the input. (I was a little afraid of getting roasted)

Welcome back! I’ve been back for a year after a 10yr break myself:

 

[Leon821019218]

The aquarium hobby is like an itch you can't get rid of right It can drive you crazy but you can't stop loving it! But I think there are choices between Ecotech and Neptune. Don't have any of their hardware but they are big names and make some excellent gear I hear. I think al lot depends on your budget as well. Nothing is really cheap in this hobby (especially over here in the Netherlands) but there are a lot of less pricey, and still very good options when selecting your gear. AI, mentioned earlier makes also very nice lights/pumps etc. I had AI lighting which was very nice (with a good app) and I ordered a new AI Nero 5 for flow. Gets some very nice reviews so can't wait to install it in my tank Do you have some other brand/options that you are considering?

 

[Amiller295]

Was just looking at AI. Their new powerheads look nice!

 

[Amiller295]

The aquarium hobby is like an itch you can't get rid of right It can drive you crazy but you can't stop loving it! But I think there are choices between Ecotech and Neptune. Don't have any of their hardware but they are big names and make some excellent gear I hear. I think al lot depends on your budget as well. Nothing is really cheap in this hobby (especially over here in the Netherlands) but there are a lot of less pricey, and still very good options when selecting your gear. AI, mentioned earlier makes also very nice lights/pumps etc. I had AI lighting which was very nice (with a good app) and I ordered a new AI Nero 5 for flow. Gets some very nice reviews so can't wait to install it in my tank Do you have some other brand/options that you are considering?

Definitely not committed to a single brand. Just at the time of exiting the field, Ecotech and Neptune were the best in most of the areas.

 

[Leon821019218]

Definitely not committed to a single brand. Just at the time of exiting the field, Ecotech and Neptune were the best in most of the areas.

Well, researching and 'browsing' around is also a fun part of the hobby. Just pick what fit's your needs, budget and preferences the best

 

[Amiller295]

Any new brands to look at?

 

[Amiller295]

Or any brands that rival the quality of the big guys?

 

[Leon821019218]

Well don't take this as expert advise haha but like it was mentioned, AI has some cool stuff. I also saw the 'reef factory' lights at my LFS and they look super nice! From personal experience I like Aqua medic (they have all kinds of things: Lights, pumps, reactors etc) Tunze is of course a big and very reliable brand who make all sorts of equipment. And Kessil, they also have great lights, especially when you like shimmer in the tank!

 

[Amiller295]

Also, is BRS still the go to site?

 

[Amiller295]

Well, researching and 'browsing' around is also a fun part of the hobby. Just pick what fit's your needs, budget and preferences the best

So true! I’m starting years of not seen BRS YouTube videos.

 

[SWFL Reefer]

Hello all,

I’m thinking of getting back into reefing after a break of 10 years….(horrible tank crash). At the time I was doing everything as cheap as possible, so I never had anything Ecotech or Neptune.

A few questions.
Is Ecotech still the top dog for lighting and pumps?

If going with an Apex controller, would it be best to keep it all Neptune (lights, powerheads, return pump)?

Of course I will keep doing my own research. And I know that all depends on the situation, but just wondering if these questions were a generalized “yes” or “no”.

Thanks for your time!

IMO you can control just about anything with Neptune. I have Ecotech, red sea, sicie Neptune and straight up BRS products running off my Apex. My energy bar and their dos pumps have stood the test of time along with my ATO pump. With a simple internet search, you can find all the common and not so common programing directions. Welcome back.