ShawnSaucier
Valuable Member
Hello Everyone,
Looking at building a new system. Currently have a Waterbox Peninsula and looking to change it up a bit and open some space in our living area.
I plan on taking my time on this build and not in a major rush. I want to buy something once and not regret because it saved me $50-$100. So
I am looking for hardware recommendations. Return, internal flow/power heads, controller, skimmers and filter rollers. I travel extensively and my wife holds down the fort while I’m gone. Ease of use and reliability is most important .
This is a mixed reef but heavy on SPS in the upper 3rd of the tank, as of now anyways. So
I am only interested in quality, reliability, great customer service in what ever product I’m going to purchase. I am not a millionaire, so recommendations within reason, but willing to spend some money on quality.
Looking to order some natural live rock as I have been finding stuff from Australia and Jakarta online ( no FL stuff please, to boulderish and I am needing to go tall. My last system was dry rock and I did a very NSA, so the new system will have to be similar. The current system looked great after 14 months of “ maturing”. Not saying there isn’t patience needed with natural LR, I just find the dry products to be less porous and limiting for micro/macro fauna environments. And there is just something about the real stuff I can’t explain. IYKYk..
The new system is custom:
Tank- Custom 48”x30”x27” external overflow w/1.5” drains and 2x 3/4” returns in the corners with a 42” tall stand.
Lighting will be handled by Kessil and possibly AI Blades. The Kessils there is no change as you can’t beat the shimmer, but the Blades I am open to recommendations.
Sump will be custom, not sure with whom yet to spend the the money with. I’ve worked with Synergy in the past, and I think they now have stopped with custom sumps. But that’s not what I’m asking you all about.
I am getting a bit tired of the “ big box brands” and finding that most of this gear is getting mass produced and quality pushed to the side. Putting products out and us dealing with the short comings. In my spare time I sit in at one of my LFS to help out. This is a blessing and a curse. I get to observe the trends and hype but also the short comings of products as well.
Return pump:
My current system I have an L1 that has been running on my last two systems over the last 12 years. Not really looking at an L2 as I have I have ecotech fatigue and I miss Ecotech Live. Leaning towards the Abyzz A400, but open to other options. This will not feed a manifold. That will be a separate pump if I do one. UV will have its own pump as well.
Flow:
Current system I am running 2x MP40 QD and an Orbit Gyre. None are really quiet and the MP40’s have needed wet side replacements twice even with regular cleaning. I really dislike having the pumps in the side panels ( currently on the back wall in the peninsula). At higher speeds over 60% they have a serious vibration and can disconnect from the wet side. Currently looking at Panta Rhei or Tunze.
I like the ability to program several flow patterns through out the day, so this is a must. Any other suggestions?
Skimmer:
looking at the Reef Octo Elite 200S.. can’t complain about the Reef Octo’s. But any strong suggestions welcome.
Controller:
I have been a long time Neptune user. It’s good, but open to options and a bit more compact. Looking at Hydros. I’ve heard great things about the Collective. What are your thoughts? Thinking of ease for a none hobbyist ( IE the wife) to navigate if needed.
Filter Roller:
This will be new to me as I have not used one before. The Red Sea ReefMat is a big seller and most people are very pleased with them. I have just started researching the Deltec and MRC versions. This will be a big decision as the sump will be designed around this. Please recommend away.
So there we go. Thank you for reading and I look forward to your suggestions.
Looking at building a new system. Currently have a Waterbox Peninsula and looking to change it up a bit and open some space in our living area.
I plan on taking my time on this build and not in a major rush. I want to buy something once and not regret because it saved me $50-$100. So
I am looking for hardware recommendations. Return, internal flow/power heads, controller, skimmers and filter rollers. I travel extensively and my wife holds down the fort while I’m gone. Ease of use and reliability is most important .
This is a mixed reef but heavy on SPS in the upper 3rd of the tank, as of now anyways. So
I am only interested in quality, reliability, great customer service in what ever product I’m going to purchase. I am not a millionaire, so recommendations within reason, but willing to spend some money on quality.
Looking to order some natural live rock as I have been finding stuff from Australia and Jakarta online ( no FL stuff please, to boulderish and I am needing to go tall. My last system was dry rock and I did a very NSA, so the new system will have to be similar. The current system looked great after 14 months of “ maturing”. Not saying there isn’t patience needed with natural LR, I just find the dry products to be less porous and limiting for micro/macro fauna environments. And there is just something about the real stuff I can’t explain. IYKYk..
The new system is custom:
Tank- Custom 48”x30”x27” external overflow w/1.5” drains and 2x 3/4” returns in the corners with a 42” tall stand.
Lighting will be handled by Kessil and possibly AI Blades. The Kessils there is no change as you can’t beat the shimmer, but the Blades I am open to recommendations.
Sump will be custom, not sure with whom yet to spend the the money with. I’ve worked with Synergy in the past, and I think they now have stopped with custom sumps. But that’s not what I’m asking you all about.
I am getting a bit tired of the “ big box brands” and finding that most of this gear is getting mass produced and quality pushed to the side. Putting products out and us dealing with the short comings. In my spare time I sit in at one of my LFS to help out. This is a blessing and a curse. I get to observe the trends and hype but also the short comings of products as well.
Return pump:
My current system I have an L1 that has been running on my last two systems over the last 12 years. Not really looking at an L2 as I have I have ecotech fatigue and I miss Ecotech Live. Leaning towards the Abyzz A400, but open to other options. This will not feed a manifold. That will be a separate pump if I do one. UV will have its own pump as well.
Flow:
Current system I am running 2x MP40 QD and an Orbit Gyre. None are really quiet and the MP40’s have needed wet side replacements twice even with regular cleaning. I really dislike having the pumps in the side panels ( currently on the back wall in the peninsula). At higher speeds over 60% they have a serious vibration and can disconnect from the wet side. Currently looking at Panta Rhei or Tunze.
I like the ability to program several flow patterns through out the day, so this is a must. Any other suggestions?
Skimmer:
looking at the Reef Octo Elite 200S.. can’t complain about the Reef Octo’s. But any strong suggestions welcome.
Controller:
I have been a long time Neptune user. It’s good, but open to options and a bit more compact. Looking at Hydros. I’ve heard great things about the Collective. What are your thoughts? Thinking of ease for a none hobbyist ( IE the wife) to navigate if needed.
Filter Roller:
This will be new to me as I have not used one before. The Red Sea ReefMat is a big seller and most people are very pleased with them. I have just started researching the Deltec and MRC versions. This will be a big decision as the sump will be designed around this. Please recommend away.
So there we go. Thank you for reading and I look forward to your suggestions.
