I know what I want, but WHAT DO I NEED?

[RussC]

Folks, I have convinced the wife we need this. The hard part is done. Now I move forward with the fun part. I know what I want, but what do I need to get up and running? Quiet and control are very important to me. I need a very quiet skimmer recommendation. This is what I'm thinking I need to get things running...

1) Aquarium (88gl)/Stand/Sump (24gl): Red Sea Reefer XL 425 Rimless System
2) Return Pump: Ecotech Vortec M1
3) Powerhead: Ecotech Vortec MP10W
4) Skimmer: I need a very quiet skimmer recommendation. (LFS Buy?)
5) Lights: 2 Ecotech Radion XR30 G4 units with RMS mounts
6) Substrate: 2" Caribesea special grade reef sand
7) Salt Mix: Instant Ocean (LFS Buy?)
8) Display Rocks (LFS Buy?)
9) Heater: Need a good recommendation for 112 gallon system (LFS Buy?)
10) RO/DI system: need a good recommendation (LFS Buy?)
11) Control: Ecotech Reeflink controller for lights and powerhead


Here are my thoughts on what I want...

1) ATO: Tunze Osomolater system with larger reservoir
2) Apex Controller
3) Apex Dosing Pumps
4) Ecotech Battery Backup
5) Auto feeder
6) And I can go on and on.....

I'm very interested in automated aquarium control and monitoring via wifi, etc. But I'm also unable to get everything all at once to do that and have no problem doing it manually for now as I work towards that. So I want to get the aquarium up and running first, stable and manually controllable before going automated. What do I do about parameter monitoring before I'm able to get the APEX? Recommendations? Can I use Apex dosing without the Apex controller? I'm very open to your recommendations, criticisms, etc.

The last time I was in this hobby was in 2005. So I'm ready to jump back in but so much has changed and advanced! I plan to run a fish and focus on LPS, and maybe some zoanthids, clams, and anemone.

 

[bif24701]

I know what I want, but WHAT DO I NEED?

The MP10 is not enough for an 88 gallon. I would get two Tunze pump and control them with the APEX or an MP40. Two Tunze will cost less, possibly more flow and better flexibility.

BRS 4 or 6 stage RODI

Look at the RO Varios return pumps, cost less and APEX ready.

Put the APEX on the MUST have list.

Finnex titanium heat controlled via APEX

For skimmer get one with a DC pump. A RO Regal will do well.

You could cover the whole 88 gallon tank with just one Kessil AP700. Just a thought. The Red Sea Reefer comes with AI lights no?

Get 80-90 pounds of BRS Pukani rock!!!!!

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[Sk8r]

I run without a controller, but use a large kalk reservoir (about 50.00) for a stony reef, which means I can walk off and leave the system going for a month and play catchup when I get back.

 

[RussC]

This is exactly why I ask the experts. The Tunze looks like a good option. Certainly cheaper pump. And you are saying if I plug that into the Apex controller I can use that to control the pumps? What size tunze pump(s) would be good for a display tank in the 88 gallon range? When you say "Apex Ready", what do you mean? Is not all equipment Apex ready? I see the varios is less expensive too and runs on DC motor. DC is the quiet ticket! I saw the Kessil light on another tank and it got me thinking. Can that also be plugged into the Apex? Wow, that would save some big $$ right out of the gate. Is the Finnex a heater or a chiller? This is a fantastic info, thanks.

 

[bif24701]

I run without a controller, but use a large kalk reservoir (about 50.00) for a stony reef, which means I can walk off and leave the system going for a month and play catchup when I get back.

I use a 32 gallon Brute for my Kalk. Put in a few cups of vinegar, Kalk, and fill it from my RO/DI container. I use one BRS 50ml dosing pump to add the Kalk 3min every 1/2 hour. It's flawless.


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[RussC]

What about the Maxspect Gyre pumps? I like what I've been reading. They have the control I like. But can I control them through the Apex and do the Maxspects have backup power capability?

 

[bif24701]

This is exactly why I ask the experts. The Tunze looks like a good option. Certainly cheaper pump. And you are saying if I plug that into the Apex controller I can use that to control the pumps? What size tunze pump(s) would be good for a display tank in the 88 gallon range? When you say "Apex Ready", what do you mean? Is not all equipment Apex ready? I see the varios is less expensive too and runs on DC motor. DC is the quiet ticket! I saw the Kessil light on another tank and it got me thinking. Can that also be plugged into the Apex? Wow, that would save some big $$ right out of the gate. Is the Finnex a heater or a chiller? This is a fantastic info, thanks.

The Tunze 6055, 6095, or 6105. Just depends on how much flow you want. I love the 6105s. They include a wide nozzle that can tune down the 6105 if you find is too much. You will need the Tunze-APEX cable and read up on programming the APEX. Just use the Tunze controller until you figure that all out.

APEX ready return pumps means it can be controlled by the APEX out of the box, just have to get the cable. The Vectra isn't controllable with APEX so programming complex feed modes isn't possible.

Vortec powerheads required an additional module to link to APEX. I do like Vortech battery capabilities because I use a car battery for 2+ days back up power. Tunze pumps can also use a car battery with their own cable.

DC is quiet if not silent. The Regal skimmers use Varios pumps also. I like the RO Varios pumps. Well made.

The Kessil is controlled via an app on iPhone, iPad, or android. If you are going full SPS on this system then maybe the Radion is better. Not sure but the AP700 is best for 36" on SPS tanks and I don't know the PAR #'s for 48". You mount the light higher. However the Kessil has huge upsides for shimmer, color blending, and Kessil Logic makes growing coral easier.

Finnex titanium heater. Plugs into APEX relay socket and controlled via temp sensor.


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[bif24701]

What about the Maxspect Gyre pumps? I like what I've been reading. They have the control I like. But can I control them through the Apex and do the Maxspects have backup power capability?

They are great for flow but not APEX controllable. I think there is the Icecap battery that works for them. They need a lot of cleaning though.


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[RussC]

How often do you need to clean the Tunze pumps? Been reading on those. Looks like I could consider two, 6905 pumps and run them via the Apex. The money I'm saving through your suggestions puts the Apex back on the table in the initial buy. I see the value now that you are explaining all the Apex ready features through other equipment.

What about the Kessil Lights with the Apex? Can I access those via wifi?

 

[RussC]

Is there a need to control the skimmer through the APEX? A big difference in price in the DC skimmers compared to the AC skimmers. But I want quiet. But how much individual skimmer control do I really need? There are a number of Regal skimmers offering bells and whistles but with a cost.

 

[JimON]

I have an AC pump running skimmer, (mag 9). I put the supplied vibration pad on the bottom and honestly the sound of trickling water from the skimmer output back into the sump is louder than the pump. I did not shop around for pumps, as the mag 9 came with my skimmer, but I am happy with both it's performance and noise level. Especially with the cabinet door closed, can't really hear much at all.:beer:

 

[mako61]

Is there a need to control the skimmer through the APEX? A big difference in price in the DC skimmers compared to the AC skimmers. But I want quiet. But how much individual skimmer control do I really need? There are a number of Regal skimmers offering bells and whistles but with a cost.

Apex is not required, but an Apex is very very nice. Not having one would be a big pain. I consider it money well spent.

I only turn my skimmer on and off through apex. I cant see a reason to control it directly. My skimmer is DC and I do set the speed of the pump from its controller.
I actually feel the same about the return pump. I have a red sea also and I never change the speed of the return pump. I have a compatible pump and the cable. I dont use it. I do turn it on and off from apex.

The base Apex has 8 plugs. I use them all, I even use a splitter on one.

 

[bif24701]

How often do you need to clean the Tunze pumps? Been reading on those. Looks like I could consider two, 6905 pumps and run them via the Apex. The money I'm saving through your suggestions puts the Apex back on the table in the initial buy. I see the value now that you are explaining all the Apex ready features through other equipment.



What about the Kessil Lights with the Apex? Can I access those via wifi?

Kessil is controlled via an phone or iPad app. Don't need APEX control, lights are set and forget.


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[bif24701]

Is there a need to control the skimmer through the APEX? A big difference in price in the DC skimmers compared to the AC skimmers. But I want quiet. But how much individual skimmer control do I really need? There are a number of Regal skimmers offering bells and whistles but with a cost.

Basic on off is all you really need.

If you want quiet then you need a DC pump. There are other skimmers with DC pumps, look around and see what you find.


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