Juwel Lido 200 - really reef tank ready all in one? Really Really?

[griss]

Honestly, I still in process of setting the tank up so, I don’t have “hands on” experience running it.

I’ve heard the ATO reservoir is too small to meet evaporation demands over a long period of time . I’ve also heard sometimes the float valve sticks closed so it doesn’t topoff.

For the plumbing, the design of the sump isn’t laid out to my liking. So, it was more of a personal preference. I wanted to use another sump I already had…the eShopps.

I also didn’t want the sump in the stand (it’s in the fish room behind the wall where the tank sits) so it was more accessible. So, to move the sump out of the stand, I had to redo the plumbing, hence the metric to standard unions so I could use pvc from the hardware store and not have to order metric online.

 

[griss]

Summary, redoing the sump/plumbing was simply a master of personal preference.

That said, I’ve heard way more positive things about the ProStars than I’ve heard negatives.

ETA @Uncle99 has had a ProStar for a while now and like them.

 

[Reefing102]

Most lids for rimless tanks are simple polycarbonate frame with mesh screen. I don’t think they come with a lid incorporated with lighting to reduce evaporation.

With that said many LED lights nowadays either come with a tank mount or one can be purchased separately.

If you have a separate lighting budget, I can put together some reccomendations for you

 

[sickman]

Most lids for rimless tanks are simple polycarbonate frame with mesh screen. I don’t think they come with a lid incorporated with lighting to reduce evaporation.

With that said many LED lights nowadays either come with a tank mount or one can be purchased separately.

If you have a separate lighting budget, I can put together some reccomendations for you

The one thing I really liked is the look of the Lido with the small profile white cover, I have kids, the idea of a coverless tank or even one of those polycarbonate ones makes me nervous since it's a mesh. I am not crazy about those gooseneck or clip on on top of the tank.

I have an endless budget, but I am happy midrange. Recommendations appreciated for lighting.

 

[griss]

For lighting, what are your goals as far as livestock, especially corals concerned? Knowing that will help us make lighting suggestions.

 

[sickman]

I'm starting with softies and some LPS like hammers maybe frogs if I find something nice, trumpets. I don't plan on doing SPS but eventually I will probably get into it, as my tanks always end up with some caps at least, but I'm going to try and hold off.

 

[griss]

If you're planning long term and truly don't have budget constraints, I would go with Ecotech Radion XR30s. Highly controllable, good reputation, and nice looking lights.

 

[sickman]

If you're planning long term and truly don't have budget constraints, I would go with Ecotech Radion XR30s. Highly controllable, good reputation, and nice looking lights.

thanks, and this light would be ok to mount under a short hood if I get one, or I would need to raise it?

 

[griss]

thanks, and this light would be ok to mount under a short hood if I get one, or I would need to raise it?

Honestly, I cannot answer that. I'm still pretty old school 1980s-90s for most of my thought processes and only recently switched to LED lights from Metal Halide. I'd say, see what @Reefing102 thinks.

 

[Reefing102]

If you’re wanting a low profile lid, in my opinion, many of the LED systems will not give you sufficient coverage without multiples. If you want something that still looks nice but gives you the height that many LED fixtures need (typically 6-9 inches off the waters surface), I’d consider building a canopy (you may need a small fan built in on one side with a vent on the other for air flow to keep the LEDs cool but otherwise can be enclosed and shouldn’t need a chiller or anything like that.

 

[Reefing102]

To address which fixture, most of your Reef LEDs can support any coral type, it just depends how much controlability you want.

@griss mentioned the Radions. There’s also the AI Hydra 52, Kessil AP9X, or ReefBreeder Meridians (I run ReefBreeder Photons (older version).

Actually, thinking on it, if you want a low profile lid, the ATI Straton Pro may work for your needs, just to ensure proper airflow for cooling.

All of the above are what I’d consider top of their class brands (and have the associated cost) and generally have app controls and wide ranging control at that.

Mid range Price , if you like, simple, there’s the Quanta Atlas (not much controllability other than dimming though). Or there’s Reefi Uno 2.0. Good controllability but user interface is a bit old school.

Lower end, as previously mentioned SmatFarm (I run this as well. It’ll keep anything but I’m not a huge fan of the spectrum to really get that flourescent pop during dawn dusk cycles). The programming is also a minute to get used to. There’s also NiCrew HyperReef Gen 2, (the controller for this is sold separately and highly recommended to be purchased). Then there’s Noopsyche K7 V3. This one is a well reviewed light. Some people aren’t fans of it. I will tell you, last I heard, customer service is all but non existent.

There’s plenty of other brands. But I hope this helps some!

 

[sickman]

To address which fixture, most of your Reef LEDs can support any coral type, it just depends how much controlability you want.

@griss mentioned the Radions. There’s also the AI Hydra 52, Kessil AP9X, or ReefBreeder Meridians (I run ReefBreeder Photons (older version).

Actually, thinking on it, if you want a low profile lid, the ATI Straton Pro may work for your needs, just to ensure proper airflow for cooling.

All of the above are what I’d consider top of their class brands (and have the associated cost) and generally have app controls and wide ranging control at that.

Mid range Price , if you like, simple, there’s the Quanta Atlas (not much controllability other than dimming though). Or there’s Reefi Uno 2.0. Good controllability but user interface is a bit old school.

Lower end, as previously mentioned SmatFarm (I run this as well. It’ll keep anything but I’m not a huge fan of the spectrum to really get that flourescent pop during dawn dusk cycles). The programming is also a minute to get used to. There’s also NiCrew HyperReef Gen 2, (the controller for this is sold separately and highly recommended to be purchased). Then there’s Noopsyche K7 V3. This one is a well reviewed light. Some people aren’t fans of it. I will tell you, last I heard, customer service is all but non existent.

There’s plenty of other brands. But I hope this helps some!

Thank you, you gave me plenty to research, much appreciated.

 

[griss]

Thank you, you gave me plenty to research, much appreciated.

Told you he'd have good suggestions