My 150 gallon Cube Reef Aquarium.

B1N4RY

New member
I just received the first of my dry goods for the new reef aquarium I am setting up in my living room. My first thoughts are that the control module is HUGE! But it appears to be built very solid. I'm hoping to have it setup later on this weekend, time permitting.

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Genesis Reef System - Storm Replenishment Module.

Genesis Reef System - Storm Replenishment Module.

So I decided to at least mount the Genesis Reef System Control Module tonight before bed.

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Awesome!! I am really thinking of buying this setup up for my new build as well. Will be following closley keep us updated
 
Genesis Reef Systems - Storm Replenishment Module.

Genesis Reef Systems - Storm Replenishment Module.

So I just finished mounting the Genesis Reef Systems - Storm Replenishment System. I have to say that I'm impressed. For similar automatic topoff units it offers so many different configurations and unique operating modes that I don't know why it isn't the standard for automatic topoff units.

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S o here are my first thoughts about the Genesis Reef Systems - Storm Replenishment System. It quite honestly is the most advanced and configurable automatic freshwater top off system on the market. It has three operating modes designed for various configurations and incorporated safety features which I will go into detail describing.

S1 Operating Mode
This operating mode is triggered by the float sensor and runs the top off pump for a designated amount of time that is set by the user. If the float sensor does not return to its original level (non triggered state) it will run the top off pump for a second time. However, as a safety precaution the second run using the user set time will be the last whether or not the water level is back to normal level.

S2 Operating Mode
I am currently running my system using the S2 operating mode. This mode works in much a fashion like traditional automatic top off units. When the water level drops and the float sensor is triggered the top off pump will be turned on until the float sensor returns to its normal position.

There is a 3rd mode S3 which I haven't fully read about so I am not going to comment on it currently. What I also like is that the unit allows you to manually suspend the top off system at the touch of a button or if you have the Genesis Reef Systems - Renew System works in tandem and will automatically suspend the top off system while water changes are done. Also the mountain system is system but unique in which is uses PVC pipe (Black and purdy looking) to mount the float sensors and protective shrouds that cover the float switches to protect for water disturbances or snails to prevent accidental triggering of the system.

My only gripe with the system currently are that out of the box the float sensors and shrouds are mounted using suction cups. I personally would have preferred if it used some sort of clip or magnetic mount system.
 
Avast Marine Works MR5 Media Reactor.

Avast Marine Works MR5 Media Reactor.

I decided to purchase the Avast Marine Works MR5 Media Reactor to house my Bulk Reef Supply ROX Premium Carbon. It seemed like the no brainer choice when their Build It Yourself kit cost about $65.00. With a little but of patience and steady hands you can build yourself a beautiful Acrylic Reactor that not only looks aesthetically pleasing to the eye but also has the same functionality of other more expensive media reactors on the market. I'm sold and I think that this is one of many reactors I will be purchasing from them.

Technical Data

Footprint: 5 Inches x 5 Inches
Height: 17 Inches
Media Capacity: 7 Cups
Lid Removal: Keyhole
Input/Output: 1/2" NPT fittings; input side is barbed union disconnect.
Recommended Pump Flowrate: 200 gph pump.


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Marineland Maxi-Jet 1200 Circulation Pump Camouflage.

Marineland Maxi-Jet 1200 Circulation Pump Camouflage.

So I know Vortech Pumps are all the rage and they have some nifty features but I personally still can't wrap my head around the idea of paying almost $500.00 for a single MP40W just to move water in my aquarium. But I don't want to see the unsightly view of the Marine Maxi-Jet 1200 Pump in my aquarium. So I decided to camoflauge one of the pumps that will be suspended from on of the front corners of the top of the aquarium using the euro-bracing and a sturdy piece of acrylic. I wrapped the pump in Marco Rocks Rubble using a very generous amount of silicone on each piece and I don't think it came out to shabby. The pump is currently drying for the recommended 24 hours before I mount it within the aquarium tomorrow.

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Any idea for camouflaging a pump that is not even near rocks.... Like one in one of the upper back corner so that they are not as ugly and noticible.
 
Any idea for camouflaging a pump that is not even near rocks.... Like one in one of the upper back corner so that they are not as ugly and noticible.

I would think that maybe installing small pains of glass at an angle could probably do the trick. It could be the same affect of you looking through the front pane of the aquarium and trying to see out the side pains. Just food for thought.
 
dude thats sick camo for a powerhead once the coraline grows might be some maintenance but will be worth it looks awesome
 
Maxi-Jet 1200 Circulation Pump - Camouflage.

Maxi-Jet 1200 Circulation Pump - Camouflage.

I had some time to mount the pump off the euro-bracing of the aquarium. I think it came out well. But I will probably do it all over again when I upgrade the pumps in a month or two.

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love the rock looks great but........what if you need to clean the pumps? I take it you dont give them vinegar baths?

dont mean to be a downer just asking the question?
 
Reply to corpjet1.

Reply to corpjet1.

love the rock looks great but........what if you need to clean the pumps? I take it you dont give them vinegar baths?

dont mean to be a downer just asking the question?

No problem at all. It is a great question. I thought that same question when I began the build process. But I was already half way through. I am going to eventually upgrade my circulation pumps to Tunze pumps. I will then cover each of the pieces so that I can assemble and disassemble the pumps with ease. Right now the pump in the photograph can be removed from the holding bracket easily.
 
Avast Marine MR5 Media Reactors.

Avast Marine MR5 Media Reactors.

An order of my new toys came in this week. I have decided to run not only a Carbon Reactor but also a Bio-Pellet Reactor and a Granular Ferric Oxide Reactor. Only my Granular Ferric Oxide media has not arrived yet. The Bio-Pellet Reactor is powered by a Marineland NJ1800 Maxi-Jet Utility Pump at 474 GPH and the Carbon Reactor is powered by a Marineland NJ400 Maxi-Jet Submersible Utility Pump at 106 GPH. Water clarity has improved visually over the past few days. I still have to order some test kits to get a gauge on actual water quality.

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