NATSQT-Not Another Tank Setup Question Thread - 50g

[nebraskareef]

Oops, any suggestions on HEATER BRAND? Was going to go w/ the visitherms, but MD do not carry them. Hydor or Jager (new style, does eheim really make these?).

Might as well order from MD, free shipping over $200

 

[MiddletonMark]

I'm unsure which to recommend for heaters.

Do realize, many online vendors match others offers ... so if there's a preferred vendor, IMO might as well call and ask if they'll ship for free with $200.
Then again, the Dr's UPS to me is often overnight w/ standard UPS, and given PA is normally a max of 2 days for standard UPS ... [and both have given me great service] ... I tend to default to them.

 

[joetbs]

The heaters are pretty comparable. I'm using a Visitherm, but Hydor's seem to perform well when I've seen them used. Not too sure on the newer Jagers.

joe

 

[fishesRdelicious]

if the ebo jagers are like the old ones then go with those.
i am pritty sure that they are one of the best
it might be good to get two, maybe 2 200 watt

 

[nebraskareef]

So, I just purchased a wave2k center unit. Any thoughts on mounting position? Can't decide wether or not I want it on the side or the center. I would think the side would be more "efficient". I'm going to have to build a acrylic lip to put on the top of it to prevent microbubbles as the thing is 16.25" tall, and my tank is only 18".

I should be getting it in a couple days, I'll be sure to fill the tank w/ freshwater and get some videos up for you guys. It will be a little eyesore, but I'm hoping it will be worth it.

 

[joetbs]

It's not really too much of an eyesore, since it acts as a background for the tank. I have a few corals growing on mine too. I have it in my tank mounted in the back. My tank is also 18" deep(30g cube). There aren't really any microbubbles, just a little splashing(i.e. salt creep). It looks really cool, and the bubbles are cool.

Only bad thing, you need to leave an inch or so from the box to the rocks, since the box bellows when it's operating.

joe

 

[nebraskareef]

bellows? excuse my ignorance, what exactly do you mean?

I'm glad you're having success with the wave2k. Not many folks seem to be using them.

I was able to get a cracked one, that will be SUPER easy to repair for only $50 shipped, so it's not going to be much of a loss either way.

I'm suprised you can keep things other than sps w/ that in a the 30g. I'm glad to see that though.

 

[joetbs]

The middle of the box, when its running, bows in and back out after the flange passes. It's actually nice having the space between so it's easier to siphon, but i have a hard time cleaning the glass without fragging everything. Luckily, i've only had to clean the glass like 5 times since the tank has been running(nov).

I wanted to have my rocks lifted off the glass, but got lazy. That blocks a bit of flow from going underneath, and I guess keeps the lps pretty happy. I have some cloves(clavularia sp.) mounted on the top of the box and a frag of lithophyllon, and both are very happily growing.

joe

 

[nebraskareef]

So, Anyone got any suggestions for SE reflectors other than L3's? I just cant see myself paying that much for a reflector, YET. Budget is closing in on me, so maybe next year.

I was thinking Reef Optix 2's.

any other suggestions?