Out of retirement with a 300 deep dimension

[jmccown]

Been out of the game for awhile. Just moved to Alabama about 6 months ago, new job, new house, time for a new tank build. Most of you old timers on this forum may remember me for some from days gone by. I had some very nice FOWLR tanks in the past - started with a 380g that I had for over 5 years, then stepped up to a 400g, then a 500g before I got out of the hobby due to other interests and obligations. I'll be picking up a 300DD in a couple of days that I intent to run as a FOWLR once again. Wanted to check in here to see what the recommendations were for equipment. I'm sure technology has placed some better options out there for the hobby as far as lighting, skimmers, pumps, etc. I'll be using a Tideline 48 for sump, but need recommendations on other equipment or sources. Also would like to know what online vendors to look to for livestock, I'm sure that has changed as well.

 

[Dmorty217]

Welcome back. Equipment is a personal preference and ranges in price a lot. As far as online vendors for livestock, it is really hard to beat Liveaquaria due to the 14 day money back guarantee

 

[redlazer]

Lifereef skimmer is a must. I would say a custom lifereef sump if you didn’t already have one, but a lifereef custom refugium would go great. Tunze stream pumps. Tunze osmolator 3155 ATO with lifereef container. Apex controller. As far as light Kessil led lights for DT and refugium. BRS 6 stage reverse Osmosis w/di. A Smart uv sterilizer. For live stock Liveaquria, and SWF Is what I use.

 

[Dmorty217]

I personally suggest a Spectrapure ATO, much more reliable and has a 3 year warranty opposed to 1 year with Tunze. I have had 5 Tunze ATOs over the past 4 years and all of them failed for one reason or another besides the pump being the failure point.

 

[redlazer]

I have only had mine for a couple months and haven’t had a issue. What has failed with yours?

 

[Dmorty217]

I have only had mine for a couple months and haven't had a issue. What has failed with yours?

Pump several times which I would expect but the sensor has went bad on 2 of the 4. Always something Roger can fix but annoying when you are shipping things off and waiting for them to be fixed. Spectrapure works off a motor like a dosing pump and will draw water from 25ft away and push it another 25ft, something the Tunze could never do and there is no sensor, just a air pressure tube that senses when the water level is correct

 

[McPuff]

Pump several times which I would expect but the sensor has went bad on 2 of the 4. Always something Roger can fix but annoying when you are shipping things off and waiting for them to be fixed. Spectrapure works off a motor like a dosing pump and will draw water from 25ft away and push it another 25ft, something the Tunze could never do and there is no sensor, just a air pressure tube that senses when the water level is correct

I am also surprised by this. I've had my Tunze osmolator for 6-7 years and I bought it used. I have replaced the pump once but otherwise it's fine. Probably would buy another once this one fails. The Spectrapure is much more expensive isn't it? I definitely don't want to go BOB with my apex as I don't like the idea of float switches.

 

[jmccown]

What would be a good led fixture for the fowlr tank? I really prefer the shimmer that can be achieved over t5’s but I don’t want to shell out a bunch of money on lights when I won’t be growing corals

 

[humaguy]

I would recommend reading everything you can. Then consider your tank's dimensions, your own preference, budget, and go from there. The personal preferences of others will only cloud your decison making.
Great to see you back and good luck with the tank.
I look forward to seeing pictures as this room is sorely in need.
Ted