Please critique my planned 225

[mcliffy2]

I dose 2-part on my 125 and it is a bit of a pain. I have to mix new solution every 1.5-2 weeks (go through a gallon each of calc/alk in that time), and dosing is 2x/day, 100 ml in the AM, 100 ml in the PM. I'm definitely setting up a CA reactor on the new system, although it is undecided which one I'll go with.

 

[tbone28]

Go with a reactor. I started off my 180g dosing B-ionic, and ended up buying the reactor for 2 reasons. I'd end up spending way more money dosing B-ionic, and I"ll never be able to go on vacation dosing B-ionic

 

[lastlight]

So can anyone recommend a quality regulator etc?

Thanks for the feedback thus far!

 

[tbone28]

I like my GEO. well priced, well made, and easy to dial in. Schurna reactors are good, but I've learned from many Shuran owners that a peri-pump is needed in order to get consistent effluent rates. I did not want to pay for another pump, nor did I have the room for it.

The MTC Pro-cal reactors are popular, and the Aqua-C is gaining popularity. I don't know much about these reactors though.

 

[tbone28]

I saw your post over on the Tunze forum inquring about 6101s vs 6201s. I think you should go 6201s and dial down as needed. Don't buy the sugar-sized sand, but the 1-2mm one.

I have a SSB with 6201x2 and 6101x2, and can keep the sand bed down.

A lot of keeping the sand down has to do with how your rocks are aquascaped, how you direct your Tunzes, and how mature your sandbed is. The sandbed will move less as it matures.

I initially started with 6201x2, and the sand was moving around. I've recently added another 6101. The sand was fine, so I added a 2nd 6101

 

[lastlight]

Actually I do intend to go with a GEO 612 or 618.

I mean which brand of CO2 regulator, solenoid etc should I buy? I want a quality one that isn't going to fail me...

 

[tbone28]

Sorry, I didn't read your reply closely

I use a Reef Fanatic, which I haven't had any issues with. However, I've learned that it's not the best. As far as a pH monitor, I use a pinpoint.

If you're set on a GEO, this is a great thread to follow:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1303129

In it, they recommend one (I forget the name) that works very well.

 

[ReefingBuddha]

I have two 6101s in my current tank and I wish I had the 6201s as what i have is not close to powerful enough to deal with the water movement in my tank.

Also heard good things about the GEO reactor, I have a Deltec and I like it ok. Probably would go another direction if I was to do it again. Have a Deltec regulator and the first one crapped out as soon as I got it, the second has been doing well for 6 months and its easy to dial in, it doesn't fit normal CO2 bottles without a adapter though.

I dosed 2 part through a litermeter 3 on my 120 and I was happy with the setup but it started sucking up a lot of supplement as the corals started growing, got expensive pretty quick. Mixing up your own would save you a bundle but it will be tedious.

and tbone your just trying to mess with your sand bed you masochist.

 

[tbone28]

 

[lastlight]

I have people telling me 6101's and others telling me 6201's. I definitely don't want 4 of these in my tank which would make the 6201's ideal yet I want a thin sand bed and Roger at Tunze tells me the wider cone of the 6201's could be a problem.

I'm pretty sure you're a flow/skim junkie tbone, but your tank is close to mine in size so I have to take you seriously...even with that mascot thingy =)

You guys have any experience with waveboxes? Are they very loud when they pulse and will they *really* affect the strength of my tank to a point where I shouls care? 1/2" all around with 3/4" bottom. Eurobraced.

I ask because I've read with a wbox you can get away with less powerhead action.

 

[mcliffy2]

If aesthetics are your concern, have you thought about vortechs?

 

[lastlight]

They seemed appealing to me until I saw a video posted by a user. The Vortech was pulsing and it sounds very loud. I am trying to keep this tank quiet. As well, I am not down with the maintenance/replacement part routine for the Vortechs. Lastly, I have a daughter beginning to crawl. I'm trying to avoid any cable hanginf down the side of the tank. At least the tunze magnets will be up in the corners on the back wall...