Reefpack 500 and SPS

[mikee68]

Has anyone used these on the sps tanks? I have a 90 gallon tank with no built-in overflow. So I really can't use a sump and I don't want to take chances on a hang-on overflow box. I was thinking of getting one of these units and placing it in my tank. The tank will be SPS only. Any experiences or comments would be great.

 

[rvitko]

I think it would be fine, I would run carbon and phosphate remover in the filter and consider using a low dose of ozone with the skimmer or buying the bigger cup and pump to convert the skimmer to a 9010.

 

[mikee68]

Roger,

Would it be better to buy everything seperately since I would have to upgrade the parts on the skimmer. For example buy the 9010 skimmer first then add the filter later along with the top-off system. Or is it more expense to do it this way? How much more would I have to pay for the upgrades on the skimmer? Thanks Mike

 

[rvitko]

The cost with upgrades comes out about the same as piecing it together. It costs $707.59 for a Reefpack+ the upgrades and it costs $726.22 to buy a 9010, 3166, 1600/2 pump, 3155, 5002.25 (reservoir) and a pack of cartridges for the filter.

 

[mikee68]

Roger, I noticed you've said in other threads that it's harder to keep some SPS colors without a needle wheel skimmer? Do you think I should run the larger 9020? Think this would give me more skimming power verses the 9010 for better nutrient removal? Thanks

 

[rvitko]

It isn't so much the needle wheel but you do need a bigger/stronger skimmer to really get the nutrient levels stripped enough to get good color. The corals will be healthy with a smaller skimmer but not as colorful. Even with a bigger skimmer carbon/ phosphate removers/ denitraters and ozone will all help.

 

[mikee68]

I might go with the 9020 just to get that extra power. I was going with the 9010, but might as well go for the stronger skimmer.