Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
in order to possibly save others some money/livestock/heartache (and to remind myself in the future) I'm compiling a list of products (and perhaps some practices) that didn't work for me. That doesn't necessarily mean these things won't work for others, (or perhaps for myself in a different application/situation) but perhaps you should do some more research. Consider yourself forwarned! So without further ado, here's the list to avoid in my opinion:
*certain Rio pumps. Infamous reef wreckers. If you've been around here long enough you know that specific models melt down. I can't recall all the models right now- maybe somebody can find them and post them later in this thread.
*Via-Aqua pumps. I love these things but they just don't last as long as they should because their impellers have a nasty habit of letting corrosion form inside their protective covering.
*Crystal Seas saltmix. This one should be at the top of my list. If you didn't start your reef aquarium up with this stuff don't ever use it. Nobody that I know of has figured out why switching to it causes the problems that it does but many experienced reefkeepers are well aware this stuff can spell death for reef animals. (I love the MEI scoop cup, though. I can make 55 gallons of 1.025 SG saltwater with it every time.)
*CPR overflows. A waste of plastic and an accident waiting to happen- even with the aqualilifter mod. Upgrade to a Lifereef, Amiracle or knockoff of one of these two designs ASAP or drill your tank. Get hip or get wet!
*'Black Powder' by Marc Weiss. Very expensive stuff (or should I say fluff) that is a total waste of money IMO. I was PO'd after purchasing a can of this powder- the bag inside was a fraction of the size of the can. (What a catchy marketing name, though!)There are other products with Weiss's name on them you'd better research before using, too. Arghhh. Makes me want to take out my frustrations at a shooting range.
*the Eco-Aqualizer. Sorry, Bob- I lost some respect for certain individuals after this marketing scam was unleashed on the aquarium world. Remember when several RC members gutted one of these things to discover it's mystic inner secrets? An insult to the anyone smarter than a first grader.
to be continued...
*certain Rio pumps. Infamous reef wreckers. If you've been around here long enough you know that specific models melt down. I can't recall all the models right now- maybe somebody can find them and post them later in this thread.
*Via-Aqua pumps. I love these things but they just don't last as long as they should because their impellers have a nasty habit of letting corrosion form inside their protective covering.
*Crystal Seas saltmix. This one should be at the top of my list. If you didn't start your reef aquarium up with this stuff don't ever use it. Nobody that I know of has figured out why switching to it causes the problems that it does but many experienced reefkeepers are well aware this stuff can spell death for reef animals. (I love the MEI scoop cup, though. I can make 55 gallons of 1.025 SG saltwater with it every time.)
*CPR overflows. A waste of plastic and an accident waiting to happen- even with the aqualilifter mod. Upgrade to a Lifereef, Amiracle or knockoff of one of these two designs ASAP or drill your tank. Get hip or get wet!
*'Black Powder' by Marc Weiss. Very expensive stuff (or should I say fluff) that is a total waste of money IMO. I was PO'd after purchasing a can of this powder- the bag inside was a fraction of the size of the can. (What a catchy marketing name, though!)There are other products with Weiss's name on them you'd better research before using, too. Arghhh. Makes me want to take out my frustrations at a shooting range.
*the Eco-Aqualizer. Sorry, Bob- I lost some respect for certain individuals after this marketing scam was unleashed on the aquarium world. Remember when several RC members gutted one of these things to discover it's mystic inner secrets? An insult to the anyone smarter than a first grader.
to be continued...
