Wish List
So it begins.
After lengthy discussions with my Wife on staying in the hobby, we made the decision to up size from our RSM130 to a size that would allow for greater flexibility of inhabitants and greater visual impact. Many a night has been spent looking for inspiration on these forums and so far we have decided that a 4x2x2 format is best and that the tank will be SPS dominant. Other than that, the sky is limit, provided each component is proven and requires no 'customisation' to make it function. Budget is also a secondary concern over functionality and simplicity.
Simplicity is key, as a complicated system will not only will I become the sole one supporting it, my last tank has taught me that real life will always prevail in the end! Based on these requirements here is the shortlist of items on the shopping list, or multiples where I am still debating the pros/cons of the purchase.
Tank:
Red Sea Reefer 350 (Purchased)
Lighting:
Ecotech Radion XR15w Pro x2 with RMS mounts (Preferred)
Skimmer: Can't make my mind up, needs to support stocking and dosing requirements below
Skimz SN143
Return:
Nyos Viper (Purchased as bundle with tank)
Circulation:
MP10ESw (Purchased)
Dosing: AWC is a definite want, ATO is a bonus. Looking to have capacity to run two-part and vodka, other methods add unwanted complexity. AWC would be 5-10% a week, ATO is refill reservoir to avoid reliance on relatives when on holiday :)
Pacific Sun Kore 5th
RODI: Collecting water once month is a pain, as a day is lost by the time we get back home. The plan is to use Red Sea Pro salt and generate all my own RODI, shared with my Brother-in-law down the road.
4 Stage RODI with dual TDS
After lengthy discussions with my Wife on staying in the hobby, we made the decision to up size from our RSM130 to a size that would allow for greater flexibility of inhabitants and greater visual impact. Many a night has been spent looking for inspiration on these forums and so far we have decided that a 4x2x2 format is best and that the tank will be SPS dominant. Other than that, the sky is limit, provided each component is proven and requires no 'customisation' to make it function. Budget is also a secondary concern over functionality and simplicity.
Simplicity is key, as a complicated system will not only will I become the sole one supporting it, my last tank has taught me that real life will always prevail in the end! Based on these requirements here is the shortlist of items on the shopping list, or multiples where I am still debating the pros/cons of the purchase.
Tank:
Red Sea Reefer 350 (Purchased)
- Originally planned to be a 250, we made the last minute decision to go for the extra spare to allow for a more diverse group of inhabitants.
- Amazing finish and striking lines compared to the other tanks I have looked at (i.e. Cade) but I haven't seen an ELOS to compare it against.
- Really simple layout that works. Plus it has adequate space in the cabinet for everything on the below list without any modifications.
Lighting:
Ecotech Radion XR15w Pro x2 with RMS mounts (Preferred)
- Depending on rockwork, they can be run with TIR lenses if required, may introduce shadows?
- Reef Link as part of the purchase ( only if MP's are used for circulation)
Skimmer: Can't make my mind up, needs to support stocking and dosing requirements below
Skimz SN143
- Rated to 900L so perfect size
- Cheap @$280 considering quality
- Not a lot of information available or reviews. First gen with a DC motor? Respected Brand
- Rated for 1000L so perfect size
- Expensive! ~$600
- Seems to have good reviews, respected brand
Return:
Nyos Viper (Purchased as bundle with tank)
Circulation:
MP10ESw (Purchased)
- Already have one :)
- To be used with Reef Link (Purchased)
- Tested with 12mm glass with no issues
- Can be upgraded to QD models later on if required (Maybe next year)
Dosing: AWC is a definite want, ATO is a bonus. Looking to have capacity to run two-part and vodka, other methods add unwanted complexity. AWC would be 5-10% a week, ATO is refill reservoir to avoid reliance on relatives when on holiday :)
Pacific Sun Kore 5th
- Respected brand, ability to run 5 channels as well as ATO and AWC with optional DC pumps or run 3 channels and use channel 4 and 5 for AWC.
- Cheap replacement pumps, easy to use software, mounts and spares readily available.
- 3 Channel with two steppers for AWC capacity and longevity of motors
- Appears to be a copy of the Kore 5th?
RODI: Collecting water once month is a pain, as a day is lost by the time we get back home. The plan is to use Red Sea Pro salt and generate all my own RODI, shared with my Brother-in-law down the road.
4 Stage RODI with dual TDS
- 200LPD
- 450 LPD
- Easy/cheap refill of resin vs cartridges