Which Piece of Equipment Should I get next?

[StephenA]

I'm at a point where I need to add several NON-vital pieces of equipment to my system. You can see my current list below. I already have replacement MH lighting on order (2 250watt). I'd say my system is pretty stable. PH 8.0-8.3, dKH 9, Cal 400-450, Amm 0, Nitrate 2-5, Sal 1.025, Temp is 78-82. My issues are top off when I'm out of town, and Kalk when I'm out of town. My family tends to forget. My water flow in the tank could also be improved. I also worry about my tank temp.

[brewercm]

How much are you out of town, that would make the decision for me. If a lot and it's an issue I'd go top off first, then chiller. The other two would be great to have but not necessary where the other two may be.

[StephenA]

I leave town every week. Some times the tank is about 3 gallons low. If I call and bug them they might top it off. And I have to beg for the kalk to get done.

[TAXMAN]

Top off, then Ca reactor. Depending on corals kept, maybe more flow. I wouldnt worry about a chiller, your temp should be ok where it is. I run 80-83 everyday. I know guys that have a 5-6 degree swing most everyday and no problems. I would by a chiller last unless you add extra heat by more lighting or equipment. Fans work fine to an extent. I will buy a chiller as my last item. If I ever get one.

[StephenA]

Lots of sps, and 2 clams.

[TAXMAN]

Top off, FLOW and Ca reactor.. LOL

[RobertG]

Stephen the topoff is the best. I have had one from the beginning. What kinda room do you have to work with? How close is your RO unit? I plumbed a line when the house was under construction. This was the most automated thing I ever could of done. Add a small container & a Tunze osmolator with calcium dispensor. SWEET! You'll Love it. Never again will this be a concern... Not to mention the stability of your salinity. A CA Reactor is nice however I have heard good things about the Kalk Reactor also. After this reconsile your checkbook, then go for the streams. Dont forget the multi- controller

[StephenA]

The RO is too far away, I was thinking about a 5gal bucket with the osmolator.

[RobertG]

New RO Then. Plumb it from a bathroom or something close. You will still have to fill the bucket...I used a Kent float valve to keep my container full all the time. If you can it would be just sweet. I dealt with filling every night, I hated it. My tank will go through 3-4G in a day maybe day & half. I really like that I dont have to worry about it.

[dan]

top off is a must. the rest are add ons. auto top off will keep your tank more stable with salinatiy. you won't have to worry about your sump running dry or sucking air.

[matt]

I think you could do a DIY auto top off very inexpensively, fix the flow with a few maxijets, at least temporarily, and consider either the chiller or the reactor. There are lots of DIY auto top-off plans on reefcentral or reefs.org. I used one on a thread called "DIY auto top off with solenoid" or something like that. It involves a solenoid and float switch from Mcmaster carr, total cost under $50. It's been working great for over a year now.

Basically what you need is a fairly reliable float switch, a timer, a solenoid (plugged into the timer) and some ice maker hose. I run mine directly from my R.O.filter, running the lines under the house and up through the wall behind my tank.

You might also be able to combine the auto top-off with a kalk reactor, if your calcium load is somewhat in sinc with your evaporation rate. As far as a chiller goes, how hot does your tank get, and could you deal with it through fans on the sump and lights? I don't think having your tank stay around 84-85o is a problem. Maybe yours gets hotter than that.

As far as flow goes, there's a HUGE difference in price between 4 maxijets and a cheap wave maker and a couple of the tunze units with controller. Of course the tunze set up is terrific, but if you're trying to address multiple issues at the same time on a budget....

[StephenA]

Matt and Joshua, thanks for the DIY info.