Best 3 Equipment Purchases Thread

[cpreefguy]

I thought it'd be fun to see what people regard as the absolute best 3 pieces of equipment they've ever bought, and why.

1. Refractometer - Never have to guess on a swing arm again! An absolute must-have in my opinion.

2. Auto Top-Off unit - Another must-have! Keeps your levels constant throughout the day and you never have to worry about it. I could not have survived this hobby without my trusty ATO. I have been able to leave my tank with nothing other than the ATO for periods of up to 2+ weeks with no ill effects.

3. RO/DI unit. I love making my own water, instead of having to lug jugs back and fourth from the HEB Penguin machine!

[Crazyeyes]

1 ro/di (no more hauling around large amounts of jugs to LFS)
2 sump (gives me better filtration)
3 refractometer ( helps prevent crashes)

[ACE]

1. RO/DI- never skimp on water quality

2. ATO- this is really priceless. It's surprising how not doing the daily top off makes you relax more.

3. Controller-having everything controlled from one central device really does make having my tank enjoyable. It's also surprising what all you can get these devices to do once you install one.

[TexasTodd]

RO/DI/DI
Best skimmer you can afford (or can't but get anyway)
Good lights

[ReefCube]

controller,refrac,rodi

[justahobby]

MH - I could never go back to CF's
Sump - More water volume, stability
Air pump - Double if not tripled the foam in my CPR once tuned and broken in.

[sharkboy]

1. ro/di - water is heavy
2. skimmer - imo the single most important piece of equipment!
3. chiller - eliminates temp control issues

[devonian]

1. ATO
2. t-5 lights
3. great skimmer

[hobogato]

RO/DI
Solar tubes
tunze wave box

[recoiljpr]

1. Mag Float Cleaner - It was a PIA to clean the glass with a scraper with a "Sponge" tip. That one little piece of equipment saves me a lot of time and aggravation

2. Timers/Controllers - Without those I used to forget to turn on my lights, or run them too long, etc. It's so nice to set it and forget it. I do love my controller, you would have to pry it from my fingers.

3. MJ 1200 pumps - Those little pumps can do absolutely anything. From keeping my change water circulating, to pumping the water into the tank, running a skimmer in a pinch, replacing a powerhead in a pinch. Those little pumps are awesome, everyone should have at least one.

Honorable Mention - Separate freezer for my fish food, it saved me from hearing from my wife every day how bad my fish stuff is stinking up her food. It also gets my beer nice and cold while doing a water change.