The Whoas of the Avid Reefer

[kirkplunkett]

So, I think I've finally reached that point that every reefer inevitably comes to (or hopes to aspire to) in their journey towards aquatic bliss. I love my tank and stand. My light kicks butt. I've got a skimmer that by far exceeds my expectations. My powerheads ROCK! I've even decided to get an Apex AquaController... Soon... My prams are consistently in check across the board with minimal maintenance.

I recently decided I'd reach a little outside of my comfort zone and acquired three pieces of SPS. I've seen new growth on all three pieces in just a week and a half... With the exception a small aquascaping accident that inadvertently fragged my Pink Birds Nest for me. I got a one inch twig of Blue Acropora that now has three new branches! When I first acquired my first hem about a year and a half ago, he did great... Then spilt twice. Afterwards all three bleached considerably, which was expected... However, I was still concerned. Now all three are full of color and can be seen bubbling throughout the day!

I have just enough beautiful fish to keep the tank alive and moving while still maintaining a peaceful environment for all. I recently picked up a Midas Blenny and a Purple Pseudo. Both acclimated well and found an unchallenged home within the rock work instantly.

I life is good in the reef... But, as we all know... There's the next best thing just looming around the corner that we believe will make it even better. And alas... I've grow tired. Tired of one seemingly trivial task and found solace in the internet who told me there's an answer...

I have a 30 Gallon Oceanic Cube. A Deltec HOB Skimmer. A Kessil A350 LED fixture. No sump... No fuge. I use a small Fluval HOB filter for media about once every two to three weeks for media (i.e. Carbon and/or PhosGuard). And the MP10... I can't even say enough about it. It's the daily, trivial task that seem daunting now... Feeding, top off, etc...

I'll be getting an Apex AFS do nail one of these to the wall... The next is were you come in.

ATO... I've been striving SO hard to minimize my footprint in the display. And by far have succeeded from where I started just two and a half years ago. I'd like to be able to go home and sit in front of my tank a enjoy the beauty... Not work for 30 minutes and then enjoy. (Let's face it. I'm an American... I'm all about the instant gratification!) All that being said... I'd like to go a head and set up an ATO system with the smallest footprint possible.

I've got two options I'm looking at. I'd like your options on either or both:

http://www.tunze.com/details.html?&L=1&C=SE&user_tunzeprod_pi1%5Bprodid%5D=3152.000">Tunze Water Level Osmolator Nano 3152</a>

or

[IMG]http://www.coralvue.com/smart-ato-automatic-top-off-system-682">CORALVUE Smart ATO</a>

Thanks for reading and I look forward to all your input!

 

[redstang]

I've read a bunch of very good reviews on the coralvue unit. Enough that I'm thinking of going with that rather than traditional float switches connected to my Apex for 60. It has failsafe's built in to keep from overfilling or in case your RO reservoir goes dry. Only downside seems to be that it's new so no way to know of long term reliability.

 

[nickh06]

I just reviewed the coralvue unit yesterday, I love it. It takes up practically no space. Smallest one you are going to find.

 

[shadowdawg]

http://www.marinedepot.com/Hydor_Smart_Level_Control_ATO_System_Electric_Powered_Dosing_Pumps_Top_Off_Plug_In_Units-Hydor_USA-HD01043-FIDPETPU-vi.html">http://www.marinedepot.com/Hydor_Smart_Level_Control_ATO_System_Electric_Powered_Dosing_Pumps_Top_Off_Plug_In_Units-Hydor_USA-HD01043-FIDPETPU-vi.html</a>

this one is amazing &lt;3 buddy has one for his 90 and im getting one for my 20

 

[acroholic]

Tunze Osmolator hands down.

 

[hzheng33]

Nickh06;932790 wrote: I just reviewed the coralvue unit yesterday, I love it. It takes up practically no space. Smallest one you are going to find.

from what I heard, you would need clean glass correct? because the sensor can only detect the water level thru light or something of that nature. plz correct me if I'm wrong. I have my eyes on it too.

 

[straydog]

As far as ato I don't do it I'm only home a few nights a week and my kids couldn't seem to grasp when the tank needed water. my new system has plexiglass lids on the sump and display . There's no evaporation in my system at all not saying this is the way to go with your system , but I've never been happier with mine