Automatic equipment

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Laser

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I am running a 125 DAS (fish,soft and SPS coral is the goal) that has been converted to a overflow/ecosystem refugium setup. I am using a Mag 9.5 return and a Mag 9.5 on the chiller return. I have 2 100 watt Ebo Jager heaters and a 1/2 HHP chiller that I will be running on a Ranco controller. I am looking at automating as much as possible as I have plenty of room now that I have a dedicated room for the wall tank. My question is what type of equipment can I upgrade to to automate as much as possible. I would like to have an auto top off and maybe even an auto doser for chemicals or would consider a calcium reactor to even elimanate the need for dosing calcuim. I would also like some input on what the majority of you are adding for chemical supplements. I have been using the Garf method now for about a year (seachem supplements) and am not having a lot of success. I have been out of touch with technology for the past several years and wanted to know how much can be automated. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
 
Anything's possible with money!

The absolute best would be to get a Aquacontroller III or equivelent. That will automate things like temp control, light control, etc, etc

Get a calcium reactor and you won't need to dose chemicals. Calcium Reactors are really really worth it!

A good autotopoff is a no brainer

If you design your fishroom right you can have it where a water change is just the turn of a couple valves!

Setup right the only thing you'll need to do manually is feed, clean the glass, and test the water every once in a while.
 
I am more than ready to throw money at this project. I am just way behind on the technologies that are available. So if I go with an Aquacontroller III what are the etc,etc. that I will be able to controll. As mentioned I would like an autotopoff system (how do I go about this?) as well as being able to controll lighting times, temp., pH. What would I be able to do with the Aquacontoller III that I would not be able to achieve with the Aquacontroller JR? So many questions.... Is anyone up for hire to hook up all this mess????
 
The Aqua Controller Jr can do everything I'm controlling on my tank now with the Aqua Controller II, and it costs several hundred dollars less.

Here's what mine does: http://www.melevsreef.com/aquacontroller.html

For an auto top off, I have a page that goes into that, and www.reefcast.com just had this topic discussed in episode 3.
 
ok, i have ordered the Aquaconroller Jr with temp,pH probes and connect 8. I am now looking to add a calcium reactor. I dont have a lot of room and would like advice on which type to go with. It will need to be external to my sump. I have looked at the Korallin C-1502 package from Marine Depot that comes with dual gauge CO2 reg. deluxe,caribsea 8 LB reactor media and a 5 lb CO2 tank (empty of course). Does anyone have any experience with this reactor? Do you have any other suggestions I should be looking for?
Thanks for all the help. I cant wait to get everything put together. I am taking pics and will put together a build log of the new in wall fish room when I get a chance.
 
reefer madness, I recently bought the Korallin C-1502 package from Marine Depot. I've set it up, but do not have it running yet. I receive the rock to cure on Friday! The Ca reactor comes highly regarded by many at Marine Depot. It was super easy to set-up, I think its a good deal. I will let you know how well it works in a couple of weeks.

Sharon
 
I think the main best things I got where a 1. Geo reactor. I really love it. Picked it up from PA and rented a tank locally My 2nd. favorite things is my Litermeter. I love the darn thing. This has really, really, really made my life easier and no flooding worries ever. In fact, i got my water holding tanks in my garage and run the lines thru the wall...simple.
 
thanks for everyones comments. I have pm'd larrycivic to check on his setup.
BigSteve - I have no idea of what you are referring to here. What is a georeactor and what is its purpose? What does a litermeter do?Please explain more because it sound like you have setup exactly what I am looking to do. totally automatic except feed, clean glass, test water..
Thanks for all of your help
 
Im sorry Reefer, the above link does explain about the litermeter. The Geo Reactor is a Calcium reactor that I picked up.

Here is the link, read the reviews at the bottom :)
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PA-GEO612&Category_Code=creactor

and the liter;
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SP-LITERMETER3&Category_Code=Dosers
 
thank for the input BigSteve. Couple of questions. Why would I need the Litermeter if I am going to run Aquacontroller Jr and a calcium reactor. It is my understanding (may be wrong here) that if you are running the calcium reactor that you will not have to dose chemicals. I.E. calcium, strontium, magnisium etc.. I will have the Aquacontroller Jr as well for all of the timing, etc. so would I just use the litermeter for water level monitoring and nothing else. Thanks for your help.
 
Yepper....I just use my litermeter for water leveling. It is practically fool proof as far as flooding, etc., but there sure is a big price difference compared to Marc's link. :wink:
 
Thanks Bigsteve,
I now have the Aquacontroller Jr. with all kinds of attachments as well as a Korralin Reactor with all the stuff but everyone is sold out of the Litermeter III. Do you have any other suggestions on where to find one??Cant wait to automate..
 
Here ya go...
Marine Depot has them, but i think for a couple of bucks more? (dont remember)
Heres the link;
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_dosing_pumps_top_off_spectrapure_litermeter.asp?CartId=

Have fun! :wink:
 
I may have to get back with you for some advice when all comes in the mail for hooking up stuff. Thanks for all the advice. Waiting on Aquacontroller Jr. and Korallin Calcium Reactor!!
 
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