Low maintenance/automated reef tank?

I’m starting a new reef tank and want to setup a system that is relatively low maintenance/automated. I’ll probably go with a 100-125 gallon tank, but that’s my only bias at this point. Assuming a flexible budget and floor space, what would you do?

[Background: I currently have a Red Sea Max. Corals are growing and the tank is healthy. However, I’m tired of trying to constantly maintain water parameters (calcium, alkalinity, ph, salinity, temp, etc.). Also, it’s a fairly rigid, integrated system, and I’m looking for something that offers more flexibility.]

 

The first and best thing would be a nice controller, like the Neptune Apex.

That will give you the ability to control and automate almost everything and anything you can imagine.

 

Automation and low maint. equals a lot of $$$$ and room for the equipment. Good luck with your choices and I hope you have both of those qualities.



luna

 

First off you need a controller. Something as simple as the AC Jr. or RK lite will do. The higher up you go, the more flexibility and expandability you will have. A ton of temp control in any of them.

Next thing you need a ATO. A controller can run that or you can get stand alone ATOs. Maintains stable salinity. I have a Tunze.

Next you need to automate your dosing. Either have a controller run dosing pumps, get a stand alone doser like Liter meter, or go the calcium reactor route.

Last.... I hate cleaning filters. I have zero filters or sponges in my sump. I clean my skimmer once a week. That's it. Get rid of anything that will need to be cleaned....socks, balls, filters, sponges for bubbles or water breaks.

 

Yes, you would absolutely need a controller for the tank. I also would say that a calcium reactor is less work, and easier to maintain than an auto doser. An ATO is a definite must have, even of you like to fiddle a lot.

Get a big skimmer, with a self cleaning neck. But again those are big $$.