Need some questions answered

Can anyone suggest a good RO/DI unit?

Are there any auto top off devices that are easy to DIY? That was the most annoying part of my tank last time? If not, any other strategies to help with evaporation?

If I were to do a 29g main tank, with a 10g sump, could I put the HoB Aquanero skimmer I purchased before in the sump and still work just as fine?

 

Another question regarding the sump. If I were to do a simple HoB overflow for the sump in the main tank, would I need maintain a consistent water level within a inch or so to keep the water at the overflow?

 

Spectrapure makes good RODI systems or BRS Typhoon's if you are on a budget.

While the HOB style overflow is sensitive to tank water level; so are sumps.You will need to topoff daily whether you are using an overflow or not. Once you figure out how much FW evaporation occurs each day this should be a non issue.

 

Any easy DIY auto top off system/devices?

 

And you think sumps are scary???? LOL;D I personally have never used an ATO.Most of the DIY ATO's I have seen have been gravity fed which would mean the container would have to be higher then the tank. IMO ATO's are not the area in which you want to experiment or try to save money. If you would like an ATO my advise would be to spend the money on a GOOD one with backup switches. I have read too many disaster stories of failing switches that lead to flooding and death of the animals.

 

Ok. I just remember topping off tank being the most unenjoyable part of my last tank. Also how much water does a n avg ro/di unit produce in x amount of time?

By the way thanks a lot for all the answers!!!

 

No problem.Its my pleasure. You can order different membranes when you purchase your system.I made a mistake and listed Bulk reef supply but the Typhoons come from Airwaterice.com. This is the unit I have.I have the 100 gallon per day membrane.

Aquarium Water | Reverse Osmosis | RODI Water | ReefKeeper Water | Typhoon 5 stage RODI Reefkeeper 75 GPD

 

And some more questions !

I want to go the mostly dry rock to start. Is there a particular type you can suggest? A particular liverock to seed?

Any suggestions on livesand or type sand to use?

 

For dry rock, most seem to go with either marco rocks or BRS has some cool dry rock! there are a ton of sand options! Most seem to go with argonite sand! Then I'd just buy a small piece of LR from a LFS and get a scoop of sand from someone ya trust!

 

Thanks a lot for answers. And for a couple more!

I might go sump, may not but I question I never had answered was would it be ok to put my HoB aquanero skimmer in the sump?

When cycling tank should I have a anything running? (including skimmer)

I also notice people put eggcrate under their liverock. If I remember right this is so a fish or something doesnt dig under rock and get crushed. Is this correct?

And 1 more. I notice people move their "scapes" around a lot. I would be afraid of crushing something. Do people move stuff around and if something gets crushed they just say oh well or are people just that particular in moving things around?