Returning from 4 year absence. What's New?

Hello fellow 3 reefers!! Not new to the Hobby nore to 3 Reef but it's been 4 years since I've been anywhere near a reef Aquarium. I will spare the long story of why I've been gone but I am going to be building a new system and just wanted to know what has changed since I left and what is new.

Not looking for specific details but just a general rundown of whats changed. for instance, when I last seen the Hobby, LED's where fairly new and still quite expensive. The debates where always centered on Halides verse T5's. but now I see almost every company has LED's now. So has the price came down at all or are they still expensive? What are the popular Brands?

Are there any (new) reliable websites? for purchasing Live, Rock, Live Stock, Equipment?

Who makes the beat Powerheads under $100? (last I knew it was Hydor)

 

Some are still expensive LED's from Ecotech, Ai, and a few others are expensive an well reputable. Then there's some less expensive and also reputable like ReefRadiance and Reef Breeders, TAO Tronics just to name a few. As far as powerheads jeboa, hydor are the less expensive of the group and then you have Vortechs line and Tunze that are up there in price. It's really all preference and budget.

 

Welcome back!

Those are all IMO questions lol.

Yeah I still like Hydor myself. I have only had one clicking powerhead out of all the ones I bought over the years. For your stated price range that seems like good choice IMO.

You seem to be able to get a decent LED fixture at Reefbreeders or a DIY from Rapid for a comfortable price range. You still get what you pay for as far as lighting goes, so yeah they are still expensive. Right now I am using AI Hydra LED, I am new to LED from using both MH and T5.

Mainly I use Liveaquaria.com for my livestock and Marinedepot or BRS for equipment. Pricing is decent and customer service are both reliable IME.

 

I also just returned after about 4 years out of the hobby as well. LEDs are definitely much more advanced than 4 years ago, but the debate continues as it always will. Other than that, I haven't found too much different. There are some new products out as far as filter media and some power heads, Gyre is a brand new one. I had a Vortech before and bought a new one. I also bought a Reefbreeders LED light. Seems to be the best bang for the buck and so far I couldn't be happier. there are definitely some advantages to LEDs, particularly as far as control over intensity and spectrum. Good luck with your new build.

 

Extant S01E0

What I'm looking for, brands to check out. Forum input is best Thanks.

I guess what I meant was, has there been a decline in the technology up mark.? You...know.. DVD BlueRay players price fall. when they first came out...$200 and up. now.. $30 and up. Led TV's price fall, etc..For example. what would one expect to pay to supply lighting to a mixed reef tank 36" long? 4 years ago a mid level 4 light t5 system ran around $300-$500. I'm I right? a LED System was double that. What would I expect to pay today for that same setup for a mid level LED system? or is it still the same?
and as per ur last paragraph, it looks like the websites of choice havn't changed much. a good thing for credibility I guess

That is ironic because I instantly remember your name, as well as corailline's. 2 very active and helpful members. I owe many many, ideas and knowledge bits to you both, so a big welcome back. and thanks for the new tips. I'm going to go check out that reefbreeders light and the powerhead you mentioned

 

Agreed with everything above. I use jebao PHs because they were decent enough price that I could replace them if they do crap out after a year, same with my new return pump. I also just upgraded to LEDs which I went the RapidLED DIY route and could not be happier with the outcome.

Welcome back!

 

Wow @ GuitarMan89. The prices have come down. Reef Breeders say they will have a new system with controller included geared for SPS Hobbyists they say will cost $700-$800 and will cover a 36"x30" area?? uugh..yeah.. Without a doubt much less expensive.

 

I bought the SuperLux for $230.00. It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles as more expensive models, but for the money, it's pretty nice IMO.

 

If my memory serves me correctly, you had a 80g long, running 8 t5's, or something similar? You recommended, my last purchased t5 bulb config, so I have no worries following your advice again. and for the record, I shopped LED's on my 36" bow and there was nothing in that $250$400 price range, . Other than MarineLands wacky set up. which is why I purchased the t5's

 

I have constantly heard recommendations for rapid LED as well. Will have to do the research. I see another thing that has changed, the design functions of the forum. much easier layout