Returning from 4 year absence. What's New?

LEDs have really come up in quality in the past few years. Places like RapidLED have their own fixture, and for reasonable rates you can get a programmable light. New tech out there is the Maxspect Gyre pump for 250-300 but it seems like there are some kinks to iron out from what i've been reading. Jeabo ripped off the Tunze controllable pumps and made a random mode akin to a vortech's Reefcrest, however most of them break down in the 6-8 month range for 100 a piece. Ecotech's MP40 is now under 300, looks like they got something new on the way. Controlers are about the same, skimmers are using DC motors more and more, biopellets are a proven and effective form of managing no3 and po4 if you are utilizing the appropriate bio-polymer. Other than that, we have more fish available, including captive bred and deepwater species never seen before, and more and more amazing coral than ever before.

 

welcome back to the hobby and forum! I like my wp-25 and jabeo now has a rw series that is getting good reviews. I've had my pump for at least a year and know of others using the wp's without issue - they do need to be cleaned regularly. I would say more affordable LED lighting is a change and as ingtar mentioned, biopellets for nutrient export. I do read a lot on a couple of forums and many people continue to like T5's for lighting - also still MH users out there with amazing tanks. There are also some fixtures that provide both the LED and T5 combo. I've heard of a lot of people liking the results and look of the combo.

 

They must have opened up new areas legally culture? What about live Rock other than Fiju, Tonga, pohnpei, any new reef foundation newly acquirable? So whats the cons, pros, of bio-pellets vs, regular water changes and classic bio filtration?

Thank You. and I dont have any doubt people would like that combo. I had a small sample size of the aquatic life t5 with led moonlights and loved the look. I can only imagine the look of a split combo.

 

GuitarMan89, Welcome back!! I remember when you were selling your halide ballasts.

4 years? Time sure does fly by.

 

Yes it does.

 

So.. was that you Guitarman. a 80 gal t5 or am I mistaken?

I also remember a website for lighting that was popular Ive been trying to find again. cant remember the name tho., I think maybe Tek?but cant find the site, unless its now converted to a hydroponics site?...speaking of which... I imagine...with all the latest legalization craz...that major players in the aquarium lighting industry are now major players in the green industry?

 

No. I had a 55 gallon. I did start with a T5 4 bulb, then upgraded to a 6 Bulb Tek fixture, then finally two 150w HQI pendants.

 

Also, what is being used for this media? Are reactors a good choice for Biopellets? can they me tumbled with other media?

 

I've looked into bio pellets as there seemed to be some hype about them with the ability to remove nitrate and phosphates. Before you go that way do some research. From what I was reading you should have the output of the bio pellet reactor either connected to or close to the intake of your skimmer. Also, running carbon and gfo may decrease the effectiveness of them.

 

I tried biopellets for a while and didn't find them to be all that effective - I know many that really swear by using them. I've switched to carbon dosing with vinegar instead.