vortech wireless wavemaker and questioning my priorities

[ReefSparky]

In preparation for going reef I have ditched the bioballs for more LR, pitched the CC substrate for carbonate-based sand; I've built a decent 'fuge with chaeto using a 10g tank, and upgraded my protein skimmer. For the first time in a true 20 years, I seem to have algae growth under control, thanks to reading around. In about a week, I'll have a new Aquactinics 5 bulb T5 unit.

I'm questioning my sense of priority regarding my few next purchases; and as I move on this is what I see myself needing (not necessarily in this order.)

1. something to create turbulence in the water.
2. a RO/DI unit and autotopoff.
3. a calcium reactor

For now, I'm buying SW at the LFS to avoid using tapwater. I think I'll use a 2 part bottled approach for calcium introduction until my system really starts to demand calcium in quantity, then I'll pick up the ca reactor.

I think of the 3 items listed above, the wavemaker takes priority.

I'm eyeing the vortech wavemaker for about $400. Can someone with experience with this item tell me if placing one in a 48x12x21" 55g tank would be overkill or maybe dangerous for LPS, a maxima maybe, a hammer, sun polyps, some zoas and paly's? I'd also love a montipora. I don't yet own these corals, so I can change the list if necessary.

Back to the Vortech, I see in the paperwork they're rated for 20 gal tanks and up, although I don't remember what the max is. I've got a nervous feeling about placing such a powerful item in such a relatively small tank. I could save a bunch and go with a couple of Koralias--maybe 2 #2's?


So to review this jumbled post, I want to know if:

1. A wavemaker should take precedence over a RO/DI unit and a calcium reactor; and
2. If the Vortech is too much.
3. If anyone sees sense in purchasing something I haven't considered.


Thanks!

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by ReefSparky

So to review this jumbled post, I want to know if:

1. A wavemaker should take precedence over a RO/DI unit and a calcium reactor; and
2. If the Vortech is too much.
3. If anyone sees sense in purchasing something I haven't considered.


Thanks!

To be honest, with my experience I think that the water flow creators are fairly high if the tank is already established (which it is). This is ONLY in your case because you have access to good quality water from your LFS (it IS good RO/RI water right?). Otherwise I would put the water quality #1.

About the wave choice.. I honestly think you'd be better off investing in a tank controller and letting that do your wave-maker duties. I LOVE my koralias on my Neptune Aqua Controller. This way I have sequential or random waves (my choice), controlling my lights, filters, heater and Fuge light. Money WELL spent bro! Honestly the Controller and the FUGE are the TWO best things I've done for my tank as a whole.

[ReefSparky]

Does your neptune controller turn the power heads on "gently" like the better controllers are supposed to?

Also, what's your meaning here, Al? :

"To be honest, with my experience I think that the water flow creators are fairly high if the tank is already established (which it is). "

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by ReefSparky

Does your neptune controller turn the power heads on "gently" like the better controllers are supposed to?

Also, what's your meaning here, Al? :

"To be honest, with my experience I think that the water flow creators are fairly high if the tank is already established (which it is). "

Yes it uses what's called "Soft-Start" and thus far it works GREAT!
Neptune Systems Home Page
Control Modules (see Soft-Start in the DC-8 section)

What I mean is that after starting my system and doing it from TAP water ( I don't have a local source for GOOD water) I had lots of problems. Since you have a source for quality water I feel like your next priority should be tank flow because if it's lacking flow now you'll encounter potential algae and other problems. I just feel like since you have the ability to get GOOD Water you can worry about flow. If you didn't have good water locally I'd say Quality Water is your highest priority.

Also are you testing your Calc? I'd be careful dosing your tank unless you're testing for it. It would be easy to over do it and get a "Snow Storm" of precipitation of excess calc.

[ReefSparky]

Gotcha. "fairly high" meaning high priority!! Duh. I didn't read it that way. Thanks so much for the link. Karma to you!!

Yes, I'm testing my alk and ca. They're about right on, and approach perfect after water changes.

[Dentoid]

The wireless function on the Vortech pumps only functions with two pumps. Two wireless wave drivers (controller) can communicate back and forth creating different, programmed, wave patterns. With one pump, it is still hard wired to the controller. With one pump, the controller can speed it up or slow it down at various times.

I have 2 Vortech pumps on my 90 gallon. I purchased them before the wireless controller feature was available, but was able to upgrade to the wireless controllers, and just recently did so. Prior to that, my pumps were being controlled by my Neptune Aquacontroller III. I love these pumps!

IMO, there is no better pump on the market. One of the nice things about them is that the speed of the propeller can be manually adjusted from a slow gentle stream to hurricane force turbulance with the twist of a control knob. It is an ideal pump for 55 gallons!

Flow and using RO/DI water, among other things, are both basic necessities to good reef keeping. First you have to decide, is it worth it to go to the LFS for your water once a week or so, or do you want the convenience of having it at your finger tips. Secondly, flow can be created in many different ways and doesn't have to cost so much. You can get the Aquacontroller Jr and 2 Korallia pumps for the price of one Vortech pump.

Also, the Aquacontroller is a great instrument. It can do many things. You may want to design your tank around the Aquacontroller and only purchase equipment that does not have its own controller.

[Witfull]

a controller and a few seaflo modded maxi-jets~

[flricordia]

Flow is important,but corals and fish can do jsut fine with PH and directional, but in an emergency during closed hours at the LRS without an RO/Di what then? And in the long run the cost of trips to the LRS for water vs RO/DI unit and the improtance of having makeup/top-off water available, the RO/DI should be one of the first pieces of equipment for the closed reef.

[framerguy]

I was under the impression that Korallias wouldn't work with controllers, now my hero Al says you CAN! Awesome!
It sounds like your tank is doing well, so my vote is for the RO/DI. Like Mr. Ricordia said, a powerhead can create flow temporarily til you can get the Vortex or Korallias and controller. (I'd still go with Vortex because you can control the volume of flow).

[PEMfish]

If you pay not even a dollar a gallon for RO/DI then buying one will pay for its self soon enough.

[tbittner]

I vote for the RO/DI unit and throw in an auto topoff unit too. The closest you can match evaporation, the least amount of salinity swing you will get. Salinity swings can be VERY damaging to some of the animals we keep in our tanks.

You CAN do an auto topoff though and still buy your water (salt and fresh) from your LFS. Auto topoff units are very inexpensive. But then again, RO/DI units aren't outrageously priced either.

[caitrina]

I say the RO/DI unit. That would be the top of my list. Will definitely pay for itself and quite quickly if you do weekly scheduled WC's.

[tbittner]

I just thought of something that I now consider a MUST for a reef setup. Phosban reactor. Others may disagree with me though.

[ReefSparky]

Originally Posted by tbittner

I just thought of something that I now consider a MUST for a reef setup. Phosban reactor. Others may disagree with me though.

I've got the Kent Phos Reactor. It was one of my first strikes against the dreaded hair algae.

[bluespotjawfish]

I just went through a similar decision battle to increase and vary the flow in my 125. I chose the Neptune controller instead of the Vortech. Money was part of the reason, but I get extra options with the Neptune controller. For now it will probably run my MJs and my fans. Still deciding though (I also have Reefkeeper 2).

RO/DI would be top on my list, then the controller. You can get both the RO/DI and the Neptune controller for the price of the Vortech!