Does anyone know offhand which online stores sell the Ecosystem? Was thinking about maybe getting a HOB.

Thanks,
Kim

(smile)

Hi Kim
Welcome to Reefland! [img]/ubb/fish.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/goldfish.gif[/img]
I was just recently looking for one. They sell for $299 everywhere. A guy shot me an e-mail saying he would sell me one for $250. This is his info:
Brian
Fins & Critters,Inc
1008 Gantt Street
Shelby, NC 28150
704-484-0600
704-484-9003 (fax)
fins1@mac.com


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We as hobbyists need to respect the reef, educate and learn so that it will live on for all to enjoy.
bajathree
Come Dive Into
Baja Reef

Here is where I purchased my EcoSystem. No problems. http://www.aquatichouse.com/

If I were you, i would either customize a sump to be used as an ecosystem type filter (SPASSE, moderator for this site, has one), or purchase a CPR refugium (Premium Aquatics, among others, carry these) and place your own "miracle mud" or "wonder mud" and caulerpa algae within it. Both of these options basically serve the same purpose and cost much less.

I built a custom sump for my wifes' 20gal mini-reef. It's a 10gal w/ Miracle Mud and Caulerpa. Does the same thing and we saved about $150 dollars! They're easy to make. The Miracle Mud is pricier than LS but I thought I'd give it a try.

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"Remember...Wherever you go...There you are."
Buckaroo Banzai, circa 1978

There are a couple of flaws to the CPR that make the EcoSystem 40 worth it. The CPR is made of clear acrylic. This poses a problem with lighting it 24/7 as a refugium usually is. Since it is clear it illuminates your tank during main lights out. This is furthered by the fact that the Top of the CPR sits above tank level, allowing even more light in. If you go to CPR's site, they freely admit this and sugest to light it during tank lit hrs only. If you ask me this is a very poor design flaw, since it would not take much on their part to fix. The CPR also does not come with a light or way of skimming surface water(althuough you may be able to rig up their PS suface skimming box to it). All considered the EcoSystem has a much better design to it. Add up all the extras, skimmer box, light, mud, and 24/7 lighting capability like a refugium should be, and the EcoSystem does not look so overpriced after all. CPR really needs to get their act together.


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We as hobbyists need to respect the reef, educate and learn so that it will live on for all to enjoy.
bajathree
Come Dive Into
Baja Reef



[This message has been edited by bajathree (edited 02-04-2001).]

Thanks guys...(smile)

Those of ya'll who have the Ecosystem setup, what's your opinion of it so far?

kimsuit

So far, so good. Corals seem to be diggin' it. No outbreaks of algae in the main tank since, and it's a young tank! Parameters are all perfect including calcium for some reason(w/ no dosing!). The Ca has been at 430 for awhile now and we've got 2 acro's in there(in the 20gal).

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"Remember...Wherever you go...There you are."
Buckaroo Banzai, circa 1978

Well, I've heard good things about it but also I have read some rather acrimonious threads about it, which is why I wanted opinions from someone actually using the system...I would love to be able to buy a larger setup and place it under the tank but unfortunately, the tank I have is glass and wasn't drilled when I got it. Cant complain as I got a very good deal on it but I am somewhat leery of the overflow systems that I would have to use for putting anything underneath...I've heard several horror stories about flooding...

(smile)

Kim

Strider?

Kimsuit,

I didn’t comment on this thread because I don’t have any personal experience with the HOB model.

But as far as EcoSystems in general, well I am pretty happy…

I am in the process of designing a integrated micro reef based on a 15 gallon tall main tank and a 5 gallon home brew EcoSystem filter sump.

I am going to make a mini desk top “stand” to enclose all of the plumbing.

I always used to have a reef tank in my office at work, so I am really “jonesing” for one now. [img]/ubb/wink.gif[/img]

Regards,

Scott

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The definition of an expert is a washed-up drip under pressure.
You can see my reeftank at http://www.homestead.com/spasse/

Kim, you do not mention the size of your tank. These 40HO's are only recomended for tanks up to 40gal.

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We as hobbyists need to respect the reef, educate and learn so that it will live on for all to enjoy.
bajathree
Come Dive Into
Baja Reef

Well, reading back, I guess I wasn't very clear...(smile)

Here's my deal: I have a 29G which is what I want the HOB for, then I have a 105G...Both are glass and they are not drilled so, while I would like to try the Ecosystem on the 105G, I will have to settle for trying it on the 29G, and do something different w/the 105 because, as I mentioned above, I am somewhat leery of using overflow box and maybe flooding my moms carpet, unless someone know of a foolproof one? Keeping in mind that I can be a pretty ingenious fool!(smile)

Kim

Kim
The 40HO is perfect for the 29. On larger tanks such as the 105 it is better to have a sump. Reefland, makes an overflow with dual J tubes. You may want to check that out. He can custom design you an entire overflow/sump. I myself prefer a drilled tank vs external overflow, but I have heard people who have been using externals for years with no problems. I believe the ones I have heard problems with are the CPR overflows. I have noticed that Premium Aqautics now suggests using a verturi valve pump to keep they from losing prime. THATS SCARY!
Actually here is the warning;
*NOTE* Air can get trapped in your overflow from time to time and will need bled out. You can avoid this by hooking up a RIO600RVT or simular venturi pump, keeps it free of bubbles and always restarts perfect.



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We as hobbyists need to respect the reef, educate and learn so that it will live on for all to enjoy.
bajathree
Come Dive Into
Baja Reef

[This message has been edited by bajathree (edited 02-07-2001).]

Your darn right thats scary!! The fact that it has a warning implies a problem I'm not sure I want to deal with (did I mention that it was my moms carpet-her almost new,beautiful mauve carpet...[img]/ubb/eek.gif[/img] )

I'll go check out Reefland's. Thanks for letting me know![img]/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Kim

I have had a ecosystem for about a month and a half I am happy with it the only problem i had was that alot of light went into the tank. My fish got really stressed out because the light. I had a bad break out of ich in my tank. What I did was put the ecosystem 40 under the tank and I connected it to the sump. If anyone wants to know I can give info on how to do it. I got my ecosystem for 250.00 in Ontario,CA.