Returning to the hobby

[Nimitz]

Hi all: I'm returning to the hobby after a 15 yr absence. I've been researching protein skimmers and am wondering if anyone has any experience with AquaMedic's Turboflotor T1000? I'm setting up a 125g reef system ... thanks

[summerr]

This is not related to your question but being away for 15 years how was it to get back into the hobby? Were you amazed at how advanced it became or disappointed at how little progress has been made?

[charlie]

Hi all: I'm returning to the hobby after a 15 yr absence. I've been researching protein skimmers and am wondering if anyone has any experience with AquaMedic's Turboflotor T1000? I'm setting up a 125g reef system ... thanks

First off



I did some searching around this morning, and I found varied opinions on this skimmer, some like it, most didn't. I think a protein skimmer is maybe the biggest investment you are gonna make for your system, also one of the most important. Take your time, I think there are better skimmers out there these days, low wattage, and more bang for your buck. The name Warner Marine comes to mind, they are a little pricey, but they are going to last you through the life of your system. It is my belief that you cannot overskim, keeping nutrients out of your system is key, and a good protein skimmer right off the bat will help more than hurt. Search around a little more, OK?? JMHO

[Nimitz]

Thanks. I haven't set up my system yet, still researching. Also, I have to finish making a china hutch 7 cabinet for my wife - that was the deal: I build her a new china hutch & cabinet & I can get a new reef aquarium.

The 2 biggest things I've noticed since returning are refugiums & T5 lighting. There was no such thing as a refugium when I was into the hobby; I had a 125 reef which utilized live rock, a wet/dry trickle filter w/bio balls, protein skimmer, chiller & 4 110w VHo bulbs run off an Icecap. Also it seems like SPS is all the rage now - something else we never really did back then.

Since I made this post I been visiting my LFSs and one of the places uses all ProClear Impact skimmers. The owner took me into the back of his store and showed me all the skimmers and I liked how simple they were. ProClear are venturi type not needle wheel. Any oponion about the difference?

There was a product test about ProClears here: Pro Clear Aquatic Impact 200 – A Performance Review - Nano-Reef.com Forums which seemed to be pretty impressed with them.

I've also been spending A LOT of time researching lighting and think I've settled on the ATI Power Module 8x54w unit.

The refugium I've selected is also a ProClear 300 (for tanks up to 300g). My next subject to tackle will be pumps & chillers ...