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  1. ssgatbliss

    Need controller advice.

    Thanks NWDiver, and you were right. The controller makes life much easier. Still playing with the functions but I've got all the lights and vortech pumps, heater etc, set up. Programming is straight forward, had no problem setting up the vortech pumps to chage modes through the day (night...
  2. ssgatbliss

    swc hot skimmer

    I have a SWC 500 HB, don't believe they make them anymore but it has a similar build to yours (just a lot bigger). The bubbles will go away once the skimmer breaks in. It did take me a while to tune this skimmer in and I had the same issues as you. If the cup is 1/4 of an inch to low then it...
  3. ssgatbliss

    Need controller advice.

    Well it's done! After looking at more products and weighing the pros and cons I pulled the trigger and got an Apex Lite. Since my tank is small and I don't see going down the path of using a calcium reactor I decided on the Lite rather than the full model. Getting the Lite allowed me to save...
  4. ssgatbliss

    Need controller advice.

    NC2WA, I have a PH monitor as well. Since I run a combo of LED's and T5's temp isn't a problem. My worry was being gone for 30+ days and having calc/alk out of whack or the saliity drop too low. Found out that the controllers don't do calc/alk and really started to question what do these...
  5. ssgatbliss

    Need controller advice.

    So I don't need the aquanotes, that good. I thought it added some extra tracking/graphing features. I do need the WXM though, whole house is wireless. It would cost me half the price of the module just to buy the length of cat5 cable not to mention drilling holes and having ugly cat5 cabling...
  6. ssgatbliss

    Need controller advice.

    I wanted the PM2 for salinity and I have two ecotech pumps along with a miriad of different lighting solutions (4 T5's, 1W moonlights, .05 moonlights, 7000K Led's, 20K Led's, sump light). Add in the ATO, return pump, circ pump in lower back of tank, skimmer, and Bio-pellet reactor, there's a...
  7. ssgatbliss

    Need controller advice.

    When I added up the controller for the ecotech pumps and additional items I need the price came out to $916.00 (Apex with upgraded PH $521, WXM $124, Energy Bar 4 $109, PM2 $85, Aquanotes $75). Would still need the doser which I figure will run about $300. When I really thought about where...
  8. ssgatbliss

    Need controller advice.

    So after a lot of researching if I was going to purchase a controller it would be the Apex. All things considered it has the most functionality. The reefkeepers don't have the scripting type controlability and don't plan on having it. I saw a reply on their site somewhere where they believe...
  9. ssgatbliss

    Need controller advice.

    Software questions. It looks like you have to pay for the APEX software but not the RKE. What does the software track and can you enter your own data for things like strontium levels, etc?
  10. ssgatbliss

    Need controller advice.

    Mike, Your right, ripoff is kinda harsh. Money isn't the issue, let's call it bang for the buck. Your probably right that after I got it I would wonder why I didn't get one before. Did the same with my Traeger grill. When I first saw the grill I said I would never pay $1000 for a smoker...
  11. ssgatbliss

    Need controller advice.

    After researching the controllers I came to two conclusions 1). I couldn't decide between the Apex or the RKE and 2). I had a hard time justifying the cost of either once you buy all the accessories that you need. You are looking at close to $1000 for a small processor/display unit that...
  12. ssgatbliss

    Need controller advice.

    All, Thanks for your suggestions. I was looking at the DA, Neptune, and the new profilux (doesn't come until May though, too late). I'm going to Reef Stock up in Denver in about an hour, there is supposed to be a DA rep there. Although the APex appears to be more robust I think I like the...
  13. ssgatbliss

    Need controller advice.

    Murphy's Law strikes again! I just started to get back into the hobby because I hadn't taken any long duration travel/TDY in almost two years and my company goes and loses the contract to the lowest bidder (oxy-moron in Govt. work). That means I'm going to be on the road for periods of longer...
  14. ssgatbliss

    Show off your clownfish!

    Nana, That is so neat! I think my Aussie Black and true Perc have paired up. Too many other tankmates if they did mate so I doubt anything would make it. That's got to be neat during feeding time.
  15. ssgatbliss

    Supreme MAG drive, Quick question

    No, they will not rust. I have a few older MAG 3 and 5 pumps (I don't use MAG pumps in my tank anymore, not dependable IMO). I still use a MAG 3 in my mixing container down in the basement but the last two MAG pumps I had stopped working after 6 months. First one I had lasted for nearly 5...
  16. ssgatbliss

    Vortech killing fish

    Sounds like it might have been sick. Most fish would be able to swim away from a pump.
  17. ssgatbliss

    Helfrichi Firefish

    My 18-55 didn't come with the IS but the first lens I bought 28-135 does have the IS which is great. The pooch also got to the 18-55 (she was a pup) so I may need something in between. My lighting also isn't anywhere near that bright and I hate the look a flash gives not to mention the affect...
  18. ssgatbliss

    Helfrichi Firefish

    Awesome looking fish but they have a tendency to jump out of the tank or at least mine did. I had a regular firefish and I was upset when I saw $25 laying on the floor with my dog pawing at it. Can't imagine a $150 sushi snack for the pooch. Great pic! Is that a macro lens? If so what...
  19. ssgatbliss

    question about aquac remora skimmer

    If you are missing the large black o-ring that keeps the cup up high just write the company and they will send you a new one at no cost. Great customer service but not a very good skimmer pricewise with the choices out today.
  20. ssgatbliss

    Seeking suggestions for a DIY ATO.

    Yep, I was about to say the DIY stuff is great until someone else needs to deal with your setup. DIY is nice if you know what you are doing. I don't mess with the brakes on my car or the transmission (even though I worked in a garage when I was younger). I also don't mess with 10 gallons of...
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