Reef Builders -The Reef Aquarium Blog » Brands

Planctonite’s Stair style frag holder

Ryan Gripp — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:18:28 +0000

Sure. You might have seen frag holders before, but nothing like this that has been made for commercial use. Have a look-see at the “Stair Frag holder” from Planctonite. The frag rack features over 48 slots for your new babies to sit and grow and it is made out of all cast acrylic. I like this design because it should be easier to see all the frags in your tank without having to go above to see them all, much like how eggcrate designs work. You can pick one of these guys up for €45.00 ($67).

Planctonite introduces sweeper for protein skimmers

Post from: Reef Builders

Planctonite’s Stair style frag holder

Planctonite’s Stair style frag holder

Reef Fusion 1 & 2: Seachem finally producing a two-part calcium & buffer solution

Jake Adams — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:05:42 +0000

Reef Fusion 1 and Reef Fusion 2 from Seachem is the new two part calcium/buffer solution that we’ll soon be seeing on store shelves. Reef Fusion is a cute name that fits well in line with Seachem’s original naming convention for their products. Why Seachem has waited so long to throw a two-part solution into the ring is a mystery. With this move Seachem joins B-Ionic, Warner Marine and many other large reef aquarium additive manufacturers in solidifying the efficacy and popularity of using 2-part dosing solutions to maintain a balanced mineral and ionic balance in reef aquaria. Reef Fusion 1 and 2 “contains all utilized majors and minors”, note the use of the word ‘utilized’ and it should start showing up here shortly in December. We are told that the product will be priced very competitively and we look forward to seeing if Seachem does anything special with the formula for two-part solutions. Otherwise, why would they have taken so long to bring this to market?

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Reef Fusion 1 & 2: Seachem finally producing a two-part calcium & buffer solution

Reef Fusion 1 & 2: Seachem finally producing a two-part calcium & buffer solution

Fauna Marin’s new Ultra Power Phos

Ryan Gripp — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:46:37 +0000

There is a new phosphate and silicate remover available from Fauna Marin called Ultra Power Phos and made in conjunction with Bayer chemicals. One of the main ingredients Reef Builders has found out is Iron-hydroxide. Fauna Marin says that it will “rid your system of phosphates in even the most extreme case and furthermore will not release the pollutants back into your system once the media is exhausted. Not only is the New Ultra Power Phos cheaper than its main rivals, due to its unique binding agents you need to use less of the product and requires less changing.” Those are some pretty powerful claims with a bottle of the stuff retailing for $39.95.

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Fauna Marin’s new Ultra Power Phos

Fauna Marin’s new Ultra Power Phos

Tunze Osmolator magnet holder (3155.600) going for $32.55

Ryan Gripp — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:29:02 +0000

We received information about the new Magnets in the Tunze Osmolator 3155. We did a review of the unit a week back and Tunze has gotten back to us with the availability of the new magnets.

The magnet holder for both sensors is part 3155.600, it is $32.55. The magnet holder for the float only if you wanted to mount the sensors separately is part 3155.500 and it is $29.52. I hope to have them in stock in 3 weeks.

For those of you wanting to get your hands on a new magnet mount, contact your favorite Tunze retailer and ask to pre order the part number above, and you’ll be sure to receive a copy. Our Tunze Osmolator 3155 review is also a good read if you are looking into a top off device but not sure which to pick

Post from: Reef Builders

Tunze Osmolator magnet holder (3155.600) going for $32.55

Tunze Osmolator magnet holder (3155.600) going for $32.55

Slim Skim Performer new internal protein skimmer from Hydor

Brian Blank — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:17:01 +0000

The Slim-Skim Performer is a new internal protein skimmer from Hydor which seems to have a little more punch than the average internal skimmer. The skimmer features magnetic suction cup mounting, multiple venturi impellers all with a low power draw of 5W. There are no numbers for the air draw of this puppy yet but it does feature a toothed overflow-type surface water intake so its sure to grab the nasties floating on the tank’s surface. The skimmer measures about 7” x 4.25’ x 17.75” and is rated for tanks up to 65 gallons (48 gallons heavily stocked). Initial pricing is around £149.99 ($252 USD) in the UK. No word on availability in the U.S. market but we’ll be sure to report as soon as we get word.

[via Practical Fishkeeping]

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Slim Skim Performer new internal protein skimmer from Hydor

Slim Skim Performer new internal protein skimmer from Hydor

Planctonite introduces sweeper for protein skimmers

Ryan Gripp — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:32:59 +0000

Planctonite, a small company from Spain has introduced a “sweeper” similar to a skim clean which will clean the inside of your protein skimmer. Planctonite says that it could be connected to a timer such as a ProFilux or other high end aquarium controller. We all know the advantages of having a clean skimmer neck and while most of us clean this for ourselves it is nice to know we have another option than skim clean. These start out at €125.00 ($187) and you can order one here.

Update: Looks like Planctonite pulled the product already. Perhaps you dear readers bought to many? Planconite contacted us and they are working on the 2.0 version of this new sweeper product. Stay tuned.

During normal operation of a skimmer, the debris is accumulating in the neck of forming a (sometimes thick) layer that prevents the foam right ascension and preventing overflows to the collection cup.

Sweeper connects to a timer, or your AQUATRON, Profilux IKS, etc. ..and set it to activate a couple of minutes every hour. Its rubber brushes ’sweep’ the entire inner surface of the neck, removing the first layer of protein that has been formed, and to provide a basis for its massive accumulation if not withdrawn.

Sweeper is not a proper cleaning system is a system to avoid loss of efficacy over time of any skimmer.

As an added value, increased aid to the foam surface to ‘climb’ more easily by the neck, facilitating their arrival in the collection cup.

VIA: GBD [Planctonite]

Planctonite’s Stair style frag holder

Post from: Reef Builders

Planctonite introduces sweeper for protein skimmers

Planctonite introduces sweeper for protein skimmers

Wireless control of VorTech pump will soon be possible for third-party aquarium controllers

Ryan Gripp — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:35:16 +0000

Ecotech Marine made a splash today by announcing a development kit for their wireless interface. What this means is that 3rd party companies will be able to create products that interface with the wireless technology that is in select Vortech Pumps. Tim Marks the president of EcoTech Marine had this to say:

We are extremely excited to announce the release of a development kit for third-party aquarium controller companies allowing them to create a wireless interface to our VorTech aquarium pumps. In addition to offering customizable controllability of the VorTech remotely through your controller, EcoTech customers will be able to download firmware updates and be remotely updated as to the operating conditions of the VorTech. The limits of this platform are vast and are only just beginning to emerge as controller companies take interest and start working with the development kit.This kit will be available to the industry’s leading controller companies and we are working diligently with them to wrap up the arrangements necessary to bring controller interfaces to production. While we know that there are still many unanswered questions and we are working to provide those answers to you, this is all the information that we are able to announce at this time.

With this announcement we can expect to see a larger array of controlling devices on the market. Our first guess would be interfacing with popular controllers like Digital Aquatics’ Reef Keeper Elite, Neptune Systems Apex or GHL’s Profilux II (III?) aquarium controllers. This was probably one of, if not the highest requested features with the popular Vortech aquarium pumps. Who knows what else might show up to market in the months to come.

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Wireless control of VorTech pump will soon be possible for third-party aquarium controllers

Wireless control of VorTech pump will soon be possible for third-party aquarium controllers

Review of the Tunze Osmolator 3155 auto top off device with nifty magnet holder

Ryan Gripp — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:23:49 +0000

Tunze announced that their Osmolator 3155 would be getting some upgrades, the biggest of which would be a magnet holder system that would allow you to attach it to your sump, or aquarium. Recently I received a review unit to play around with and then I installed on a 20 gallon nano aquarium.

One of the biggest complaints with the Tunze Osomolator was the mounting or fixture device that attached the float and sensor valves to your sump or aquarium. It was a big pain. Generally, you had to get your caulk gun and pray that you had a largest sump to attach the sensors. No longer will this be necessary.

Tunze has borrowed from their Tunze Nanostreams Magnet and created a unique magnet that holds the sensors in place, allowing you the reef addict to attach the sensor just about anywhere you want. Tunze tells us that we won’t have to worry about magnetic fields interfering with the float valve as they have addressed this issue.

The newly upgraded 3155 does a great job of keeping my water at a constant level. The nicest part of the Tunze system is that it uses an optical sensor. Optical sensors are far more reliable than float switches which is used in most of the cheaper auto top off systems out on the market today. The reason is simple, they are just more reliable with upgraded technology, an optiacal eye versus what is essentially a “trip” system.

One big myth of optical systems is that “salt creep will clog the optical sensor.” What makes really makes this unit worth the money is the optical sensor, the thing just won’t fail. You won’t get false positives from an optical sensor like you will a standard float valve. If you have a decent sump or aquarium with water flow you won’t have to worry about salt screep “clogging” the optical sensor, with my test aquarium I have a low 500 GPH lone water pump through my sump area and haven’t had any problems.

There is an added calcium reactor (read: kalk reactor) that can be attached to this unit, which I have used in the past. This is a very simple way to get a steady PH while giving your corals the nutrients they need. Again, if you have a smaller aquarium its worth checking out as an additional upgrade item ($90) to the system. You’ll need to shake the reactor up and down every week to mix the kalk, and add kalk to replace what is used.

The Tunze Osmolator 3155 is great for aquariums under 100 gallons. If you have an aquarium over 100 gallons I wouldn’t suggest investing in this unit, as the pump is much to small to keep up with evaporation. I would love to see Tunze come out with an upgraded model to handle larger systems with ease, like those over 150 gallons with higher evaporation rates.

Overall this is the best automatic top of system you can buy. It has Tunze reliability and support along with advanced technology in the optical sensor. Who knew that by adding a magnet holder it would become an even more desirable product? This product needs to be on your wish list if it isn’t already.

More on Osmolator 3155 by Tunze

In 1983 already, TUNZE Aquarientechnik introduced the first water level regulator (Osmolator) to aquarism. TUNZE Aquarientechnik has developed a new generation of osmotic regulator with static and compact sensor in IR technology for constant water level regulation in freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It ensures osmotic stability in freshwater and saltwater aquariums by precisely and regularly compensating the evaporated water.
Osmolator Universal 3155 can be used as a supplement in cabinet filter plants, COMLINE quick-run filters or directly on the tank edge.

Water level regulator with two sensor holding devices, extension and numerous fastening accessories. It is suitable for use in cabinet filter plants, in Comline filters or on the edge of the aquarium.
This osmotic regulator can also be used in TUNZE SYSTEM cabinet filter plants. The sensors can be stuck to glass surfaces or can be fitted directly to the edge of the tank.
Delivery condition: Ready for mounting with power supply unit, metering pump, hose, sensor holding device
Metering pump capacity: 0.9 m (35.4 in.): 52 l/h (13.7 US gal./h); 1.5 m (59 in.): 47 l/h (12.4 US gal./h); 2 m (78.7 in.): 27 l/h (7.1 US gal./h); Hmax: 2.2 m (86.6 in.).

Metering pump capacity: 2.95ft: 13.74gph, 4.92ft: 12.42gph, 6.56ft: 7.13h, Hmax: 7.22ft

Delivery condition: Ready for mounting with power supply unit, metering pump, hose, sensor holding device.
Metering pump capacity: 0.9 m: 52 l/h, 1.5 m: 47 l/h, 2 m: 27 l/h, Hmax: 2.2 m

1. The precise water level is ensured by a non-wearing optical sensor and a transistor switch without any moving parts. This sensor is insensitive to soiling, light or magnetic fields.

Its “automatic eye” recognises the water level precisely, even small waves or level variations cannot irritate the unit.

2. An independent safety sensor with a separate power supply circuit and relay control ensures reliable overflow protection.

3. An electronic time controller and current limiter for the pump connected result in a higher operational safety. This unit protects the metering pump against running dry and reports an empty storage container.

4. All functions are clearly displayed by LEDs; safety messages are also indicated by acoustic signals.

5. The osmotic regulators are all operated at safety extra-low voltage.

Post from: Reef Builders

Review of the Tunze Osmolator 3155 auto top off device with nifty magnet holder

Review of the Tunze Osmolator 3155 auto top off device with nifty magnet holder

Digital Aquatics: MyReef for Elite and Lite coming, slowly

Ryan Gripp — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:43:59 +0000

Digital Aquatics has been on a tear lately with releasing new products, one of their latest products is their popular float valve that integrates without any problems. However, for those owning the Reef Keeper Elite (and lite) you have been waiting for some sort of monitoring software, an upgrade for the MyReef that will work on both the Elite and Lite systems. Digital Aquatics has announced via their support forum that yes MyReef is coming and we need to have some patience:

As soon as we have information that we’re willing to share publicly we’ll post in this forum section. Until we post, you can consider that no news means it’s still a work in progress. As stated, because of issues with competition and the outright copying of Digital Aquatics products and designs, we will be keeping 90% of the myReef details under wraps until the release. The other 10% (as I’m sure that was the next question…) are the features like programming and data logging that everyone can assume will be included.

Hopefully we will see the new software before the end of 2009, however due to the amazing amount of products that are being pushed out from Digital Aquatics we wouldn’t be surprised if it were delayed unit 1Q of 2010.

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Digital Aquatics: MyReef for Elite and Lite coming, slowly

Digital Aquatics: MyReef for Elite and Lite coming, slowly

Grey Seas Aquatics Compact 6 protein skimmer, first impressions

Brian Blank — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:26:25 +0000

We brought you the newest addition to the Grey Seas Aquatics line with the affordable Compact 6 protein skimmer the other week and we want to thank Dan at GSA for sending along an evaluation unit so we can put this skimmer to the test. GSA combined performance and affordability in this skimmer and so far so good. With a $249 price tag and a Sicce PSK-2500 meshwheel pump attached, you know you are going to get a no-frills skimmer that just works. My blue-collar reefing mantra is to know the difference between cheap and inexpensive and this one hits home providing an inexpensive, yet solid piece of equipment showing you can get good bang for your buck without breaking your reefing budget. More pictures and full review after the break.

You’re not going to see a lot of fancy CNC’d parts here, the Compact 6 uses a blend of simple, custom parts and off-the-shelf fittings to work. This skimmer can be plumbed either with the pump inside the skimmer body (taking up less space) or externally (easier access to the pump).The skimmer arrived with assembly required, so those of you looking for turnkey this one is going to take a little bit of work to get up and running but isn’t too difficult. The skimmer sports a 6” extruded acrylic body and 4” neck, not the beefiest of materials but one of the cost-cutting measures. A side note here, be very careful when adding the pump venture to the body, we noticed the face of the pump volute touched the skimmer body and it won’t take much to crack the body if you’re not careful. A reinforcement plate or some kind of soft rubber “biscuit” the shape of the skimmer body curve would be nice to help get a snug connection while protecting the skimmer body.

We did have some issues with the pump starting correctly and needed a little massaging to get it all going. From conversations with GSA it seems the pump we received had the impeller from the larger GS1 skimmer installed with more mesh causing the issues (GSA is sending out the proper impeller disc). Once started, the Sicce is a monster, producing a thick, white foam but we had to twist the pump casing a hair to get ours to kick start a few times before it would stay running, so we plumbed this externally which made for a tight fit in the small sump. Not as solid feeling as it is when plumbed internally, but it gets the job done with easy access to the pump.

We really liked the addition of the pressure-fit collection cup. The cup simply fits snugly on the body and needs only slight pressure to pull it up and out with its 1/2″ of clearance. The collection cup also features a 90-degree John Guest fitting for a waste drain allowing you to use a spare hunk of RO water line to collect the skimmate in a separate container. The skimmer also comes with an air inlet silencer, which you’ll need with this air-pulling beast.

This skimmer may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models but like its appearance, it’s plain and simple and does work well so far pulling some good skimmate after just 24 hours. We’re going to run this skimmer for a while to allow it to break in and really test out the performance factor. We’re hoping the initial pump issues were just part of the break in period and will go away with time to give us the chance to run it for an extended time plumbed both internally and externally, providing more performance updates down the road.

Post from: Reef Builders

Grey Seas Aquatics Compact 6 protein skimmer, first impressions

Grey Seas Aquatics Compact 6 protein skimmer, first impressions

Reef Builders -The Reef Aquarium Blog » Brands

Planctonite’s Stair style frag holder

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Reef Fusion 1 & 2: Seachem finally producing a two-part calcium & buffer solution

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Fauna Marin’s new Ultra Power Phos

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Tunze Osmolator magnet holder (3155.600) going for $32.55

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Slim Skim Performer new internal protein skimmer from Hydor

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Planctonite introduces sweeper for protein skimmers

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Wireless control of VorTech pump will soon be possible for third-party aquarium controllers

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Review of the Tunze Osmolator 3155 auto top off device with nifty magnet holder

More on Osmolator 3155 by Tunze

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Digital Aquatics: MyReef for Elite and Lite coming, slowly

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Grey Seas Aquatics Compact 6 protein skimmer, first impressions

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