Updated equipment on my reef tank

0m3n

AC Members
May 16, 2006
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Sydney, Australia
Just want your guys opnion on the updates ive recently added to my reef tank. Ive added a deltec mce 600 skimmer and a ecosystem 60. Im looking for a good quality wave maker tank dimenions are 48x18x14 (55gal). Ive also added a aqua one mg-1000 metal halide fixture recently.
 
Some good choices. The 2 150 watt fixtures will give you some nice options in the 55. I prefer an in sump skimmer but I've heard good things about the Deltec HOB model you have and Deltec has a good overall reputation as you know. I've not used a HOB the fuge either but it has to help if you don't have one plumbed as part of a sump set-up. Have any photos of your tank?
 
Unfortunatly i have not got a digital camera,i cant wait to ditch this fluval fx5 god its a nitrate factory and it spits out micro bubbles. Im using the miracle mud that came with the ecosystem has anyone had much exsperience with it? Also is the tunze wave box worth the money? Opinions people
 
I don't use a wavemaker personally. I get so much current from the powerheads and incoming flow from the sump that I doubt I'll add one to my 55.

I don't use Miracle Mud but it does need to be replaced every 6 months I believe.
 
You can always try a controlled Tunze stream to simulates some wave movement. While some use a wave box on smaller tanks, I think you are wasting a lot of its capabilities (you will have to turn it down quite a bit). I am not sure how adequate the MCE600 is on that size tank. I would have looked into the AP600, myself. Deltec is a good choice, however. I love my APF600 on my 75. Gives me a full cup (entire large skimmer cup) full of skimmate every 2-3 days with only 3 small fish.
 
Eww Amp what are you putting in the water to draw that much skimate? (kidding...sorta)


Not sure. It did that even before my anemone problem. Nothing extraordinary. I feed extra sparingly, too, allowing the fish to hunt for themselves for the most part. The skimmer just picks up the smallest amount of anything.

the mce600 i way way way over rated for my 55 gal it pulls out a full cup every 2 days

Yes, that is by Deltec USA's rating. Even they tend to overestimate their size recommendations a little. Out of experience, I wouldn't consider it oversized, but rather, well-matched. I am by no means putting the skimmer down--it is pretty much the best hang-on-tank model on the market (along with Tunze).
 
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