Tag: Product Reviews

Red Sea Reefer Review: Honest Assessment From a Long-Time Reefer

The Red Sea Reefer genuinely changed how people think about hobby reef tanks. Before it, a clean rimless system with a quality sump took real effort to piece together. the Reefer packaged that experience into something turnkey. I don’t take sponsorships, so I can tell you honestly: the Reefer is worth the price premium for reefers who value clean aesthetics and a well-engineered sump from day one, but it’s not the only path. Here’s my full review so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your setup and budget.

Features
Craftsmanship
Ease of Use
Value for Money
Product Support
Price

In a hurry? I recommend purchasing the Red Sea Reefer 350

Features

The Red Sea Reefer is loaded with many features. It’s so much more than a glass box. It all starts with the construction.

Glass Construction

Red Sea has one of the most transparent manufacturing processes on the market. The only aquarium manufacture that comes close is Elos. Here is the quality and care you will get from every Red Sea Reefer that is created for you:

Ultra clear front and side glass. All glass is beveled edge glass
All cut glass edges are ground down to size and polished on all all 4 sides
Each piece of glass that is cut is inspected for blemishes
Aquariums are assembled in batches of 20 units per model
They are then stored for 3 to 6 days to allow for the silicone to cure
All aquariums and sumps are then water tested for 24 hours to ensure they do not leak
They are then hand-cleaned and polished
A final QC inspection is done before the system is boxed for shipment

You can see the full video of their manufacturing process process of their display tanks, sumps, and cabinets. It’s quite impressive!

Overflow System and Plumbing

The overflow box and system on the Red Sea Reefer is based on the bean animal design. The bean animal is considered the best practice for reef tank plumbing to day and creates a silent down flow system. Many cheaper systems still use an old style durso system, which can be loud and not as fail-safe as the bean animal. Due to using the bean animal design, the Reefer overflow is very quiet. The main thing is adjusting the drain valve.

The Reefer comes with a standard control knob showed below. You just turn the knob clockwise to raise the weir water system and counter clockwise to lower it. You slowly adjust until your overflow becomes quiet. Just make sure you adjust slightly and give it a few minutes for your aquarium system to adjust. Once you have the level right, it’s a set it and forgot it design. The box itself is easy to take apart and clean out.

Below you can see the plumbing on an installed system. The Reefer comes with all the plumbing parts ready to go so you don’t have to worry about cutting pipes or going to the hardware store to get pipes. My one critique is the lack of unions. I do know that some aquarists upgrade the system by adding unions and replacing the knob with a Spears gate valve. It’s really up to you. I’d go with unions myself, but it’s not needed.

Sump

The sump on the older Reefer systems used to be it’s biggest weak point. Since the V3 redesign, the sump is more on par with other competitors like WaterBox. The main upgrades from the V3 design is a better cup system that supports media cups, a separate refugium section, adjustable baffles, and the ATO reservoir housing itself on top of the sump.

The refugium wall is also removable if you do not want to use it. This gives you the flexibility of either having a 2 stage or 3 stage sump.

Below is the outline of the Reefer 425 sump so you can see the different configurations available. The height on the skimmer chamber can also be adjusted to suit multiple protein skimmers without having to purchase a skimmer stand. There are multiple holders for media cups, filter bags, and filter socks. There shouldn’t be any issues with air bubbles given the baffle design. They really put a lot of design work in the redesign to give you the most options possible.

The water management system sits at the top of the sump. Because of how it sits now, you get a lot more space to house all your equipment controllers and plugs. I really like how everything fits on one side. They put a wall between the sump and all your equipment. You do not have to worry about salt creep getting into your outlets and have the room to really design your control panel on your reef system. There have been a crazy amount of cool designs and inspirations you can find online from other Reefer owners. The options are endless!

Cabinets

As we saw in Red Sea’s manufacturing process, the cabinet has as much quality in the construction process as the aquarium itself. Every board is hand-finished and cleaned in the construction. The Reefer cabinets are constructed from MDF. The top of the line Reefer Concept models are made of plywood with adjustable feet. Because the cabinet is built for the aquarium, it seamlessly follows the contour of the glass and gives a very modern look

The cabinets are available in either black or white finishes. I’m partial to the white finish. The cabinets are a far superior than what you would normally get at a chain pet store and you would have to be put quite a bit of effort to construct one of similar quality yourself.

Craftsmanship

Red Sea has been the pioneer in our industry when it comes to creating the first ever ready to run reef aquarium system. There have been attempts in the past with reef ready systems, but you still had to do the plumbing yourself and build or get a sump. Red Sea has taken all the guess work and skill out. It is a well designed and carefully engineered product line.

The plumbing is now colored and no gluing is required. The overflow is clean and top notch. They go with a simple approach to plumbing because they are targeting the masses versus the hard core reefers who want every toy in their system.

They have even gone so far as to create their own line of skimmers, LED lights, and wavemakers in order to make your decision easier when you can literally just buy everything Red Sea to get yourself started. The only thing Red Sea hasn’t made of their own line is their return pump – which I’m happy with. Just mate this system with a Sicce pump and never worry about it failing again!

Value For Money

Red Sea Reefers seem expensive at first, but you need to account for everything you get out of the system when you purchase it. They are also available in a variety of models and lines for multiple budgets. The Reefer line is separated into the following lines

Reefer
XL
Peninsula
XXL and 3XL

The Original Model

The Reefer series is the original model. This is the line that made ready to run aquariums mainstream. All other ready to run manufacturers are judged against this line. It is one of the best reef aquariums available on the market today. They start at 21 gallons and go up to a 4 foot long 73 gallon system.

The XL

The Reefer XL models takes the Reefer concept, but works on maximizing aquascaping space. These models all have 22.6″ wide and 22″ high dimensions. They stay as close to the ideal 24″ wide and high dimensions that aquascapers love. These cabinets are also upgraded with plywood versus MDF.

Peninsula

The Reefer Peninsula are a top of line model that are see through from 3 sides. They are great to place as a room divider or in an office. The cabinets have additional features here like a ventilated compartment for chiller and control systems.

The XXL and 3XL

These are the beast systems. The are some of the largest ready to run reef aquariums you can buy today. No expense is spared here. Super clear and super thick low iron glass is used. On The largest system, you get a split sump system and a dual return setup so you have redundancy on the returns.

Ease of Use

Red Sea Reefers are easy to put together and well constructed. Below are two sample images of their instruction booklet. The first is the cabinet assembly instructions. I feel that the cabinet install is fairly straight forward. The instructions aren’t as clear as Waterbox, but the components are easy to identify.

The next photo is the plumbing install. The images aren’t as clear, but there are so many pictures and videos online of folks who have put together these systems that it shouldn’t be too difficult even for a beginner to put everything together. RedSea lacks a video of the actual install, which I feel is a downer.

Red Sea Reefer Install Instructions Aquarium

Product Support

The product support isn’t really from Red Sea themselves, but from the community. When you purchase the Red Sea Reefer, you enter into an exclusive club of Reefer owners. There is even a private Facebook group for owners that Red Sea promotes where you can connect with other owners and share tips.

Other forums like Reef2Reef even have their own Reefer trends and some of the big marine clubs have their own little Reefer cliques. It’s pretty cool how the community of owners are super passionate and work together to make other hobbyists successful. You will find the community of Reefer owners as one of the most passion hobbyists out there and are very open about sharing their successes and failures in the hobby with you.

Outside of the community. Red Sea now offers a 3 year warranty for 2020 models and beyond. This was a response to other competitors like Waterbox taking market share away from them. I’m glad to see competition pushing Red Sea to push for a better warranty. The days of lifetime warranties from manufacturers like Aqueon seem to be fading away these days.

Price

The Red Sea, while it executes simplicity and quality at a very high level, has also received criticism for being expensive. On the surface, Reefer prices seem very expensive, but we have to look at the value their bring by having everything in a kit in an easy to assemble package. To build similar you would need to:

Purchase a rimless aquarium
Obtain plumbing parts, glue everything yourself, and find colored PVC
Build or purchase a separate aquarium sump
Get an overflow box and possibility drill the tank to install it.
Purchase an aquarium cabinet or get one made of similar quality

Most people will go with a standard rimmed tank to save money. This will not present as well aesthetically as the Reefer. Also, many reefers tend to purchase the best available for their budgets. As a result, they often go overbudget. It’s not uncommon for a full set purchase to be near the cost of a set package like a Reefer. Other times the time cost of money of DIY’ing a solution is a major consideration.

So in my mind, I feel that the Red Sea offers great value for someone looking to build a high quality setup. Most reef owners tend to go high end because they want the best for their coral reef systems and aquatic animals. To me the upfront investment is worth it.

Comparision: The Waterbox

The biggest consideration for someone looking at these systems is which is better – Red Sea or Waterbox. There are a number of differences and I can list them here. Overall, they both have their strength and personally I feel the Waterbox is a better buy if you are trying to future proof or get a white cabinet:

Waterbox’s plumbing has a manifold, Red Sea’s does not
Waterbox has unions. Red Sea uses elbows for a simpler install
The overflow on the Waterbox is 100% glass while the Red Sea overflow is acrylic on the teeth. Waterbox’s overflow will be more resistant to scratches long-term
White finishes are cheaper for Waterbox models then Red Sea white finishes
The cabinet quality on the Red Sea overall is superior. The higher end models of the Reefer have leveling feet
The community I feel is superior on the Red Sea. Red’s community is older and more broad. Waterbox is still developing theirs
The Red Sea brand name is strong and has greater resale value
Red Sea warranty is better

Neither system includes a return pump. I would highly recommend you purchase a Sicce AC or DC Pump to complete your aquarium.

Closing Thoughts

Red Sea Reefers offer great value for aquarists who want a how quality build without having to go through the headache of picking all the parts separately. It’s a ready made solution and Red Sea has only components in their system like proteins skimmers that integrate with the aquarium. They were the pioneers when they debuted the first generation models and today they continue to set the bar for quality.

References

Seriously Fish — Species profiles and care data
FishBase — Taxonomy and scientific data
Practical Fishkeeping — Husbandry and care advice

November 7, 2020

Nyos Skimmer Review – AN IN-DEPTH LOOK

Nyos skimmers have developed a loyal following in the reef community, and after evaluating them alongside the more established brands, I can see why. The needle wheel design and build quality stand out immediately. I approach every equipment review the same way I’ve approached gear for 25 years in this hobby. what does it actually do in a real tank, and is it worth what you’re paying?

Looking for the very best Protein Skimmer available for your saltwater aquarium today? If so, you have come to the right place. Today, I go in-depth with a Nyos Skimmer review!

As you may have read in my Best Protein Skimmer round up article, Protein skimmers have become a staple piece of equipment for many reef tanks. It all started with the Berlin method that became popular when I started up reefing back in the early 90s. Everyone swears by their protein skimmer, and we can see why with so many successful reef tanks running them. So what makes the Nyos Quantum so unique? Let’s find out shall we?

My reviews are fairly structured. I’m going to be reviewing the following with the categories with this protein skimmer line:

Features
Craftsmanship
Ease of Use
Value For Money
Product Support
Price

In a hurry? I recommend purchasing the Nyos Quantum 160

Nyos Skimmer Review – Features

The Nyos skimmer prides itself by it’s extreme performance. This is a result of the massive amount of air and water it drives through it’s skimming chamber. This is achieved by their Nyos Twister technology. The twister is an additional blade that is added to the usual bubble plate you will see in most protein skimmers. This blade gives the bubbles an additional cycle within the bubble vortex. What this does is create additional contact time for the air bubbles in the water column.

A protein skimmer lives and dies off the contact time. The more contact time the better for a skimmer. This is why recirculating skimmers are popular at the high-end of the hobby. Nyos achieves a recirculating effect all within a small footprint.

The next feature to speak of is the quiet operation of the skimmer. I’ve worked with skimmers that do a great job, but are very loud. Given that the Nyos is a premium level skimmer, I would expect it to be dead quiet. I purchase a skimmer like this for the performance and it’s silent operation. Not only is it one of the quietest skimmers on the market, it is also energy efficient even without using a DC pump!

The pump is built off what Nyos calls the Nyos Hybrid Wheel. This is a specialty designed impeller that combines the advantages of a needle wheel and lattice wheel. It is an AC pump, which I personally love because I know AC pumps are generally more reliable than DC pumps. The pump is placed in a clear view reactor. This is a clear impeller cover that lets you see the function of the skimmer. This allows you to visually inspect the protein skimmer to see if there are any obstructions that need to be cleaned out. The pump will operation best in a water level of 8 – 10 inches on all Quantum models

Craftsmanship

The Nyos has nothing cheap built into it. When you pull it out of the box, the first thing you will notice is the weight of skimmer. There are no cheap plastic and thick high quality acrylic. It comes with titanium screws so you do not have to worry about your screws rusting out. Below is a image of the Nyos Twister blade.

Nyos Twister — Image Courtesy of Marine Depot

The Nyos is built to be compact and does not use externally mounted or large bulky pumps. This not only allows it to fit in smaller aquarium sumps, but also makes it quiet and easy to maintain. The Nyos skimmer is designed and built in Germany. There is are no corners cut with its design and it shows not only in its parts, but its looks. It looks cool just sitting in your sump. For those of you who like to make aesthetically pleasing sump setups, this skimmer is a great additions for its looks and it’s performance.

Ease Of Use (Installation)

The Nyos built to be plug in play. In my experience, this is the quickest skimmer to break in among all the skimmers I have worked with. Many lower end skimmers will take several weeks to break in until they start performing the way they should. The Nyos gets off running. They usually break in after a day or so.

They are built to be simple to use. It has two adjustment values for the air intake and the chamber level. The collection cup is also generous in size and goes a while before needing to be replaced. The cup comes off easily by twisting off.

While the instruction manual does not have pictures illustrating install, EcoTech Marine does provide a video showing how to assemble and install the skimmer. I have supplied the video below for your reference so you can view it when you purchase it.

Value For Money

The Nyos Skimmer from first look seems like a very expensive skimmer. When you look at the quality of construction and features that this skimmer has, you can see how it stands out from many of the its competitors in the marketplace. A Nyos has been known to be too good at its job and has to be dialed back in order to control nutrient levels. This to me is a hallmark for a skimmer. A good unit should be able to run on its own without added equipment.

A quality skimmer should be able to run with just this unit and the biological filtration coming from the rock in the aquarium and the micro fauna that is breeding in the refugium. The Nyos can achieve this balance in a heavily stocked tank without missing a beat.

Models

The Nyos Quantum comes in 4 different models that can handle from 40 gallons all the way up to 1000 gallons. The 160 is the most popular of the entire lineup.

Product Support

Nyos Skimmers are distributed in the US by EcoTech Marine. EcoTech marine is well known in the reefing hobby for producing high-end equipment and having excellent customer server. EcoTech marine provides the support for Nyos. They are typically fast to respond to phone or email inquires.

The main downfall with the Nyos protein skimmers are their warranty. You only get a 1 year warranty. This is disappointing given the Germany quality engineering and the fact that the pump runs of AC power. However, looking at other brands like Reef Octopus and Deltec, you will see similar short warranty periods. The longest warranty I’ve seen for a distributed protein skimmer has been Simplicity which offers a 3 year warranty.

The Nyos website it linked back to Germany or something, but they’re actually distributed in the USA by Ecotech Marine. Most people already know Ecotech’s reputation for being a well-established exceptional company. They respond to inquiries extremely fast via both phone and email.

One issue we ran into when it came to contacting them was we were informed that during some warranty issues a credit card actually gets held to ensure everything runs smoothly. The next was for price point. The prices on them for a skimmer with a 1-year warranty we think is a little high. But, there is room for a slight margin of error. When we called the company we got 5 different answers. 3 people told us that the warranty in the USA is only 1-year, but 2-years in the UK and Germany. 2 people told us the warranty is 2-years no matter where the skimmer is sold.

Either way, no one seemed to really know. They should be ranked #1, but we couldn’t seem to get solid answers about how long the warranty actually is or how the warranty issues are actually handled. The only thing for sure when it comes to Nyos skimmers is they perform exceptionally well and are backed by one of the best companies in the USA.

Price

The price for this skimmer may seem very high at first. We have to compare apples to apples though. The Nyos is one of the few German made skimmers out on the market. A fair comparison would be to compare these to the Daltec and Bubble King brands of the hobby. A bubble king is typically going to be 50% more expensive than the Nyos while the Daltecs are going to be slightly more expensive, but less feature rich.

Compared to an equivalent German made protein skimmer they actually are an economical option. Knowing that however, the Nyos does not perform economically. It is an elite performing protein skimmer with stellar support from their EcoTech distributor.

Closing Thoughts

The Nyos Quantum skimmer represents the best of the best when it comes to protein skimmers. It is the best mix of simple to operation and elite performance. The German engineer and quality really make this skimmer stand out for all others on the market. With EcoTech backing support for US distribution, you have great customer service behind the product. If you are looking for the absolute best skimmer on the market today, the Nyos my choice for any top-end reef setup.

You can see the ratings below from me and my editor’s choice badge that these skimmers receive. Since I’m open to all reviews, you can leave your own reviews below. I’m all about being an unfiltered source of reviews for our reefing community. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

🔧 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Aquarium Equipment & Gear Guide. your ultimate resource for filters, heaters, lights, pumps, tanks, and more.

August 23, 2020

IceCap Gyre 2K Review: Is the Second Generation Worth the Upgrade?

The original Gyre wavemaker was a genuine innovation when it launched. the crossflow design eliminated dead spots in a way that traditional powerheads just can’t, and I thought the first-gen IceCap Gyre was one of the best values in reef flow equipment at the time. The 2K and 4K second-generation models pushed performance further, but also pushed the price. I don’t accept sponsorships, so here’s my honest take on whether the upgrade is worth it and how the Gyre 2K stacks up against the competition for reef tanks in the 100. 200 gallon range.

The 1st generation of IceCap’s Gyres was in my opinion the best value in aquarium wavemakers on the market. Today, I look at IceCap’s latest Gyre 2K and 4K 2nd generation models and see if they still continue to deliver value.

My reviews are fairly structured. I’m going to be reviewing the following with the categories with these kits:

Features
Craftsmanship
Ease of Use
Value For Money
Product Support
Price

In a hurry? I recommend purchasing the IceCap Gyre 2K

IceCap Gyre Features

The IceCap 2K Gyre has a number of improvement over the last generation 1K models. The output has been upgraded to 2,000 gallons per hour and it now can be controlled via wifi.

The new wifi app is called CoralVue Hydros. It’s the same mobile app that is used on the Hydros WaveEngine controller. The new app also you to program the Gyre on your phone using presents and triggers. Modes are always available like a feed mode that shuts down the pump. Below is a screenshot of the app. It is a simple to use app that CoralVue has a number of videos available that explain how to use the app.

One observation with the WiFi is that it only runs off 2.4 ghz. It does not run off the modern 5 ghz band. Make sure you have a router that runs 2.4 and 5 ghz bands. Most wifi routers do have dual bands so it’s likely not going to be an issue for most users.

The new controller that runs the Gyre 2K and 4K can actually run up to two pumps. This is an improvement to the prior generation model that had to have a controller for each pump. You can even run two pumps off a single power supply. This reduces clutter in your aquarium cabinet. It’s an added plus feature with this newest generation.

The design of the 2nd generation Gyres look similar to the prior models, with exception to the impeller blades. In the prior models, they were black. In the 2K and 4K models they are a orange color. IceCap does include black impellers that you can switch out though. I would encourage you to switch to the black ones as the orange ones can look odd in the tank when the pump isn’t running. The magnet can work on aquariums up to 1/2″ thick in glass.

IceCap Gyre Craftsmanship

The craftsmanship on the IceCap Gyre is solid just like the last generation. It’s licensed technology from MaxSpect. Maxspect was the original designer of the Gyre technology. It is a cheaper version of the MaxSpect gyre, but I don’t feel any significant cost cutting measures were taken. The impeller design is simple and easy to take apart.

Thepower outlet comes from the top. The Gyre, like all other Wavemakers not named EcoTech has the power outlet on the wet side of the aquarium. Since Gyres are places near the top of an aquarium, I don’t feel it takes away from the look of the tank. It some display tanks, it may blends into the backgrounds and look like part of the return.

Ease Of Use (Installation)

This is where the IceCap Gyre really stands out. CoralVue has done a stellar job of producing video content on how to setup and use the Gyre. I’m going to list them all here so you have a quick guide when you purchase the unit.

Installation and Operation

This video will walk you through the Gyre parts and the setup to install in your aquarium

Pump Controller Setup

This video walks you through the install setup of the Hydros mobile app

Controller Configuration

This video walks you through flow configurations available off the Hydros app and how to program your Gyre.

https://youtu.be/WExf_POvVt4

Value For Money

There are three comparisons I need to make on the Gyre. The first is comparing it to the MaxSpec XF Gyres. The IceCap 2K and 4K Gyres are superior value in comparison to the MaxSpect. In my opinion, there isn’t much to justify the additional price tag of the XF. This is specifically true now with the CoralVue Hydros app.

The next comparision is against the high end wavemakers on the market. Comparing to the EcoTech MP, the IceCap Gyre 2K and 4K are a superior value. A IceCap 2K Gyre can easily power a 3 foot long tank with no dead spots. The equivalent setup for an MP would require two units. This makes a Gyre a much cheaper alternative for a wavemaker in a reef tank

The last comparison is against the prior IceCap 1K and 3K models. There has been a significant price increase over the 1K and 3K due to the controller. The 1K Gyre used to be an incredible value. It’s a shame that the 2K model has a much higher price tag. However, the controller is a significant improvement and if you run a tank that needs to run 2 gyres like a 6 foot long tank, The IceCap will be a great value for you.

Models

Below are the available IceCap Gyre models available today. The 2K will work for up to 3 foot long tanks. The 4K is a more powerful version that is recommended for higher flow demand environments such as an SPS tank.

Product Support

IceCap is sold by CoralVue. They have been a manufacture of OEM parts for major years in the industry and are the exclusive distributor or brands such as IceCap. One thing that really stands out with CoralVue is their customer support. They go the extra mile to reach out to you and are regularly involved in hobbyist forums. As you also saw, they have been getting into video content more which has been helpful in understanding how to use the products you purchase.

The cons with Gyres in general are their warranties. You only get a 1 year warranty on them. That is a vast different from the old AC wave makers that would offer multi-year warranties. I still feel they serve great value even with their shorter warranty.

Price

Price is the biggest change with this newest generation Gyre from IceCap. The prior generation was a bargain at the price it was sold at. This new generation has had a significant price increasedue to the wifi enabled controller. While it can be more expensive for a tank that only requires one Gyre, the price becomes more reasonable when you are running 2 or me Gyres. This is because the controller can operate 2 gyres so you can save a good bit of money just buying the pump only for the 2nd Gyre.

While overall it is more expensive than the last generation, it is still cheaper than the higher end wavemakers on the market. I feel it’s still a great value for reef tank owners looking for a wavemaker that is set and forget and not complicated to use.

Closing Thoughts

The IceCap Gyre 2K and 4K are great value for what they offer to a reef tank owner. It is one of the more comprehensive wavemaker solutions that won’t break the bank. The new wifi feature on the controller is a great update from the prior generation and worth the added cost. CoralVue as a distributor has a solid reputation for customer service. I feel that you cannot go wrong with a CoralVue distributed product. This is an excellent wavemaker overall.

You can see the ratings below from me and my best value badge that these series of aquariums receive. Since I’m open to all reviews, you can leave your own reviews below. This provides the community with an unfiltered source of reviews. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

References

Seriously Fish — Species profiles and care data
FishBase — Taxonomy and scientific data
Practical Fishkeeping — Husbandry and care advice

August 7, 2020

WaterBox Aquarium Review – An IN-DEPTH Look

Waterbox aquariums have become a serious competitor in the all-in-one reef tank market, and after spending time evaluating them, I understand the appeal. The cabinetry, the rimless glass quality, and the integrated filtration compartment are all clearly designed by people who actually keep reef tanks. I approach every review the same way. no sponsorships, no paid placements, just an honest look at whether the product is worth your money.

Looking for a reef ready system that that delivers on quality and simplicity? If so, you have come to the right place as today I do a comprehensive Waterbox Aquarium Review. Waterbox has taken it to Red Sea with highly quality reef ready systems that are approachable even for a beginner saltwater aquarium owner. As you may have read in my Best Rimless Tank round up article, the Waterbox Aquariums systems are a great way to get started in the saltwater hobby.

They got my best value award for having such great features at a fair price, however, I didn’t have the space in the article to talk about their entire line and go in depth on all their features. This post, I will dive in so you can see what makes WaterBox Aquariums stand out so much in an industry I feel at times can be seen as overly complex to beginners.

I will go over the following:

Features
Craftsmanship
Ease of Use
Value For Money
Product Support
Price

In a hurry? I recommend purchasing the WaterBox Reef Series 130.4

WaterBox Features

The WaterBox tanks are loaded with features. It’s more than just a box of glass.

Glass Construction

The WaterBox Aquarium is built to be a run to run system. It starts off with the aquarium itself which is made of Ultra Clear Starphire glass. This glass is made of low iron. Due to the low iron make up, it has better clarity than a traditional glass tank. It’s clarity rivals an acrylic tank – the gold standard of clarity when it comes to aquariums. Ultra Clear Starphire really comes into it’s own when you are looking at larger tanks. Given that most of the tanks that WaterBox sells are going to be over 100 gallons, Starphire makes a lot of sense for those looking for high quality display tanks.

The entire construction of the glass is put together with straight edged black silicon. The edges are put together with a straight-edging technique that not only gives the aquarium great strength, but a clean look. There are budget rimless tanks that will show poor quality seems where you still see the silicone stick out. Waterbox’s silicone technique is top notch and clean.

Overflow System and Plumbing

Now let’s talk about the overflow system. Waterbox uses a full glass overflow. This is very different than other reef ready systems that use an acrylic overflow. An acrylic overflow have serious drawback in that they scratch over time. The glass overflow has etched teeth and are far easier to clean off than an acylic overflow. What I always loved about glass is you can just take a blade to it to pull off coralline algae. It’s more difficult with acrylic. Your best bet with acrylic is a credit card or a special plastic scrapper. I always felt the glass scrapers were superior.

The overflow system takes use to the plumbing work. This is where Waterbox shines. They use a manifold system with hard colored PVC plumbing. They also come with quick disconnect unions and a gate valve. The drains are a bean animal style¹ – the current industry best practice. You can see a video below from the manufacturer that goes over the plumbing system. There wasn’t a plumbing system like this when Waterbox came to the scene. It is still the main feature that wins me over with them.

Sump

These are the best sumps included in a ready to run aquarium system that I have seen. It’s a rimless glass sump that has it clean separate chambers. The sump below is the Reef 130.4 Sump.

You can see this is a true mult-stage sump with a sock chamber, skimmer reactor, pump and ATO section. The ATO section is a great feature. While the Reef models only have a skimmer chamber, the larger Reef Pro models have a skimmer and refugium section. I love the rimless design as there are no braces in the way. The skimmer reactor chamber is also very generous, allowing for oversized skimmers.

Cabinets

The Waterbox cabinets for the Reef, Pro and Peninsula series are made of hardwood and are heavy duty UV coated. This is a step above the standard MDF that you will see from budget cabinet manufacturers – and much better than what you would you would purchase at a typical pet store. They are available in either black or white finishes. Personally, I’m partial to the white finish.

Another great touch are the soft close doors. The hinges are PVC coated. This is another great feature by Waterbox as standard hinges are known for rusting out over time. The doors operate via push open which means you don’t need to have door handles installed. I like this touch as well. It makes the cabinet look clean and modern.

The cabinet is designed with a brace off center. This is down so you have full access to the tank without an annoying middle brace in the way of everything. You will see the same feature on their larger 5 and 6 foot tanks. I like this touch and on the larger systems it really allows you to be creature and design a control command center.

WaterBox Craftsmanship

I love the engineering though and fit and finish of these systems. The plumbing is colored and no gluing is required. The overflow is professional designed. The manifold system makes your system future proof. The cabinets are excellent. And that’s all without mentioning the aquarium itself which is well put together.

Value For The Money

Waterbox Aqariums seem expensive at first, but you have to take into account what you are getting. They are also available in a number of sizes folks of all budget prices and purchase them. Let’s talk about their main series of models, the Reef Series.

Reef Series

The reef series offers a full reef ready system with a bean animal overflow and drain, manifold, cabinet, and sump. Waterbox aquariums are easy to understands with their models. The first number is a rounded up total volume of the system. The number after the period is the length of the tank. An an example, the Reef 130.4 would be 130 gallons of total volume and 4 feet long. Below are all the reef aquarium series models:

Peninsula Series

The peninsula are the top of the line models for Waterbox. These have the overflow on the left side of the tank giving you a full 3 sided view of the display tank. All sumps have an optional fuge baffle you can install for a true 3 stage sump. Below on the Peninsula models available:

Ease of Use

Waterbox Aquariums are very easy to put together. Below is an excerpt from their instruction manual. They label all their parts and take you through each step in detail. The cabinet includes leveling feet included and the hinges can be adjusted.

The cabinet construction is probably the most difficult piece of the set to put together. If you ever put together a piece of furniture from IKEA together, this will be no different for you.

The plumbing system would be the next area of the install. Waterbox posts a great video walking you through the plumbing system and the entire install. It’s much easier to see the video and for me to type it all up in the post. Check out the video for the walk through when you go instal the plumbing.

Product Support

The Waterbox team fully supports their product with excellent customer support and instruction videos to guide you along the way. They also have been getting into content discussing best practices in aquarium keeping.

The aquariums are backed by a 2 year warranty. For a set compared to Red Sea, this is better. However, from the old school manufacturers like Aqueon or brands you can only purchase from a local fish store like Planet – this is a subpar warranty. I understand that Waterbox is putting a warranty on the entire set. I just feel their customers would feel a bit more reassured if the aquariums came with a 3 or even 5 year warranty instead of 2.

Price

Price is a sensitive topic when it comes to ready to run aquariums. Many buyers are initially shocked at the stick price because they seem very expensive from the on set. Let’s talk about what you are getting and go from there. These aquariums come with:

A rimless low iron glass tank
Colored plumbing section with unions, gate valve, and manifold assembly
A rimless 3 stage sump with ATO chamber
Bean animal overflow system
Stylish modern cabinet that is UV coated
Colored background

Waterboxs often get unfairly compared to the classic DIY cheap pet store rimmed tank build. Let’s think about what we would need to do to build a system like this:

Purchase a Rimless tank
Paint it
Drill it
Get an external bean-animal style overflow
Purchase all the colored plumbing, unions, gate values, etc
Cut and glue all our piping together — and pray it doesn’t leak when you test it
Build a cabinet of similar quality and paint
Build a DIY custom sump or purchase a sump

Most people will go with a standard rimmed tank to save money, which won’t look as nice as a Waterbox. With all the labor involved and research to build a DIY setup, you can see the value in these tanks. At the end of the day, the price difference is not that material when comparing making a build of similar quality and look.

So my assessment is they seem expensive, but not as expensive as you think when you factor in the time, research, and money involved in building your own setup of similar quality.

Closing Thoughts

Waterbox Aquariums have great value for what they offer. It would be challenging to build a similar quality aquarium setup without DIY knowledge and even then the amount of labor and time involved many not be worth for some. Waterbox offers a ready to go product that is of superior quality. You can see the ratings below from me and my best value badge that these series of aquariums receive. Since I’m open to all reviews, you can leave your own reviews below. This provides the community with an unfiltered source of reviews. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

July 29, 2020

Twinstar LED review – An IN-DEPTH look

Planted tank lighting is one of those areas where the wrong choice sets you back months of growth and algae frustration. I’ve evaluated a lot of LED fixtures over the years for planted setups, and Twinstar has carved out a strong reputation in the high-end segment. particularly for tanks that need both excellent PAR and a natural spectrum. Here’s my in-depth look at whether it lives up to that reputation.

Looking for the very best planted tank LED available for your aquarium today? If so, you have come to the right place. Today, I go in-depth and do a Twinstar LED review. I’ll go through what’s new, their features, and what makes them so superior compared to all other planted tank led systems on the market.

As you may have read in my Best Planted Tank LED round up article, LEDs have become the technology to use for growing plants. The energy efficiently and programmability of the units have created easy to use lights. Twinstar’s focus on their lights is performance and aesthics. What you will see in this review is that not all LED are created equal. Twinstar nails full spectrum and spread like no other planted LED maker on the market. among the various players out there.

My reviews are fairly structured. I’m going to be reviewing the following with Twinstar LED light series:

Features
Craftsmanship
Ease of Use
Value For Money
Product Support
Price

In a hurry? I recommend purchasing the Twinstar E Series!

Twinstar LED Review. Light Features

The Twinstar prides itself as the a true full spectrum aquarium light system. When it comes to assessing the fit of an LED fixture for aquarium usages we look at the following factors

PAR Strength (Intensity)
Spectrum
Spread

PAR¹ strength is something that many LED fixture will easily meet. LEDs in general are very intense so this isn’t the sole metric we should focus on in assessing a planted tank LED. However, it is something that is readily available from Twinstar. Below are the values of the 600E series. The PAR values below here are good enough to light up the vast majority of plants in a planted aquarium.

Having a true full spectrum is the big difference factor between a cheap light and a high quality light. Very few LEDs on the market can really bring out the reds of red plants. The benchmark for planted tank LEDs are the ADA Solar RGBs. The problem is the Solar RGB is not only hard to find, but also very expensive. The Twinstar LED light is considered a copy of the ADA Solar RGB spectrum. It’s the gold standard in planted LEDs, without the extreme price of the ADA. The Twinstar LED light also does not have fans, which make them excellent for quiet rooms

Let’s talk about another factor in these lights. These lights come with a diffuser built in. Look at the photo below. You can see the diffuser in action. A diffuser is a must in the planted tank world. If you are growing an aquascape of mostly tall plants like a Dutch Aquascape, shadowing becomes a major deal. The diffuser eliminates the problem. You won’t see this feature in many planted tank LEDs and I’m puzzled why it’s excluded is many other fixtures on the market.

The Twinstar is feature heavy on the core function of the light – PAR, full spectrum, and spread. Regarding controllability that’s where this fixture falls short. There is no fancy controller or app that runs on wifi and you can’t mess with the spectrum through a tuner. I rather like it that way. It makes it simple to use and less prone to electronic failure.

Craftsmanship

Twinstar’s craftsmanship is top notch. The thing I love about this light is there are no fans. That makes the light ideal for quiet rooms. The light is not made in China, and it shows. It’s sleek smooth, and looks very clean presented on a tank. They can either come in aluminum brackets or acrylic ones. I personally prefer the acrylic bracket

Ease of Use

This is by far one of the easiest planted tank LEDs for advanced hobbyists. The light comes with brackets that hold up the light at the ideal height for proper spread and PAR output. Because the LED is designed for the best full spectrum not the highest PAR, it is not necessary to use a PAR meter to adjust the intensity. It’s a plug and play system. All you need is a mechanical timer or smart timer. It’s completely dummy proof. Excellent marks overall by Twinstar!

Value For Money

The Twinstar LED family of lights actually come in multiple flavors that fit every budget and need. Twinstar has a model for all budgets starting from their budget friendly CA series to their premium S series. Their most popular model is the E series. The E series can handle the vast majority of planted tank needs and grow plants efficiency. I would say their E and S series have the most value of all their models. The CA series will have other competitors that may be a better value.

Models For Everyone!

Below is a table showing the main Twinstar LED light models

Product Support

Product support scores the lowest in my review. Twinstar as a whole doesn’t have much in the way of product support. They have a few videos and their distributor sites are not very helpful. The main source of support you will find is from hobby forums and other aquascapers who use the light to get success. That’s a big difference compared to say Fluval that actually does a number of videos and support behind them.

One way to migrate the lack of support is to purchase the fixture from a high quality seller like BucePlant. Buce has been around for a number of years and their know planted tanks well. Their customer service is excellent and I would prefer to purchase the fixture there over Amazon for that very reason!

Regarding warranty, Twinstar offers a 2 year warranty on all their lights. That is higher than most lower quality aquarium light makers that offer only 1 year, but lower than the 3 year warranty offered by Fluval. I have not heard of many Twinstar lights failing prematurely however. Many last for years due to their simple electronics design.

Price

For many of you looking at this point, the Twinstar will likely be the most expensive light fixture you are researching. There are more expensive units like the Kessil and ADA out there, but most will be comparing these to Fluval, Finnex, and cheap aquarium light alternatives on Amazon. The Twinstar offers the best spectrum and design of all these brands and models. From a spectrum and spread prospective, it’s not even close.

Closing Thoughts

This is the best planted tank LED on the market you can buy today. Best full spectrum, best spread, best value for money. You can see the ratings below from me and my editor’s choice badge that Twinstar earns. Since I’m open to all reviews, you can leave your own reviews below. This provides the community with an unfiltered source of reviews. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

July 12, 2020

EcoTech Radion G5 Review: Is the Premium Price Worth It for Your Reef?
The EcoTech Radion sits at the top of the reef LED market, and it earns that position. I run a 125-gallon reef and I’ve watched the LED lighting space evolve considerably. the gap between a premium fixture like the Radion and mid-tier alternatives has narrowed over the years, but EcoTech still leads in spectrum tuning, app integration, and long-term reliability. The honest conversation for most reefers isn’t “is the Radion G5 good?”. it clearly is. It’s whether your coral goals and tank size justify the price over capable competitors. Here’s my full breakdown to help you decide.

As you may have read in my Best Reef LED round up article. LEDs are the it technology when it comes to coral growing. They have become the tech toys of our hobby and also have become very energy efficient over time. LEDs can be tricky however, as too many features can overwhelm a newcomer and the spectrum of the LED are not created equal among the various players out there.

EcoTech has prided themselves with spending the R&D time and listening to the hardcore Reef community about what is wanted from a proper Reef LED. This new G5 answers a lot of the asks our community has been wanting. Let’s dive in and see what’s new and what means this newest generation the best ever!

My reviews are fairly structured. I’m going to be reviewing the following with this Radion G5:
- Features
- Craftsmanship
- Ease of Use
- Value For Money
- Product Support
- Price
In a hurry? I recommend purchasing the EcoTech Radion XR15 Blue!

Features

The EcoTech Radion G5 is a huge improvement over the Generation 4. It starts with the HEI lenses that are the most sophisticated lens design available in the industry for LEDs. The new design cluster and optices cuts hot-spot PAR by 30% while also providing a 35% increase in total PAR output from the prior generation. This means you get a better spread and higher output then ever before.

The new generation 5s come in either a Pro version or a Blue version. For this product review, I’m going to concentrate on the Blue version. The reason why is because I feel that the Blue version is the way to go. Anyone who runs a hardcore reef tank knows the value of blues when it comes to coral growth. The blue version is also designed on the EcoTech’s well known AB+ spectrum setting. The model is completely optimized for this spectrum. This makes the new generation 5 the most plug and play friendly Radion ever. Below are the array outlines of the XR15 and XR 30 models for both the Blue and Pro models.

Just look at that array and see the difference between this LED and many others out there. The number of blues on the Blue model are amazing. What you end up is getting a spectrum that is very close to the gold standard ATI Blue Plus.

The generation 5 has 8 controllable channels. Aside from the new array and lens, the other major difference with the Radion Gen 5 is the new Mobius app. The App makes things so much easier to manage and it comes with the package. You no longer need Reeflink in order to connect your light to your phone. The spectrum and intensity is easily adjusted through the mobile app

The Mobius app also has a user friendly timer setting that allows you to set your light timing and your ramp up and down times. I love the ease of use for this app. I know some of our more hardcore reefers want more out of the app. I’m all about simplicity. EcoTech is really listening to the reef community by making everything so accessible for this Generation 5 model.

Did I mention that the Mobius app has the AB+ as a template within the app? This makes it super easy to set up your Radion to the most popular setting that the reefing community uses.

The blue model makes things so easy for the reef community. I love the new features, the app, and the ease of setup with the new blue model. Excellent job EcoTech!

Craftsmanship

The newest generation design is sleek and modern. It’s what we come to expect with the EcoTech Radion lights. Below is a photo of the external overview of the Radion G5

Regarding the mount options, unfortunately the mounting options from the prior generation can’t be used on the G5 Radion. However, the new design actually gives you more options to hang the unit from a DIY perspective. The mounting arm is raised more than the prior generation, which means you can mount your unit on a rail.

It’s a great design and well engineered. There isn’t much out there in the market today that comes close to the craftsmanship and aesthetics of the Radion. The coolness factor of these lights cannot be denied.

Ease Of Use

The ease of of use of the EcoTech Radion G5 has been vastly improved over the last generation. With the Blue model, all you will need to do is tune down the intensity of the unit in order to get the PAR down to where you need it for your specific corals. The Mobius app makes this so easy compared to last generations. Below is the Mobius program overview video from EcoTech. By looking over this video, you should have what you need to get it started. This is the easiest to setup Radion I’ve ever worked with.

There is a fairly easy way to setup your Radion. Here is a quick guide. I would recommend that you rent a PAR meter from your local hobby club or an LFS so that you can ensure you have the proper PAR levels
- Set height to 8″ for the best distribution of PAR
- Set all channels on the Blue model to 100% and only adjust intensity for PAR
- Photo period – 9 hour peak photo period with 30 minute ramp up and ramp down for a total of 10 hours total
- LPS PAR Range – 75-150
- SPS PAR Range – 200-350
Value For Money

Many retailers will recommend that you use a single XR30 for a 24 x 24 tank space. If you are using an XR30 for a 24 x 24 space, I would say your value for the Money definitely diminishes for this light. However, I firmly believe you can achieve ideal coverage for a 24 x 24 space, still get your ideal PAR coverage, and get way better value for your money by going with a single XR 15.

How is this possible? It is possible with the new Radion G5 diffusers. I would recommend that you purchase a single XR15 and the G5 Diffuser. This will achieve full coverage of the space and PAR spread for the vast majority of tank setups. Below is a video that discusses the new diffuser.

I actually think the diffuser should come with every G5 light. It was a neccessary item with the last generation for those with SPS tanks. With the new lenses, EcoTech claims that you do not need the diffuser to achieve proper PAR spread. The reason why I recommend it is so you can save money and go with a single XR15 instead of purchasing an XR30. If you are running an all out Acro tank, I would just recommend getting XR15s and mounting it to a hybrid fixture over the XR30.

Product Support

The main selling point for me when it comes to EcoTech is the large amount of reefers who use the Radion LEDs. It’s very easy to get advice on proper spectrum settings. This was a major deal with the prior generation models before AB+ became mainstream.

The biggest issue that always bothered me about EcoTech was their warranty. You only get a 1 year warranty with their LEDs. While this is pretty standard when it comes to lights (Giesemann and GHL are the only high end lighting manufacturer where you will see warranties beyond a year), I just expect if you going to spend the amount of money for this light that you get longer than a one year warranty.

Price

This is an expensive light. There is no way around it. It is one of the most expensive reef LEDs on the market and you truly get what you pay for with this Generation 5 model.

I will also point out that the Kessil 360X is more expensive that than the XR15 – and the XR15 is a superior light in my opinion when it comes to performance for coral growth. The XR15 is marginally more expensive than the Hydra 32 and Red Sea 90. The Hydra used to have a huge advantage with their smartphone app, but EcoTech has gained a ton of ground with the new Mobius app.

I do not feel that this generation of Radions are overpriced anymore. I felt that way with the G2, G3, and even the G4. The G5 has really changed my opinion. As other manufacturers come out with newer models, they pushed their prices up while EcoTech kept their prices with this newest generation. Good on EcoTech, and this light is worth every dollar.

Closing Thoughts

This is the best Reef LED light you can buy today. The newest generation is such a gigantic improvement over the G4. It raises the benchmark for all other LEDs on the market. With competitors looking to mimic what EcoTech does, their prices continue to go up which increases the value of the EcoTech Radion even more.

You can see the ratings below from me. The G5 Radion gets my editor’s choice rating and is now the light of choice for my high end setups. Since I’m open to all reviews, you can leave your own reviews below. This provides the community with an unfiltered source of reviews. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

References
- Seriously Fish — Species profiles and care data
- FishBase — Taxonomy and scientific data
- Practical Fishkeeping — Husbandry and care advice
July 5, 2020
Sicce SYNCRA SDC Review An In-Depth Look
The return pump is the heart of any sump-based system. it determines flow rate, heat input, noise level, and reliability for everything downstream. I’ve run various return pumps on my 125-gallon reef over the years, and the Sicce Syncra SDC caught my attention because of its DC motor and controller. Here’s my in-depth take on whether it delivers for serious reef setups.

Looking for the very best Aquarium Return Pump available for your tank today? Well, this is the very post you have been looking for as the Sicce Syncra SDC has solved may of the issues that have plagued DC pumps since they were first introduced in the hobby.

As you may have read in my Best Aquarium Return Pump round up article. DC pumps are cursed with multiple issues. The main thing are the failure points and the quality control of the manufacturing. So what happens when we combine one of the most reliable and high quality Italian manufacturers in our industry and DC pump technology? It sounds like a dream combination doesn’t it? It sounds like Sicce may have solved the very issue that has frustrated most us with DC pumps since they were released – reliability!

As a reminder for my viewers, this post will contain affiliate links. An affiliate link means I may earn advertising or referral fees if you make a purchase through my link. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some great partners in the industry and highly recommended working with these links as they happily help hobbyists and content creators support their work. With that disclose away let’s get started! Let’s find out what makes The Sicce Syncra SDC stand out from the crowd!

My Sicce Syncra SDC Review will be fairly structured. I’m going to be reviewing the following for this product:
- Features
- Craftsmanship
- Ease of Use
- Value For Money
- Product Support
- Price
In a hurry? Purchase the SICCE Syndra SDC Now!

Features

I’ll start off by giving a quick disclaimer. I’m absolutely unashamedly bias to Sicce pumps. In the 15+ years I have been involved with this hobby, I have been very loyal to them. They have never done me wrong. This DC return pump is an absolute dream. Let’s discuss the crazy amount of features included with this pump:
- Fully functioning in wet & dry environments
- Self cleaning impeller
- 360 chamber rotation
- Wi-Fi enabled
- ETL certified (This is a UL equivalent¹)
- Variable speed
- Feed mode
You may have seen these features in other DC pumps, the main difference here is that Sicce delivers all if this with a FREE controller app that runs on your smartphone. There is no additional accessory to purchase (calling you out EcoTech), The app can actually run multiple Sicce pumps. In fact, it will run any Sicce related product that has wifi enabled. This is an amazing feature that Sicce has added. It’s simply the best in the industry that I have seen from an return pump.

The Syncra SDC is offered in 3 models all built with energy efficiency in mind. The pump meets the needs of advanced recirculating applications and are equipped with integrated intelligence systems.

Craftsmanship

Italian design and manufacturing. That’s the best way to start this section of the review. It’s not a secret in our industry that German and Italian engineering are highly valued. They are known for their quality, effectiveness, and reliability. With the large number of Chinese manufactured DC pumps these days, something that has the original high quality of the Germans and Italians is increasingly rare. It’s one of the biggest things I’ve been with the DC transition as many AC pumps are still made with German and Italian manufacturing and engineering.

The Syncra SDC is no exception. It is 100% designed and produced in Italy. The design if the pump is no frill and functional based. I actually prefer this over the cool looking DC pumps I have seen with blue and red colors. I just want the pump to work for ages. I could care less about the fancy colors of something I only see when I pop open my cabinet.

The biggest proof of craftsmenship by Sicce is their offer of a 5 year warranty. That blows away EVERY competitor on the market at it’s price point. It’s not even close. Ecotech and CoralVue can’t even sniff a 5 year warranty on their pumps. There are only two groups of competitors that will come close to a 5 year warranty. That would be going with an AC return pump or moving up to Abyzz DC pumps that have 10 year warranties. The Abyzz pump however is 3 times the price!

Ease Of Use

The Syncra SDC install is similiar with any DC pump out there that will involve plumbing.I won’t really cover that here since that is a whole separate discussion. However, what I will talk about how easy to use and install their Contrall App is. The video below walks you through the process. I found the install process pretty painless and the fact that you can get notifications on your phone is pretty amazing given this is all included in your purchase of the return pump.

Value for Money

The Sicce Syncra SDC is no doubt an expensive DC return pump. However, let’s talk about the value. It’s priced at the levels of a EcoTech and VarioS. This puts it at the higher end of the market. It is also the only pump that offers a 5 year warranty. If I’m going to invest over $200 on a return pump – I better get a long-term warranty. I’ve heard too many stories of EcoTech pumps failing prematurely.

I’m old school in that I believe a return pump is a purchase and forgot about it for the next 10 years. Sicce is the ONLY DC return pump in this price range that offers this assurance. As such, it’s the only DC pump I recommend for high end builds. It is the one DC pump that truly combines the energy efficiency of DC pumps with the reliability of AC pumps.

Product Support

Given Sicce is headquartered in Italy, they can be sometimes hard to reach. However, in my experience their customer support is responsive, just not in your desired timezone. I do like their registration process and there are plenty of videos online they provide that show how to operate their products. When you register your product, you create a registered customer login where you can login your tickets and get support. It’s a rather easy to use portal.

Price

The biggest con in this product review. They are one of the more expensive DC Pumps on the market. They also have the best reputation for their durability. There prices are more expensive then the Reef Octopus Varios, but on Par with EcoTechs. Given the superior warranty and durability history with Sicce products in general, I feel they are priced competitively. For those at lower budgets, you can’t do wrong with a traditional Sicce AC pump.

Closing Thoughts

The SDC Pumps are available in various sizes. The models are shown below:

Model Watts GPH
SDC 6.0 10 – 40 Watts 530 – 1430 GPH
SDC 7.0 20 – 65 Watts 800 – 1900 GPH
SDC 9.0 30 – 90 Watts 800 – 2500 GPH

There is a model for all aquariums. This is the best Aquarium DC Return Pump on the market today without a doubt. Well deserving of my Editor’s Choice badge. You can see the ratings below from me. As I’m open to all reviews, you can leave your own in the comments section and discuss your experience with this return pump. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

References
- Seriously Fish — Species profiles and care data
- FishBase — Taxonomy and scientific data
- Practical Fishkeeping — Husbandry and care advice
July 2, 2020
CO2Art Pro-Elite Regulator review – AN IN-DEPTH LOOK
A quality CO2 regulator is one of the most important investments in a planted tank. it determines whether your CO2 injection is stable, consistent, and safe for your fish. I’ve tested several regulators over the years and the CO2Art Pro-Elite stands out for specific reasons I’ll break down here. This is my honest review after hands-on use.

Looking for the very best CO2 regulator available for planted tanks today? Well you are in a treat today as I review the CO2 Art Pro-Elite Series CO2 Regulator. I had the pleasure of taking to the CO2Art people about their product and got the full scope on their latest CO2 regulator. If you are a serious aquascaper, or looking to be one, this is the product review for you!

As a reminder for my viewers, this post will contain affiliate links. An affiliate link means I may earn advertising or referral fees if you make a purchase through my link. With that disclose away let’s get started! Let’s find out what makes CO2Art’s regulator stand out from the crowd!

My reviews are fairly structured. I’m going to be reviewing the following for this product:
- Features
- Craftsmanship
- Ease of Use
- Value for Money
- Product Support
- Price
In a hurry? I recommend Purchasing the CO2ART Pro-Elite Combo Bundle!

CO2Art Pro-Elite Series Regulator Features

This is a world class CO2 regulator. It is designed for aquarium safety and precision. The unit can handle systems from nano systems all the way up to 1000 gallons. It is a dual stage regulator. This next gen model now comes with a fully customized solenoid block with a high precision needle value and bubble counter. The System is powered via DC with a power adapter that accepts universal voltage from 100V – 240V. It’s a nice plus from CO2 that they will offer you the plugs for your country and it is a product that is available in both the UK and US.

Having a dual stage regulator is a great idea for planted tanks because it allows you to directly control the consistently of the pressure of the CO2 system. This is a huge advantage compared to single gauge systems that will run into issues with pressure consistency as the CO2 tank empties. The gauges are very easy to read and the brand dial are nice features they have added to this new generation model. The prior generator had plainer looking gauges and the dial looked more standard like what you would see on a CO2 regulator at a bar.

The bubble counter and the needle valve on this regulator are top notch. The needle valve is extremely precise. It doesn’t take a ton of them to bed down. It is fast and accurate from the start!

Craftsmanship

Let’s talk about the craftsmenship of CO2 products and why they are amazing buys. They are top German quality, reliability built regulators. These are not your budget build short-term warranty regulators that you will find on Amazon. CO2Art backs up this top of the line model with a 10 year warranty. The stainless steel finish is great and the power adapter does a good job of getting too hot in your aquarium cabinet. Nothing in this regulator package looks cheap. No corners were cut with this regulator. Amazing work by the CO2Art team.

Ease Of Use (Installation)

Installing the CO2Art Pro Series is fairly simple with the YouTube videos that CO2 Art suppliers on their YouTube channel and with their offer of tech support to their customers. They have no problems getting on on customer support ticket to walk you through the process.

If you are lost on the install – CO2Art offers their instruction manual online here.

Value For the Money

The price for these units are not cheap. This top of the line model is up there with similar top end models. What makes their value stand out though is the warranty and customer support behind the product. There is also a wonderful combo package that CO2Art offers that gets you everything you need. This to me makes this Regulator the best value on the market.

This package comes with the following:
- Pro Series CO2Art Regulator
- Aluminum Aquarium CO2 bubble Counter
- CO2 Art Inline Diffusor
- Aquarium CO2 Drop Checker
- CO2 Resistant Tubing
All of these comes together at an excellent price price and backed by a 10 year warranty. Want a better discount? Try my discount code ASD10%Off at checkout.

Legendary Customer Support

The biggest differentiating standpoint from CO2Art and every other CO2 regulator seller is their customer support. The customer support is top notch and CO2 offers lifetime technical support for all their customers. The CO2Art team patiently answers all your questions and concerns about install and setup. They will also happily ship this product to multiple countries – US, Canada, UK, Signapore, etc the CO2 will ship internationally. The support team offers you a support portal with online instructions, articles and FAQS. I love their support and they have always been there for me to answer any questions I had.

Price

This is the biggest knock on the Pro-Elite Series CO2 Regulator. It is premium priced and may be too expensive for some. CO2Art does offer a more budget friendly version in the Pro-Series Model. You can also purchase the product off Klarna’s pay later program, which will break up the purchase in 4 installments.

Closing Thoughts

This is the best CO2 Regulator you can buy today. It has it all. The features, the quality, the customer service, and warranty. You can see the ratings below from me. The product gets my editor’s choice rating. Since I’m open to all reviews, you can leave your own reviews below. This provides the community with an unfiltered source of reviews. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

References
- Seriously Fish — Species profiles and care data
- FishBase — Taxonomy and scientific data
- Practical Fishkeeping — Husbandry and care advice
July 1, 2020

Model	Nano	170	250	350
Picture
Price	$	$$	$$$	$$$$
Dimensions (LxWxH)	18″ x 18″ x 52″	24.5″ x 20″ x 54″	35.5″ x 20″ x 55″	47″ x 20″ x 55″
Aquarium Volume (Gallons)	21	34	54	73
Sump Volume (Gallons)	7	9	11	18
ATO Reservoir Volume (Gallons)	1.2	1.5	2.1	2.8
Total System Volume	28	43	65	91
Link

Model	XL 200	XL 300	XL 425	XL 525
Picture
Price	$$	$$$	$$$$	$$$$$
Dimensions (LxWxH)	24″ x 22.6″ x 55″	36″ x 22.6″ x 56″	47″ x 22.6″ x 56″	59″ x 22.6″ x 56″
Aquarium Volume (Gallons)	42	54	90	116
Sump Volume (Gallons)	11	15	24	31
ATO Reservoir Volume (Gallons)	1.8	3.2	5.5	5.5
Total System Volume	53	80	112	139
Link

Model	Peninsula 500	Peninsula 650
Picture
Price	$$$$$	$$$$$$
Dimensions (LxWxH)	49.2″ x 23.6″ x 63″	63″ x 25.2″ x 63″
Aquarium Volume (Gallons)	105	140
Sump Volume (Gallons)	27	35
ATO Reservoir Volume (Gallons)	6	7.5
Total System Volume	132	175
Link

Model	625 XXL	750 XXL	3XL 900
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Price	$$$$$$	$$$$$$$	$$$$$$$$
Dimensions (LxWxH)	59″ x 23.6″ x 58.3″	71″ x 23.6″ x 58.3″	79″ x 25.6″ x 60″
Aquarium Volume (Gallons)	133	160	192
Sump Volume (Gallons)	32	40	48
ATO Reservoir Volume (Gallons)	7.5	7.5	Not Included
Total System Volume	165	200	240
Link

Model	Nyos Quantum 120	Nyos Quantum 160	Nyos Quantum 220	Nyos Quantum 300
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Price	$$$	$$$$	$$$$$	$$$$$$
Gallon Recommendation	40-125 Gallons	100 – 250 Gallons	125 – 500 Gallons	250-1000 Gallons
Air Max (Liters Per Hour)	500 l/h	1500 l/h	2200 l/h	2200 l/h
Power Consumption	8 Watts	18 Watts	22 Watts	2 x 22 Watts
Dimensions (LxWxH) in Inches	5.91 x 8.27 x 18.31	7.29 x 9.85 x 20.87	12.2 x 9.25 x 23.8	13.4 x 16.4 x 26
Water Level	8-10 “	8 – 10″	8 – 10″	8 – 10″
Link

Model	Reef 70.2	Reef 100.3	Reef 130.4	Reef Pro 180.5	Reef Pro 220.6
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Price	$$	$$$	$$$	$$$$	$$$$$
Dimensions (LxWxH)	24″ x 24″ x 58″	36″ x 24″ x 58″	48″ x 24″ x 58″	60″ x 25″ x 60″	72″ x 25″ x 60″
Aquarium Volume (Gallons)	47.2	71.7	96.3	140.7	167
Sump Volume (Gallons)	22	25.4	30.6	45.3	37.1
ATO Reservoir Volume (Gallons)	3.6	4.7	5.5	5.8	17.2
Total System Volume	69.1	97.2	126.9	180.8	221.3
Link

Feature	Twinstar CA	Twinstar E	Twinstar S
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Price	$	$$	$$$
Output	Low-Light	Mid to High Light	All
Models	300C , 600C	300E, 360E, 450E, 600E, 900E	600S, 900S
BucePlant Link
Amazon Link

Model	Watts	GPH
SDC 6.0	10 – 40 Watts	530 – 1430 GPH
SDC 7.0	20 – 65 Watts	800 – 1900 GPH
SDC 9.0	30 – 90 Watts	800 – 2500 GPH

Tag: Product Reviews

Features

Glass Construction

Overflow System and Plumbing

Sump

Cabinets

Craftsmanship

Value For Money

The Original Model

The XL

Peninsula

The XXL and 3XL

Ease of Use

Product Support

Price

Comparision: The Waterbox

Closing Thoughts

References

Nyos Skimmer Review – Features

Craftsmanship

Ease Of Use (Installation)

Value For Money

Models

Product Support

Price

Closing Thoughts

IceCap Gyre Features

IceCap Gyre Craftsmanship

Ease Of Use (Installation)

Installation and Operation

Pump Controller Setup

Controller Configuration

Value For Money

Models

Product Support

Price

Closing Thoughts

References

WaterBox Features

Glass Construction

Overflow System and Plumbing

Sump

Cabinets

WaterBox Craftsmanship

Value For The Money

Reef Series

Peninsula Series

Ease of Use

Product Support

Price

Closing Thoughts

Twinstar LED Review. Light Features

Craftsmanship

Ease of Use

Value For Money

Models For Everyone!

Product Support

Price

Closing Thoughts

Features

Craftsmanship

Ease Of Use

Value For Money

Product Support

Price

Closing Thoughts

References

Features

Craftsmanship

Ease Of Use

Value for Money

Product Support

Price

Closing Thoughts

References

CO2Art Pro-Elite Series Regulator Features

Craftsmanship

Ease Of Use (Installation)

Value For the Money

Legendary Customer Support