Equipment Questions...Keep as Backup or Replace?

[ReefGrammie]

I upgraded to my 90-gallon reef tank back in December of 2013, so almost 6-1/2 years ago. I am most concerned about 3 pieces of equipment; my DC return pump, Finnex heater with controller, and my Tunze ATO unit. I replaced my LED fixture last year. I'm not as worried about my Bubble Magus Curve 5 skimmer because if I went without a skimmer for a few days, it wouldn't be the end of the world. I have an older MP40, but I have a new Octo Pulse 2, so I'm not as concerned about powerheads right now.

I have been considering ordering one of the new BRS heaters with a controller, but my question is would you go ahead and actually replace the current heater that is still working fine or would you just keep it as a backup? I have no idea which return pump I want to purchase next, but same question, replace or just keep as a backup? I have a replacement pump for my Tunze ATO, but I'm worried about the sensors. I didn't find where you can just replace the sensors, so it looks like you have to replace the entire ATO unit.

I'm also open to other suggestions regarding the heater or return pump. Any suggestions would be appreciated, as well as comments on whether to replace the current equipment or just keep backups. Thank you!

 

[mann1139]

My rule is to keep anything in backup that the tank couldn't go a day or two without. Other than salt and water, the only items I make sure to keep extras of are powerheads and heaters. They come in handy when you want to setup a temporary tank to mix extra water, cure tank, separate a fish when quarantine is full, etc.

For heaters, I try to run 2 small, so when (not if) one fails, I can limp along with whatever backup I can dredge up. But I am also paranoid and replace heaters every couple years.

 

[Big C]

I upgraded to my 90-gallon reef tank back in December of 2013, so almost 6-1/2 years ago. I am most concerned about 3 pieces of equipment; my DC return pump, Finnex heater with controller, and my Tunze ATO unit. I replaced my LED fixture last year. I'm not as worried about my Bubble Magus Curve 5 skimmer because if I went without a skimmer for a few days, it wouldn't be the end of the world. I have an older MP40, but I have a new Octo Pulse 2, so I'm not as concerned about powerheads right now.

I have been considering ordering one of the new BRS heaters with a controller, but my question is would you go ahead and actually replace the current heater that is still working fine or would you just keep it as a backup? I have no idea which return pump I want to purchase next, but same question, replace or just keep as a backup? I have a replacement pump for my Tunze ATO, but I'm worried about the sensors. I didn't find where you can just replace the sensors, so it looks like you have to replace the entire ATO unit.

I'm also open to other suggestions regarding the heater or return pump. Any suggestions would be appreciated, as well as comments on whether to replace the current equipment or just keep backups. Thank you!

During my upgrade I bought a new pump and heater for the new build and kept the old as backup. They were a bit undersized but could work in a pinch.

Example. My new BRS heater went out on Friday. Of course, just when I can’t get a new one shipped until next week. Luckily I kept my old Jager, it was a few watts undersized but enough to maintain temperature in the tank until next week. BRS was great with the refund but spent the money on a Jager. Why Jager, it lasted a whole heck of a lot longer than the BRS (and controls temp the same as the BRS controller).

 

[jda]

You rarely hear about sensor issues with Osmolator. Besides, even if it does go, it is no big deal to pour some water into your tank while replacement comes. 5 gallon bucket and elbow grease ATO have been working for a long time.

I would not replace something that works... people think that new stuff is always an upgrade, but this is not absolute... sometimes new stuff is worst quality than what you took off.

Return pumps, flow pumps, heaters are great things to have a backup of. You don't even need nice stuff and a noisy Mag Drive or Aqueon or Ehiem heater is plenty good enough. MaxiJet with the flow mod (about $20-25) will get the job done too. If you have a local club, then garage sales or meets are great places to get backup equipment.

 

[ReefGrammie]

My rule is to keep anything in backup that the tank couldn't go a day or two without. Other than salt and water, the only items I make sure to keep extras of are powerheads and heaters. They come in handy when you want to setup a temporary tank to mix extra water, cure tank, separate a fish when quarantine is full, etc.

For heaters, I try to run 2 small, so when (not if) one fails, I can limp along with whatever backup I can dredge up. But I am also paranoid and replace heaters every couple years.

Great advice! I also have a backup heater in my overflow, set a few degrees cooler than the main heater.

Example. My new BRS heater went out on Friday. Of course, just when I can’t get a new one shipped until next week. Luckily I kept my old Jager, it was a few watts undersized but enough to maintain temperature in the tank until next week. BRS was great with the refund but spent the money on a Jager. Why Jager, it lasted a whole heck of a lot longer than the BRS (and controls temp the same as the BRS controller).

You're making me rethink the BRS heater!! The reviews are mixed...some love it and some don't. Thanks for the info.

You rarely hear about sensor issues with Osmolator. Besides, even if it does go, it is no big deal to pour some water into your tank while replacement comes. 5 gallon bucket and elbow grease ATO have been working for a long time.

I would not replace something that works... people think that new stuff is always an upgrade, but this is not absolute... sometimes new stuff is worst quality than what you took off.

Return pumps, flow pumps, heaters are great things to have a backup of. You don't even need nice stuff and a noisy Mag Drive or Aqueon or Ehiem heater is plenty good enough. MaxiJet with the flow mod (about $20-25) will get the job done too. If you have a local club, then garage sales or meets are great places to get backup equipment.

Good points! I actually have my original return pump in my mixing station. My tank before the 90 was a 46-gallon, so it might get me by until I could get another one. The return pump is the one thing I'm hesitant to just buy to have lying around. Great point about the ATO! I was the human ATO on my original tank for 5 years!