Getting back into reefing

Amiller295 · Dec 30, 2023

Hello all,

I’m thinking of getting back into reefing after a break of 10 years….(horrible tank crash). At the time I was doing everything as cheap as possible, so I never had anything Ecotech or Neptune.

A few questions.
Is Ecotech still the top dog for lighting and pumps?

If going with an Apex controller, would it be best to keep it all Neptune (lights, powerheads, return pump)?

Of course I will keep doing my own research. And I know that all depends on the situation, but just wondering if these questions were a generalized “yes” or “no”.

Thanks for your time!

ryanjohn1 · Dec 30, 2023

Ecotech is pretty good. But imo Neptune control isn’t necessary. Look at ai pumps wave maker and lights all easily controlled with an app

kevgib67 · Dec 30, 2023

Welcome back, glad you are here!

Amiller295 · Dec 30, 2023

Thank you for the input. (I was a little afraid of getting roasted)

Amiller295 · Dec 30, 2023

ryanjohn1 said:
Ecotech is pretty good. But imo Neptune control isn’t necessary. Look at ai pumps wave maker and lights all easily controlled with an app

Will start researching ai!

kevgib67 · Dec 30, 2023

Amiller295 said:
Thank you for the input. (I was a little afraid of getting roasted)

Na, you won’t get roasted here, we welcome questions.

Troylee · Dec 30, 2023

Amiller295 said:
Thank you for the input. (I was a little afraid of getting roasted)

Welcome back! I’ve been back for a year after a 10yr break myself:

Leon821019218 · Dec 30, 2023

The aquarium hobby is like an itch you can't get rid of right

It can drive you crazy but you can't stop loving it! But I think there are choices between Ecotech and Neptune. Don't have any of their hardware but they are big names and make some excellent gear I hear. I think al lot depends on your budget as well. Nothing is really cheap in this hobby (especially over here in the Netherlands) but there are a lot of less pricey, and still very good options when selecting your gear. AI, mentioned earlier makes also very nice lights/pumps etc. I had AI lighting which was very nice (with a good app) and I ordered a new AI Nero 5 for flow. Gets some very nice reviews so can't wait to install it in my tank

Do you have some other brand/options that you are considering?

Amiller295 · Dec 30, 2023

Was just looking at AI. Their new powerheads look nice!

Amiller295 · Dec 30, 2023

Leon821019218 said:
The aquarium hobby is like an itch you can't get rid of right It can drive you crazy but you can't stop loving it! But I think there are choices between Ecotech and Neptune. Don't have any of their hardware but they are big names and make some excellent gear I hear. I think al lot depends on your budget as well. Nothing is really cheap in this hobby (especially over here in the Netherlands) but there are a lot of less pricey, and still very good options when selecting your gear. AI, mentioned earlier makes also very nice lights/pumps etc. I had AI lighting which was very nice (with a good app) and I ordered a new AI Nero 5 for flow. Gets some very nice reviews so can't wait to install it in my tank Do you have some other brand/options that you are considering?

Definitely not committed to a single brand. Just at the time of exiting the field, Ecotech and Neptune were the best in most of the areas.

Leon821019218 · Dec 30, 2023

Amiller295 said:
Definitely not committed to a single brand. Just at the time of exiting the field, Ecotech and Neptune were the best in most of the areas.

Well, researching and 'browsing' around is also a fun part of the hobby. Just pick what fit's your needs, budget and preferences the best

Amiller295 · Dec 30, 2023

Any new brands to look at?

Amiller295 · Dec 30, 2023

Or any brands that rival the quality of the big guys?

Leon821019218 · Dec 30, 2023

Well don't take this as expert advise haha but like it was mentioned, AI has some cool stuff. I also saw the 'reef factory' lights at my LFS and they look super nice! From personal experience I like Aqua medic (they have all kinds of things: Lights, pumps, reactors etc) Tunze is of course a big and very reliable brand who make all sorts of equipment. And Kessil, they also have great lights, especially when you like shimmer in the tank!

Amiller295 · Dec 30, 2023

Also, is BRS still the go to site?

Amiller295 · Dec 31, 2023

Leon821019218 said:
Well, researching and 'browsing' around is also a fun part of the hobby. Just pick what fit's your needs, budget and preferences the best

So true! I’m starting years of not seen BRS YouTube videos.

SWFL Reefer · Jan 19, 2024

Amiller295 said:
Hello all,

I’m thinking of getting back into reefing after a break of 10 years….(horrible tank crash). At the time I was doing everything as cheap as possible, so I never had anything Ecotech or Neptune.

A few questions.
Is Ecotech still the top dog for lighting and pumps?

If going with an Apex controller, would it be best to keep it all Neptune (lights, powerheads, return pump)?

Of course I will keep doing my own research. And I know that all depends on the situation, but just wondering if these questions were a generalized “yes” or “no”.

Thanks for your time!

IMO you can control just about anything with Neptune. I have Ecotech, red sea, sicie Neptune and straight up BRS products running off my Apex. My energy bar and their dos pumps have stood the test of time along with my ATO pump. With a simple internet search, you can find all the common and not so common programing directions. Welcome back.