So, I have been running an Innovative Marine 75 EXT with a Trigger Triton Method sump for just over a year now. I went a bit overboard and installed a full Apex controller setup with all the probes, a Trident tester, all the DDR and DOS equipment needed to dose all 4 parts of the Triton method, and use a Nyos Quantum 120 skimmer in the sump. But due to some changes in my work and life, I am having difficulties keeping up with all the maintenance so am toying around with the idea of downsizing, or even getting out of the hobby, but thats not what I want to do. So here is the short version of my background.
When I got back into reefing a couple years ago it started with a Fluval Evo 13.5 with a few mods at my office. Of course once that was up and going I had to have a tank at home. So I went with the Red Sea Max E170. This one had a sump, which is something I wanted as my main goal is to have a pair of Mandarin Dragonettes, so I knew a fuge was going to be on the list. I ran that tank for about 6 months and just had to go bigger, so I picked up the IM 75 WXT from a local reefer that had just upgraded tanks. Which catches us up and brings me to where I am now. This tank is becoming more of a chore than something I can enjoy. Which leads me where I am now.
I would consider something smaller than the E170 but bigger than the Fluval Evo. I have been digging around the internet looking for idea on what my options are. I would like the tank to have a sump with refugiu, which rules out an AIO from what I can tell. I would like to continue using the Apex hardware as I have fallen in love with the automation. I will not be staying with the Triton method so that makes the search a little easier, but I am not having any luck finding what I am after. A smaller tank, with a sump, that also has room for a refugium, in order to keep a healthy pod population flowing into the main display. I’m not looking to go SPS crazy as the corals that typically get my interest are softies like leathers, zoas, etc, and maybe some LPS.
I would really appreciate some ideas or suggestions on where else to look, or another direction to head. I’m not ready to sell it all of my gear and exit the hobby. Really hoping someone can help me find a middle ground so I can continue this passion. Thank to all and l look forward to seeing what others co,u up Tc
When I got back into reefing a couple years ago it started with a Fluval Evo 13.5 with a few mods at my office. Of course once that was up and going I had to have a tank at home. So I went with the Red Sea Max E170. This one had a sump, which is something I wanted as my main goal is to have a pair of Mandarin Dragonettes, so I knew a fuge was going to be on the list. I ran that tank for about 6 months and just had to go bigger, so I picked up the IM 75 WXT from a local reefer that had just upgraded tanks. Which catches us up and brings me to where I am now. This tank is becoming more of a chore than something I can enjoy. Which leads me where I am now.
I would consider something smaller than the E170 but bigger than the Fluval Evo. I have been digging around the internet looking for idea on what my options are. I would like the tank to have a sump with refugiu, which rules out an AIO from what I can tell. I would like to continue using the Apex hardware as I have fallen in love with the automation. I will not be staying with the Triton method so that makes the search a little easier, but I am not having any luck finding what I am after. A smaller tank, with a sump, that also has room for a refugium, in order to keep a healthy pod population flowing into the main display. I’m not looking to go SPS crazy as the corals that typically get my interest are softies like leathers, zoas, etc, and maybe some LPS.
I would really appreciate some ideas or suggestions on where else to look, or another direction to head. I’m not ready to sell it all of my gear and exit the hobby. Really hoping someone can help me find a middle ground so I can continue this passion. Thank to all and l look forward to seeing what others co,u up Tc
