New Reefer 350

[xtremethings]

I just got a reefer 350 and I’m taking some time to get the right stuff to hopefully avoid some future purchases. I’ve had an all-in-one nano for around 5yrs so I’m looking for a little guidance on a return pump and skimmer. I looks like the Reef Octupus Various is a good pump option, but not sure if I should go with the 6 or 8. As for a skimmer, the store where I purchased the tank is pushing the Red

 

[Spare time]

I really like the red sea skimmers. I use a current eflux pump but any reputable dc pump will work.

 

[alpburakozbay]

Hi, welcome.
If there is a protein skimmer included in the price, I suggest you use it. If it is not enough in the future, you will get a better quality device. Bubble king, Nyos, Max Spect, Reef Octopus are very quality brands for protein skimmer.
Reef Octopus Varius 6 will be enough. It has a controller. So you can buy Varius 8 and If you need to lower power, you can change flow rate.
For return pump; Reef Octopus, Ecotech Marine, Red Dragon, Max Spect are very quality too.
Sorry for my bad English.

 

[xtremethings]

The Red Sea 600 skimmer would cost me $449 and $329 for the Varius 6 pump so I’m thinking there’re a lot of great alternative options within those price ranges. I’m definitely looking for some reliability also, but I’m guessing most of the upper end products are all similar when it comes to that. Maybe the better question to ask would be which popular brands should I stay away from.

 

[Palegic]

I would get the Nyos Quantum 120 and a Vectra S2 return pump if I had to do it again.

 

[Spare time]

Do you even need a skimmer? I run a refugium only with an ai prime hd and I don't do water changes

 

[xtremethings]

Do you even need a skimmer? I run a refugium only with an ai prime hd and I don't do water changes

Skimmer with water changes is the direction I was headed, but having a refugium looks interesting after watching a few YouTube videos. Any thoughts on turning the stock 4.7 gallon ATO reservoir into a refugium and also running a sump skimmer? It looks like some people go that route since it gives you the best of both worlds.

 

[xtremethings]

I would get the Nyos Quantum 120 and a Vectra S2 return pump if I had to do it again.

Just checked those out and they definitely look like quality products.

 

[Spare time]

Skimmer with water changes is the direction I was headed, but having a refugium looks interesting after watching a few YouTube videos. Any thoughts on turning the stock 4.7 gallon ATO reservoir into a refugium and also running a sump skimmer? It looks like some people go that route since it gives you the best of both worlds.

I am not sure how to turn an ATO chamber into a fuge.

 

[xtremethings]

The YouTube video I saw shows they added an overflow pipe and split some of the return water back to it. The screenshot from the video isn’t the best, but it looks like a cool idea. It seems like a viable option since I’ll be going with an aftermarket ATO system.

 

[xtremethings]

Well the tank was actually delivered today and I’m thinking the way it was leveled is a little sub par for my standards. It’s sitting on some travertine that isn’t perfectly flat and they just shimmed it at the four corners. I’m kind of particular when it comes to this kind of stuff so I’ll be doing it over and add extra shims at or immediately next to all the factory feet. I’ve seen posts about leveling and it seems to be about 50/50 on whether the tank could be on or should be off the stand. I’d hate to open up that can of worms again, but are there any major concerns about doing it without pulling the tank off of the stand?

 

[xtremethings]

The YouTube video I saw shows they added an overflow pipe and split some of the return water back to it. The screenshot from the video isn’t the best, but it looks like a cool idea. It seems like a viable option since I’ll be going with an aftermarket ATO system.

Here’re a couple more pics I found of a Reefer ATO tank turned into a refugium. How much water volume is enough for a refugium?