What have you learned to make reefing easier?

[Be102]

This might seem like a very vague and open ended question but I think that is the point to allow everyone to chime in. For example I am looking at stories of “work smarter not harder” and other little tips people have to make stuff we have to do easier.

For example how do people that aren’t doing awc doing water changes? Just sticking a pump and hose in tank and emptying it as they go? I remember seeing creative pvc pipe setups that people created that allowed the exact amount of water needed to drain out and whatnot

I just seem to run into a lot of different things (water all over the floor from being left over in the hoses) , pumps draining and splattering everywhere...

I can’t be the only one with these problems and im curious to see what others do to work around them and overcome other challenges.

 

[P-Dub]

I have learned the controllers are very helpful. Naturally, I don't rely on them completely and I have measures in place to deal with failures when they will occur. I have also found that setting things up properly to take full advantage is critical. For example, if you have a skimmer reservoir and a controller it is very wise to install an overfill kill switch. Ask me how I know... I have also found my DOS to be indispensable for performing water changes. Overall, the thing that I have found is you must be very thoughtful in how things are set up and what affects what. Go through an "IF" / "Then" scenario for all equipment on your system regardless if you have a controller or not and plan accordingly.

 

[jda]

• Patience.
• No new-to-the-market equipment - wait 3-5 years before going to new products.
• No new-to-the-market reefing techniques - also wait a while, but you should not need to be "sold" a "system."
• I do not recommend anything that takes your eyes off of the tank - more hands-on and less automation. The human makes the reef, not the equipment.