Has anyone set up a ECOSYSTEM AQUARIUM?
- Thread starter turbojoe
- Start date
ky
Member
All three of my tanks have an eco-system. Some don't think that they are worth the money, but I wouldn't have a tank without one. All of my water parameters are perfect and I change 10 gallons in each tank once a month. I'm sure there are other systems that work just as good, but I wouldn't try anything else.
ky
Member
I add Tropic Marine Bio-Calcium 2-3 times a week to keep my Ca 400-450. I add DT's phytoplankton 3 times a week, Reef Solution 3 times a week, and keep my Kh at 9-10, adjusting as necessary with a Kent product. I "harvest" the macro-algae as soon as it reaches the surface. It's 'goal' is to get as close to the light source as possible. Once it gets to the top, it slows down. So if you keep 2-3 inches below the surface, it will be more active. One thing to keep in mind: I went to my dealer tonight and talked to him about some of the posts that I have read here and how most of us think that that the way we 'do it' may be the best way. He said "I've been charge of 8000 gallons of reef for 15 years and by no means consider myself a guru. I can only offer a suggestion on what works best for me. I can show you 20 'experts' that think a DSB is the best and 20 more that think CC is the best. I get the same results out of both. If it works for you, use it, if it doesn't, try something else. But what you or I use is by no means the 'only' thing that works."
In other words, the eco-system works great for me, but you will hear plenty of opinions of other cheaper things that also work. Sift through it all and pick what will work best for you.
In other words, the eco-system works great for me, but you will hear plenty of opinions of other cheaper things that also work. Sift through it all and pick what will work best for you.
turbojoe
Member
HEY KY...Thanks for the info...You,like most peeps that i have talked too seem to like the Ecosystem aquarium approach. I have not heard any REAL negative reports about it.......on the other hand...ive heard many great remarks about it. It seems to make since about the NATURAL methodology used in the system.I personally have always felt that PROTIEN SKIMMERS are great for DOC removel from a closed water environment.....and they also are great FOR removing phytoplanktonic LEVELS THAT ARE VERY MUCH NEEDED.Its amazing how many companies are scrambling to Introduce PHYTOPLANKTONIC products now. Dose it heavy enough...turn off your skimmer.......and let the BIO OVERLOAD begin.My point being that SKIMMERS remove way to much from the water.And one other thing...I have other things too do in life than babysitting a skimmer..like ENJOYING my aquarium. Thanks for your input.
swazo
New Member
I have no idea how old yeller built one for $60.00 hell that is just barely a power compact for the sump and you will most likely need two. Then the mud is like 80.00 bucks a bag the cheapest I have ever seen it is 60.00 and that is from a friend that owns a store. Not to count the acrylic and pump the fact is you can't build one complete for $60.00 unless you are on crack. my buddy just built one after seeing mine work. I bought mine from eco-system it is great but I will tell you what my buddy paid for his, it is on a 75g. First the acrylic was $100.00 cut including the glue to bond it. then you have power compact for the sump $50.00 then pump $40.00 Mud $80.00 Maybe $60.00 bio balls $10.00 misc. pluming $20.00 so you are looking at about $300.00 total package depending on the size of your tank you might need two bags of mud.
Swazo
Swazo
jlem
Active Member
old yeller. Can you tell us how you made yours. I would love to save some money. We will just let swazo assume you are lying and smoking crack. I personally will hear how you did it and then decide if I should jump on the crack wagon myself.
( swazo )Assumption is the root of all foul ups.
( swazo )Assumption is the root of all foul ups.
coraltrapper5020
Member
I priced every thing to buld my own eco system, and it is ceaper to just buy it from Eco Systems.
<img src="graemlins//angel.gif" border="0" alt="[angel]" /> <img src="graemlins//evilwhorn.gif" border="0" alt="[Evil Horn]" /> <img src="graemlins//angel.gif" border="0" alt="[angel]" />
<img src="graemlins//angel.gif" border="0" alt="[angel]" /> <img src="graemlins//evilwhorn.gif" border="0" alt="[Evil Horn]" /> <img src="graemlins//angel.gif" border="0" alt="[angel]" />
info_sponge
Member
Question about the MM. It says in the FAQ section that a DSB is no good. Is there a cross between these two systems that works? Or is it ok to have a DSB with janitor kit. I kinda read about they were talking about a plenum. I wouldn't use a plenum. I was shooting for a 4" DSB with janitors, LR, and the MM sump. Or would I be better going with a sump with LS/LR and just growing Caulerpa in it and keeping it on an alternating light cycle to try to balance pH? Would I need a skimmer if I did this? Everybody's tank is different and I'm sure they're all ok or they wouldn't be using the setup they have. I just don't want to crash a tank when it's finally setup.
I'm SOOOO confused.
SO, to sum up ( sorry so long ) I am definately going DSB and LR. What's my best course of action for a sump? <img src="graemlins//eek.gif" border="0" alt="[eek]" /> <img src="graemlins//urrr.gif" border="0" alt="[urrr]" /> <img src="graemlins//eek.gif" border="0" alt="[eek]" /> <img src="graemlins//uhuh.gif" border="0" alt="[U-Huh]" />
I'm SOOOO confused.
SO, to sum up ( sorry so long ) I am definately going DSB and LR. What's my best course of action for a sump? <img src="graemlins//eek.gif" border="0" alt="[eek]" /> <img src="graemlins//urrr.gif" border="0" alt="[urrr]" /> <img src="graemlins//eek.gif" border="0" alt="[eek]" /> <img src="graemlins//uhuh.gif" border="0" alt="[U-Huh]" />
jlem
Active Member
Hey swazo, their you go assuming that I have to buy everything. I have everything but the mudd to make a eco system if I choose. Since I don't even know you I will refrain from using profanity incase your mommy is reading.
Assumption is the root of all foul ups, and it makes people look foolish to.
Assumption is the root of all foul ups, and it makes people look foolish to.
lordofthereef
Member
gotta love that eco-system......i know i do!
lettheirberock
Member
hey swazo please loose the attitude
swazo
New Member
hey no attitude here bro just the facts I was letting people know how much it costs to build a eco-system the facts not it only cost me 5 bucks because I had everything else just the facts I just want people to be informed and if you are so ignorant to think you can build a eco-system having nothing for 60 dollars you are crazy and I am sorry you people think I am an ass for stating the facts.
Swazo
Swazo
coraltrapper5020
Member
hey Swazo is right. Don't say something with out backing up say. I have every thing to set up my own eco system but the mud. In Lang's Set up he used very secific "mud" I can't find what that cobanation of sand is. If any one knows I would like to know. If you don't have that I have to send the money on MM. My tank is doing fine with out it, But not dosing with chemicals daily would be nice.
<img src="graemlins//evilwhorn.gif" border="0" alt="[Evil Horn]" /> <img src="graemlins//angel.gif" border="0" alt="[angel]" /> <img src="graemlins//evilwhorn.gif" border="0" alt="[Evil Horn]" />
<img src="graemlins//evilwhorn.gif" border="0" alt="[Evil Horn]" /> <img src="graemlins//angel.gif" border="0" alt="[angel]" /> <img src="graemlins//evilwhorn.gif" border="0" alt="[Evil Horn]" />