Purchasing advice please

[Anonymous]

I'm about to place an order and would appreciate advice on a couple of products. Firstly, reef crystals vs. instant ocean, diff. is only about $2.50 for 160 gal bucket. Cost is not an issue, just don't want to overdose my system with anything or have to purchase test kits for every trace mineral out there. Second, the power sweep vs. FLO rotating deflector. I have 2 extra maxijets which I could use the frd on, but I guess they would rotate fully blowing either against the sandbed or the glass for part of their rotation, plus my maxijets have bad suction cups and no intake screens to protect animals (can these be ordered?). The power sweep model 214 is only $4 more and includes pump, plus gives a limited range of rotation. I'm leaning towards the reef crystals and power sweeps, unless anyone has had bad experiences.
Thank you

 

[Anonymous]

I'm about to place an order and would appreciate advice on a couple of products. Firstly, reef crystals vs. instant ocean, diff. is only about $2.50 for 160 gal bucket. Cost is not an issue, just don't want to overdose my system with anything or have to purchase test kits for every trace mineral out there.

I've always used IO, but there are those who swear by RC...sorry no great help.

Second, the power sweep vs. FLO rotating deflector. I have 2 extra maxijets which I could use the frd on, but I guess they would rotate fully blowing either against the sandbed or the glass for part of their rotation, plus my maxijets have bad suction cups and no intake screens to protect animals (can these be ordered?). The power sweep model 214 is only $4 more and includes pump, plus gives a limited range of rotation. I'm leaning towards the reef crystals and power sweeps, unless anyone has had bad experiences.
Thank you

I disliked my maxjets for the same reason, bad suction cups. I had a powersweep and wasn't impressed with it, it ended up being used in my makeup water can. I haven't personally used the FLO, but my old LFS swore by them.

 

[trido]

purchase test kits for every trace mineral out there.

I dont believe they even have test kits on the market for every trace mineral. If you are starting a reef, most likely you will have all of the important ones sooner or later anyway. I think that for the most part reefers just use that salt that is most available. I use IO and am considering a switch. MY make up water tests at 320 on Ca. and I am tired of dosing it before a WC. I believe all salts have thier deficiencies in one or more depts.

AS far as the powerheads, You can get suction cups for the maxijets here. http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... ct=AS1121v Some, glue them to magfloat cleaners. I dont know about the intake screens. I found the powersweeps to be problematic. I dont know about the FLO powerheads either. If I were to stick with power heads for circulation, I would use a maxijet and buy an actual wave maker like this one. http://www.marinedepot.com/md_searchite ... er&CartId=

 

[Anonymous]

Reef crystals over instant ocean but either is fine. Buy test kits for whatever you dose for on top of the standards.

Powersweep powerheads are absolutely garbage IMHO. Every single one I owned didn't last hours before stopping the sweeping motion. This was years ago though. The maxi jets should have come with intake screens in the box. Also you can use the hangars that come with them rather than the suction cups. I use them on my 180 and I don't have any problems.

HTH

 

[Slayer]

"Tropic Marine" Is a good Brand of salt. "Pro Reef" I love it.
And I have never had much luck with power sweep. Both of mine broke down and for the size of the thing it seemed to have 1/2 the power it should of.
Powerheads? Thats what your talking about?

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you all for your advice, I will go with reef crystals and the rotating deflectors after seeing so many negative reviews for the ps. Thanks for the links Trido. I have a switching current water director for my main pump, I just haven't hooked it up yet. My maxijets were free (used) and were missing said components. Actually, my 125 tank, stand, sump, pump, skimmer and ~400 lbs. live rock were all free from a kind relative in the aquarium maintenance business .