Another beginner - thinking Elos system - advice?

Clamagore · 08/22/2013, 11:29 AM

I’m sure the sort of questions I’m about to ask are more than a bit tedious, but I’m trying to figure out if I’m on a reasonably wise path.

Maintaining a small reef tank of has appealed to me for several years, but two months ago I decided it’s time to actually do it. Thanks to forums like this one and other resources, I’ve been able to learn a quite a bit about the hobby in a short time (as well as how phenomenally much there is to know), and I’m almost at the point of getting started for real. My goal is to have a cube-like tank around 30-40 gallons, with a sump, skimmer, and refugium. The tank would be stocked with a variety of soft and LPS corals, a handful of small, reasonably easy to manage fish, a clean-up crew, and at some point, a tridacna clam.

The first mistake I want to avoid is wasting time and money on products that will quickly leave me wanting for more. I’ve used the same approach with hi-fi and photography, and in the long run, my hobbies have been more satisfying and economical than playing the upgrade game.

Originally, I was interested in the BioCube 29 and planned to modify it as necessary, but as I learned more and figured out what I really wanted, the only thing I would end up keeping is the tank—not even the lid! Also, I understand that adding a sump would mean using an overflow box/standpipe with a siphon—and if the siphon failed, say due to human error, the return pump would quickly overflow the aquarium—unless I modified the system even further and interlocked with the return pump with an overflow detector.

Then I found the Xaqua and Elos lines. That was unfortunate because I haven’t seen anything whose appearance and finish I like better. While I can’t seem to find an obvious Xaqua dealer, there’s an Elos dealer in Short Hills, New Jersey, which is close to where I live. That said, I’m considering the Elos Midi with a 36 gallon capacity.

Ideally, I would like to do a DIY build, based on something like a Mr. Aqua rimless tank, but as an apartment dweller with limited access to power tools and work space, DIY isn’t going to work out for me, so a packaged tank/stand/sump solution seems ideal.

So, with all that said, here’s a rundown of the main hardware that I think will not only get me started, but keep me from needing to make many more purchases—other than inhabitants— for the next two years. Please let me know if you have any other suggestions where I might be better off. Thanks in advance!

Elos Midi tank/stand/sump/skimmer
Aqua Illumination Hydra LED fixture and controller
VorTech MP10 power head and controller
Cobalt Aquatics digitally controlled heater x 2 (1 backup)
Some kind of RO/DI system
And the obvious other stuff (salt, refractometer, chemistry test kits, thermometers, tank scraper, hoses, buckets, imagination, a magic wand, wishful thinking, dreaming, etc...)

Fizz71 · 08/22/2013, 12:17 PM

You do realize that Elos USA is closing up shop right? So if you don't have an order out there they are going to get hard to find real soon. ..or you could try to get one on clearance from them.

http://www.elosusa.com/ ...or fly to Italy.

...I'll stop there on equipment because your plans may have just changed completely, but I will add that basic PVC plumbing is pretty simple so you can do a "DIY" build with a RR tank and sump and not need any power tools. Although I'll admit an electric saw of sorts beats a PVC pipe saw anyday...but still. Cut, glue, screw..done.

Clamagore · 08/22/2013, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fizz71

You do realize that Elos USA is closing up shop right? So if you don't have an order out there they are going to get hard to find real soon. ..or you could try to get one on clearance from them.

http://www.elosusa.com/ ...or fly to Italy.

Thanks. Yes, I read that just the other day and was immediately disappointed! However, according to the AquaStudio in Short Hills, the Elos reorganization will not affect them.

agent1923 · 10/09/2013, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clamagore

Thanks. Yes, I read that just the other day and was immediately disappointed! However, according to the AquaStudio in Short Hills, the Elos reorganization will not affect them.

this is true...Elos USA was the name of the distributor. They were not associated with Elos the company.

chris@CoralVue · 11/03/2013, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agent1923

this is true...Elos USA was the name of the distributor. They were not associated with Elos the company.

CoralVue is the new US distributor for Elos. We have full inventory of Aquarium Systems, Test Kits, Foods and Additives in our Slidell, LA warehouse.

Feel free to call or email me with any questions.

Chris
CoralVue
chris@coralvue.com
985-718-1465

08/22/2013, 11:29 AM	#1
Clamagore Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Jersey City, NJ Posts: 119	Another beginner - thinking Elos system - advice? I’m sure the sort of questions I’m about to ask are more than a bit tedious, but I’m trying to figure out if I’m on a reasonably wise path. Maintaining a small reef tank of has appealed to me for several years, but two months ago I decided it’s time to actually do it. Thanks to forums like this one and other resources, I’ve been able to learn a quite a bit about the hobby in a short time (as well as how phenomenally much there is to know), and I’m almost at the point of getting started for real. My goal is to have a cube-like tank around 30-40 gallons, with a sump, skimmer, and refugium. The tank would be stocked with a variety of soft and LPS corals, a handful of small, reasonably easy to manage fish, a clean-up crew, and at some point, a tridacna clam. The first mistake I want to avoid is wasting time and money on products that will quickly leave me wanting for more. I’ve used the same approach with hi-fi and photography, and in the long run, my hobbies have been more satisfying and economical than playing the upgrade game. Originally, I was interested in the BioCube 29 and planned to modify it as necessary, but as I learned more and figured out what I really wanted, the only thing I would end up keeping is the tank—not even the lid! Also, I understand that adding a sump would mean using an overflow box/standpipe with a siphon—and if the siphon failed, say due to human error, the return pump would quickly overflow the aquarium—unless I modified the system even further and interlocked with the return pump with an overflow detector. Then I found the Xaqua and Elos lines. That was unfortunate because I haven’t seen anything whose appearance and finish I like better. While I can’t seem to find an obvious Xaqua dealer, there’s an Elos dealer in Short Hills, New Jersey, which is close to where I live. That said, I’m considering the Elos Midi with a 36 gallon capacity. Ideally, I would like to do a DIY build, based on something like a Mr. Aqua rimless tank, but as an apartment dweller with limited access to power tools and work space, DIY isn’t going to work out for me, so a packaged tank/stand/sump solution seems ideal. So, with all that said, here’s a rundown of the main hardware that I think will not only get me started, but keep me from needing to make many more purchases—other than inhabitants— for the next two years. Please let me know if you have any other suggestions where I might be better off. Thanks in advance! Elos Midi tank/stand/sump/skimmer Aqua Illumination Hydra LED fixture and controller VorTech MP10 power head and controller Cobalt Aquatics digitally controlled heater x 2 (1 backup) Some kind of RO/DI system And the obvious other stuff (salt, refractometer, chemistry test kits, thermometers, tank scraper, hoses, buckets, imagination, a magic wand, wishful thinking, dreaming, etc...)

08/22/2013, 12:17 PM	#2
Fizz71 FragSwapper Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Lawn, PA Posts: 5,800	You do realize that Elos USA is closing up shop right? So if you don't have an order out there they are going to get hard to find real soon. ..or you could try to get one on clearance from them. http://www.elosusa.com/ ...or fly to Italy. ...I'll stop there on equipment because your plans may have just changed completely, but I will add that basic PVC plumbing is pretty simple so you can do a "DIY" build with a RR tank and sump and not need any power tools. Although I'll admit an electric saw of sorts beats a PVC pipe saw anyday...but still. Cut, glue, screw..done. __________________ --Fizz Current Tank Info: Current system is 8x2x2 240g peninsula setup with a single "chamber" 100g sump in the basement with an RDSB. All corals are 100% home grown from frags of fellow reefers (low natural reef impact).