vortech wireless wavemaker and questioning my priorities

In preparation for going reef I have ditched the bioballs for more LR, pitched the CC substrate for carbonate-based sand; I've built a decent 'fuge with chaeto using a 10g tank, and upgraded my protein skimmer. For the first time in a true 20 years, I seem to have algae growth under control, thanks to reading around. In about a week, I'll have a new Aquactinics 5 bulb T5 unit.

I'm questioning my sense of priority regarding my few next purchases; and as I move on this is what I see myself needing (not necessarily in this order.)

1. something to create turbulence in the water.
2. a RO/DI unit and autotopoff.
3. a calcium reactor

For now, I'm buying SW at the LFS to avoid using tapwater. I think I'll use a 2 part bottled approach for calcium introduction until my system really starts to demand calcium in quantity, then I'll pick up the ca reactor.

I think of the 3 items listed above, the wavemaker takes priority.

I'm eyeing the vortech wavemaker for about $400. Can someone with experience with this item tell me if placing one in a 48x12x21" 55g tank would be overkill or maybe dangerous for LPS, a maxima maybe, a hammer, sun polyps, some zoas and paly's? I'd also love a montipora. I don't yet own these corals, so I can change the list if necessary.

Back to the Vortech, I see in the paperwork they're rated for 20 gal tanks and up, although I don't remember what the max is. I've got a nervous feeling about placing such a powerful item in such a relatively small tank. I could save a bunch and go with a couple of Koralias--maybe 2 #2's?


So to review this jumbled post, I want to know if:

1. A wavemaker should take precedence over a RO/DI unit and a calcium reactor; and
2. If the Vortech is too much.
3. If anyone sees sense in purchasing something I haven't considered.


Thanks!

 

Cheaper way to make current/waves.

I vote for the RO/DI unit, you will quickly save enough on water to improve above.

IMHO

Scott

 

Omard, at .35/gal, SW is costing me about $5.25 to do a 25% water change each month. Maybe it's more expensive in your neck of the woods?

 

Here's my two cents, I dont see the need for a wave maker, esp. in a 55gal tank and at $400.00. The same goes for the ca reactor. I think for now you should get the ro unit for your top off. I have a 90gal and I dont need the wave maker or the ca reactor. My cal is always between 400-440 without any cal additives like B-Ionic.

 

How much do you give the Middle East to go pick it up?

 

i would say buy the ro/di and auto top off.in my opinion you dont need a 400 dollar wave maker.there are way more cheaper items that create current out there.even tho that is a nice piece of fish gear.

 

It is a 40 mile round trip!!

 

I think the Vortech is the most expensive option in Wave makers for your size tank. you would have the Pump dialled down to it's minimum setting. I feel you would be better of with a few Maxijets connected to a wavemaker pro or a Natural wave timer. Then you would have the cash to also get the RO/DI.

J

 

i have an ocean runner 3700 hooked up t a scwd and i cant complain. It puts some nice flow and dont cost even 1/3 of the price of the vortech. i agree with te others, you could get the RO/DI +Top Off, Some circ pumps and part of your reactor for the price of one vortech thingamabob.

Just my 0.02 cents (which i dont have because i even spent those n my tank, )

Bobby K.

 

well I would have to say that I have wavemaker running 4 1200 maxijets with rotating deflectors in a 55gal and it gives great flow for my corals I think as long as your not straight streaming your stock then more flow the merryer . I can't comment on any specific modles thou as I made mine.
Also I would say I wish I had AUTO TOP OFF
hope that helped abit