Product Review: AquaMaxx EcoMaxx 100 (EM100) Protein Skimmer

Sometimes being an early adapter of a product can scare some people off, but not this reef nerd. "AquaMaxx has a new skimmer design with a new pump?! Count me in!"

(As you can tell by my video, it's difficult to take good images of anything in my sump. Sorry.)

A handful of my fellow reefing buddies (reef nerds) have been running the AquaMaxx AM series in sump protein skimmers, and we have a HOB-1 (hang on back) on the 28 gallon JBJ Nano Cube. I had heard great things about these AquaMaxx protein skimmers and seen great results from fellow reef nerds. When I was setting up my system and purchasing my first in-sump skimmer, I hit a snag: I only had 23" of height to work with in my tank stand. The coveted AquaMaxx skimmer I wanted would have to wait for another day.

Editorial note: I was reluctant to post my review for this skimmer as I was too excited/lazy to document the assembly and install process. The skimmer has now been in my sump for over 6 months, and I have yet to take any photos of the skimmer for my review. That said, I did imbed a quick YouTube video above so see it after it had been in my system for a month or so, and I'll update this post in the future if I take some photos.

(Follow the link to read more...)

Photos of the Reef

The rock work as of today (3.16.13)

After a water change this morning, I figured I should take a few photos of the reef de Chromie.

I've moved stuff around and removed a couple of corals, but most of the coral are still the same as before. Some coral have grown better than others, but many have not really grown as well as I would like. I have a problem of either breaking the coral before they grow or moving them too much.


(More images after the jump!)

Interesting Reef Finds at PetSmart?!

"Grabber Tool"

I know PetSmart has the reputation of being a "newb" spot... and with reason... However, we all know that any "advanced" hobbyist going to PetSmart for aquarium advice is probably not as "advanced" as they claim to be online (internet trolls), and I've been to plenty of Mom-and-Pop local fish stores (LFS) that dispensed the worst advice possible. I have a general distrust of many LFS as often they have incentives to sell you incompatible livestock and supplies you don't need. That's just me, and I know there are MANY great LFS out there (when you find a good one, stick with them and keep them in business!)... That said, I go to PetSmart primarily for dog supplies. I then tend to drift into my old stomping grounds, the fish department.

There's always a little room for freshwater

Reef tanks are beautiful and challenging, but I've always had a soft spot for freshwater aquaria and fish. While picking up some dog food, I made a trip to the oh so familiar fish section ("pet care") of PetSmart.

The Beta fish has always been one of my favorite fish, and it's been a while since I had a Betta. I was easily persuaded into taking home a new friend...

Jasper the Betta, rocking the 1.2 gallon

And we needed to add some more fish to add to the 18 gallon freshwater aquarium in the family room. I saw some Bolivian Ram Cichlids and had to get a pair. We also got a few Red Wag Platties.

Bolivian Ram Cichlids

Freshwater aquariums can be quite colorful and interesting too. While not a reef tank, freshwater aquariums can still be interesting and fun.

 

Red Wag Platties

Until next time...

Back to Basics: Mixing Saltwater...

There's probably about a million posts about this already... but here's post number 1,000,001!

Mixing saltwater: it's easy and convenient. It's often even more economical than buying it, especially when you have a large aquarium.

I hate to say it, but it's been over two years since I bought premixed saltwater. It was a chore to drive to my local store and then come home with mixed salt, only to then begin the water change. The chore of going to get the water was my old excuse for not doing frequent enough water changes. (I have now developed more complex excuses... Did you hear about the time my RODI unit was sabotaged by a band of of rouge agents bent on world domination through the proliferation of cyanobacteria and destruction of coral reefs?!) Well the moral of the story (the purchasing of water not the rouge agent thing) was that its a mission to go get water, especially if buying large quantities of saltwater.

Besides the chore factor, the costs can add up quickly when you're paying someone else to mix water for you. While I can concede that it's less equipment and cleanup to just bring a couple of containers for fill up, I would not want to have to buy 30 gallons per week to change water on a 300 gallon system.

There is also a final consideration: emergencies. It's easier to always have a little saltwater on hand when you can mix it yourself. This is good in case something unexpected happens- and "it" will happen. Having water on hand might be the factor that saves your reef from failure.