What is the most unexpected piece of equipment that made the most significant impact on your tank?

[VintageReefer]

Not sure if it qualifies, because it isn’t really “tank equipment”, but it is a piece of equipment that I use regularly for the hobby.

A diamond disk for my Dremel.

I mean, sure - I could say A&C skimmer that beats the hell out of the competition, or the UVA in the ReeFis that somehow are able to produce those MH-only colors but with LEDs. But the diamond disk somehow left far more impact than all the others, making it far easier to cut large amounts of frags or tough corals, which I tend to do regularly enough for it to make a difference.

Can you post a link to the one you like? I’m in the market

 

[edsbeaker]

My controller. It controls all the equipment that allows me to do auto water changes, auto feeding, auto dosing, auto testing… you get the idea.

 

[DanyL]

Can you post a link to the one you like? I’m in the market

Sure. It’s the official one, which so far lasts me around 2 years of heavy use (hundreds of frags)

https://a.co/d/89XfBJZ

Only thing important to remember is to rinse it with RODI water after use because otherwise it’ll eventually corrode. I also use a small brush to remove small particles and coral slime.

 

[coatesy UK]

Sometimes, when looking at new equipment, I wonder, "How much impact will that make on my tank?" Usually, the equipment we think won't make the most impact ends up being the best piece of equipment we have. I am wondering what one piece of equipment you have you thought wouldn't make a huge difference but ended up being a great addition.

I bought 4 of those Ocean Sea waves by Ocean Sea products ,wow the random water flow in my reef is the next level

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

I would say my mixing station setup.

For years I tried all kinds of things to eliminate water changes to no avail. I eventually learned that nothing can replace water changes and it is better to make them as easy as possible rather than try to eliminate them.

 

[JGT]

Inverter generator. Saved my tank multiple times during various power outages.

 

[Delatedlotus]

The Diatom Filter.....is my take.

It is by far the best intavation ever introduced to both freshwater and saltwater eco-systems ever! All reefers will someday turn back the clock and recognizes the sevier potential placed forward with this being the ultimate tool.... Very, very, large reef systems do in fact use Diatomaceous Earth in there filter systems.

The ole Vortex Diatom was way ahead of its time, and a lot of people recognized it back then. It was for just a very small home tanks up to say 500 gallons+, using the proven Diatom filtering capacity. The couple that manufactured it where getting pretty old and the motors and switch's wouldn't pass UL rating. You could get shocked quit a bit and pretty frinkantly...lol. It's so, so, sad but they closed down and no family member to take over. You can make one I have made a lot of them and I mean a lot! Polyester non- woven cloth holds back DE so easy to sew up a bag and your off and running. It is so, so, easy! Some people make it so hard.. lol... yes I just laugh and don't say much. Goggle and READ about the Diatom Filters and Diamouse Earth for filtering saltwater you will be amazed.. Reef On Brothers

 

[Paul B]

I would also say Diatom filters. I have been using them since the 60s and I don't think I would be in this hobby without one. Now I build them because the old Vortex's all corroded.





Those and my reverse undergravel filter that has been on my tank for about 52 years.

 

[DanyL]

The Diatom Filter.....

It is by far the best intavation ever introduced to both freshwater and saltwater eco-systems ever! All reefers will someday turn back the clock and recognizes the sevier potential placed forward with this the ultimate tool.... Very, very, large reef systems do in fact use Diatomaceous Earth in there filter systems.

The ole Vortex Diatom was way ahead of its time, and a lot of people recognized it back then. It was for just a very small home tanks up to say 500 gallons+, using the proven Diatom filtering capacity. The couple that manufactured it were getting pretty old and the motors and switch's wouldn't pass UL rating. You could get shocked quit a bit and pretty frinkantly...lol. It's so, so, sad but they closed down and no family member to take over. You can make one I have made a lot of them and I mean a lot! Polyester non- woven cloth holds back DE so easy to sew up a bag and your off and running. Goggle about the Diatom Filters. Some people make it so hard.. lol. It is so, so, easy! Read about the Diamouse Earth for filtering saltwater you will be amazed.. Reef On Brothers

Honestly, this is something that I wanted to try ever since @Paul B made his thread about it, going through the process of building a new one from scratch.

It really isn’t too difficult, but it does require some planning and free time to accomplish.