WTB - Skimmer, light, and controller.

I'm taking down a pair of Lumenmax reflectors and Blueline ballasts this weekend. I have xm 400w 20k lamps in them that have been used for about three months, and I also have two brand new lamps just like them. I haven't figured out what I need for them yet, but I'll do a little research on Friday if you're interested.

 

Location?

 

I have this available

http://www.greateriowareefsociety.org/Community/DiscussionForums/tabid/78/aft/20629/Default.aspx

 

If you're just looking for some timers, I have some heavy duty timers that I'm not using that I could sell you. If you're looking for a full controller, check out RC Buy/Sell. You can pick up AC3 units for around $300 to $350 pretty regularly.

--AJ

 

I have a octopus nw 200 I will sell for $100 I also have a euro reef rs 180 I have been thinking of selling I would sell it for $425 I'm in waterloo

 

Reef Central Buy/Sell forum. I prefer to buy locally to save $$ on shipping and stuff like that, but when you can't find local, RC is a good place to look.

--AJ

 

He would have to be on there for awhile before he could see the buy/sell forums. Remember the 50 post and 90 day thing

Trevor

 

Yeah...and not just 50 posts...but 50 *meaningful* posts as evaluated by their admins... Don't get me started...lol

--AJ

 

Yea AJ Ive been on there for a long time and Ive got over 100 posts and I still can't see the buy/sell forums so I have giving up on reef central..

Trevor

 

I have a Reeflo Orca 200 skimmer that I would like $400 for. Original owner excellent shape! Not sure if have to have an "in sump" skimmer or not.

 

Well, I see two schools of thought...
1) Get a controller - A controller will help you to better manage things from day 1.  As you add more things, you have the technology to properly deal with the new stuff you're adding to your tank.  You can better manage temp, see your pH swings, and just generally always know more information about your tank without constantly having to deal with testing.  This is especially the case if you have a smartphone and use it in conjunction to your controller.
2) Not get a controller - You save the $$ and invest in other things.  A timer will take care of the lights, manually testing might be more work, but it forces you to do it and get a better idea of what's going on in your tank.  A controller can have a tendency to make you lazy in your tank monitoring...and that's not a good thing when you're starting out.  You need to stay on your toes and keep on top of things until you have a better idea of what's going on.  Getting media reactors, better lights, and a better skimmer might be a better place to spend your money up front.  Spend as much on your skimmer as you can afford...remember, it's one of the core components of your tank that you want to be reliable and efficient.
I hope this helps.
--AJ

 

I would hold off on the controller for now. It is a nice piece of equipment to have, but in my opinion, the last thing you need to buy. In the begining I think it's better to spend your money on filtration, lighting and other equipment that will go a long way in keeping your tank more stable. It makes basic husbandry easier, less frequent and therefore you're more likely to do it. Plus you also get a good understanding of you system and it's requirements in the process. So by the time you're ready to add a controller you'll know exactly what you need it it do. I've been running my tank lighting with timers for the last 2yrs with not one issue.