17 Best Wrasse For Reef Tank (2023 Updated)

The kit looks pretty nice if you want to set it up as a goldfish / betta tank. It doesnt work very well as a saltwater kit. There’s 2 major flaws with this setup. 1: there is no good spot to put a heater in the back compartments if you use a protein skimmer.

The compartment with the pump has fluctuating water levels so it’s not stable enough for a heater. The second issue is the LED lamp runs very hot, so it overheats the entire aquarium. On an average day my temperatures fluctuate back and forth by about 3 degrees because of the light, which stresses the fish out.

Recently purchased an Aqueon 14 when Petco was running a 50% off deal. Thought it was too good to be true. After reading all the horrible reviews on it, I returned it with no issues. The Fluval Evo 13.

5 came highly recommended for beginners in reefing. After applying all the available discounts, I picked up in store and got the kit for around $135. Amazing deal for a $200 AIO kit that comes with everything you need to get started except for a heater, sand and live rock.

Very pleased with this purchase.

I wanted to love this tank or at least like it. The black “hex” pattern at the top and in the filtration area is cool. That is where “cool” ends. The light is trash. You get to choose from blinding white or barney purple.

The purple – which they call blue is too dim to grow coral and you can really not enjoy the fish. Let’s talk filtration. no filter sock. They would rather promote the fits chamber for a skimmer, which is really wasted in a tank this small with regular water changes.

They opted for a sponge nitrate factory instead of a media basket. That is just nasty. Those itty bitty bags with “biomedia” and carbon are laughable. You’d get your biological filtration from your live rock anyway.

If I calculate everything that I will need to upgrade to want to keep this tank, it becomes cheaper to just return it and get a tank of higher quality. I still love my Fluval Chi but this Evo is a big nope from me.

I think this is amazing. Lots of features and customizable from every point of view. The few times I asked for help in support they were competent, fast and above all very patient. Really recommend

Slowly added the powder to a container filled with 1. 7 liters of RODI and a powerhead. It immediately formed a very cloudy solution that did not clear until I left it overnight. Some sort of flocks or settlement remains at the bottom and I tried once more to heat the mixture up while being agitated for hours.

No success. Contacted Red Sea, they said the flocks are normal. This is far from a fix as the solution settles to be diluted at the top and concentrated at the bottom. I practically use Red Sea products for everything and this is my first negative encounter where I could not find a solution.

With a google search, many others are having the same problems.

Pricy but more concentrated than the mix yourself powder. Will continue to use the bottles but may review if they become too expensive. Especially the Alkalinity!

Personally I love the red sea line for a number of reasons I won’t get into. The liquids are convenient, but I also like to save my reefing budget for more coral, so the powdered versions are a win for me.

They mix to the same concentration as the liquid bottles, but you can make multiple bottles from each jar of powder. For this magnesium, 1 powder jar will make 3 and 1/3 of the 500 mL bottles. That makes it about 1/3 the price.

Couple tips: do invest in a decent scale that will weigh in grams if you do not have one, easier and more accurate that way. Also, I don’t know what happened with Jose’s solution, but I have not had the same issue.

When I mix any kind of stock solutions I use RO/DI or distilled and heat the water up to about 80 or 90 F by standing it in a sink full of hot water for a bit. Then I add the powder to the water slowly while stirring constantly.

Never had an issue.

First of all, I know there were reviews out there that claimed that their tank arrived cracked. Mine, however, arrived in a very strong box that was packed inside another very strong box– All intact with nary a scratch.

The unit comes complete with a filter and very cool lighting. I would have given this five stars, however, the remote for the lighting was not working because the battery was dead. Opening the latch to access the battery was difficult beyond imagination and even the guy on the YouTube video on how to change the battery on the Fluval lighting remote had a problem opening the latch to access the battery.

Once I was finally able to open the goofy latch, remove the battery, and head out to the store for a replacement battery and got the remote working, all was good. It was an ordeal though. Would I purchase this aquarium again? Absolutely.

It’s a good 15 gal tank for the money.

This is a great looking tank. The curved front is a nice modern design and the white cover and trim so much nicer than the usual black or plain glass look. Really love the lights and being able to change colours or just have the white light, all have +/- buttons to increase or decrease brightness.

The reason for four stars not five is it is quite tricky to clean given the back compartment being divided into three smaller sections. The pump is also great, would recommend a second in the spare compartment at the back to help with keeping the tank clean.

Love how these are all hidden, giving a really stylish modern look.

This is a great entry level tank for saltwater for an all in one. Things I like about it: – Easy to get started with it – The bow in the tank gives my some interesting perspectives – The light is very capable of growing softies and SPS.

– Easy modifications can be made to upgrade this tank. – Rarely have to do top offs thanks to the lid. Things I don’t love about this tank. – The filtration is basically just freshwater filtration. It’s ok to get started but long term you’ll want to upgrade.

– The light puts off enough heat to create a slight bow in the tank lid. – There is a slot to hide the heater in the back, but it’s made to fit only the Fluval heater, and if you use the protein skimmer then you are forced to use one of those slots for the heater or hang it on the glass if using a different brand.

My personal experience was that when filling my tank for the first time with about 25 gallons in it, a corner seam either broke or was already broke and spilled water all over my floor. The team at SaltwaterAquarium sent me a replacement right away and I have had no such issues with the second one.

So I just recommend giving the seams a look over before filling.

Love this aquarium, first time having a acrylic tank and it’s great, I want to buy another. It’s lite for it’s size really clear compared to glass and no glue so much less likely to leak. I didn’t know if I wanted to buy the one without the bio filter built into it, but sure glad I did spend the extra $$ to have the bio filter built into it.

It’s quiet and no tubes or heaters hanging in the back. It has a 4 chambers in the back one for your filter another for your heater or skimmer if you have salt water. Then the third for the bio balls and last the the pump.

If you want a Great aquarium this is it. You won’t be dissapointed. P. S. the first one they shipped was cracked but there was not a problem on returning it and sending a new one to me.

The SeaClear with System 2 is a good investment and a starter tank for a first time salt water aquarist, which helps ease off some of the stress in setting up a saltwater aquarium. The tank is extremely light and comes built in with the filter including a 350 gph pump, bio balls, and a pre-filter, which did an amazing job in clearing out the fine sand that I used for my tank.

I guess for a FOWLR system, this tank is just enough. I dont have too many fish yet and the coralline algae is still seeding, so I’ve not had the necessity for a skimmer yet. Even if needed, I think the SeaClear skimmer would be just sufficient enough, unlike all the other blogs that are skeptical of using the small skimmer.

The only change that I did with the aquarium is to not use the hood, as it sits too close to the water, at about an inch or two. they might as well make this optional similar to the skimmer and reduce the price point a notch to buy the better LED lighting.

But I would not take off a star fior that since its just my personal opinion. Also, you must already know that acrylic scratches easily, so be sure to handle it carefully, specially when you are stacking your rocks.

The SeaClear 50 gal system II produces an absolutely gorgeous display! The seamless acrylic provides perfect clarity and accurate color. The System II built in filtration sustem works flawlessly and is QUIET! If I have any complaints at all it is that it takes up a bit of room at the back of the tank, but it is the price you pay for having a complete enclosed system without any tubes, tanks or other parephanalia hanging from the back or sides of the tank.

It is a complete, enclosed system. The only thing I would suggest is adding some activated carbon (in a nylon bag) to the chemical cup provided in the system II filter space. Otherwise it’s ready to go and easy to set up.

One thing I found takes a bit of getting used to is that the filtered water return is not at the top like the hang-on outside filters, but near the bottom of the tank and along one side! This creates a different kind of current flow than I was used to, but am able to adapt.

I have received my two sixty gallon acrylic aquariums from Hayneedle and Clear for Life. I can only comment about the appearance so far, which is quite pleasing, since they are not set up yet with water and livestock.

I used the opportunity to purchase with really great discounted pricing, so that was also a plus in helping me decide on Hayneedle and Clear for Life. I really like the sapphire blue back, as I think it is more appealing than black or that other sort of light blue background.

I didn’t want clear back because these aquariums might receive a little bit of sun from the back if I place them where I have originally planned.

This is the only product Ill give 5 stars w/o hesitation. Ive had this skimmer running 5 plus years now and never replaced a part. For those claiming its noisy, theyre doing something wrong. You can literally adjust the flow with the knob, and if the pump is clean, youre not hearing any noise.

Furthermore, its a solid built. I purchased the Reef Octopus the same year as the Skimz. Skimz is out of business and my Skimz skimmer need parts and now in a box useless. Im using the reef Octopus on my Red Sea Reefer 350 and its keeping a well stock tank clean.

This should be in the BRS top list of recommended items. My only complaint is the size of the cup, I wish it was bigger. Other than that, this is money well spent. Do the math 5+years of actively working for for under $300.

Thats less than $0. 15 per day and I believe I have at least 10 more years. If I ever need to replace the motor, parts are easily accessible. So I definitely recommend this product.

The pump that comes with this skimmer is horribly underpowered. I have two of them, and they barely pulled anything out with this pump. I upgraded the pumps to reef octopus bubble blaster 3000 pumps, and now they work as they should.

They produce a strong foam head, and pull tons of gunk out. If you are looking at this skimmer, do yourself a favor and get the reef octopus SRO3000 skimmer instead. It is the same exact skimmer body, but comes with the bb 3000 pump.

you wont regret it.

The tea colored skimmate my previous skimmer pulled is nothing compared to this beast. My household knows when I am emptying the collection cup now as it pulls heavy chunky dark stinky skimmate out. After now that it has been dialed in correctly and adjusted to correct water height.

Very impressed with this one. Best skimmer I’ve owned thus far and I’ve had a few, highly recommended! *** MY ADVICE TO ALL FROM AN EXPERIENCED REEFER ON HOW TO DIAL THIS SKIMMER AND OTHERS EFFECTIVELY.

To dial, turn it up only to below the neck of the collection cup and let it run not touching the dial again. If you have no skimmate in the cup in a few days make small adjustments every several days until you start collecting skimmate then do not touch the dial again permanently even if you turn the power off and on leave the dial alone.

If your water level is overflowing the cup wait to turn the skimmer on until the sump water level is stabilized but leave the dial alone it should go back to it’s regular level of operation. You will get GREAT skimmate with this method.

Also be sure to check that it fits where you intend to put it as it’s semi bulky however it’s effectiveness makes up for this IMO.

It is not as shown. I ordered a 8″ bubble magnus that was supposed to be clear acrylic and it was oval shaped, not circular, and the long side was much larger than 8″. The sides were also made of black acrylic, meaning you can only look straight down through the viewer.

This causes reflection issues with your lights, so you must only view at an angle. This would have been useful information. This is the very first time I’ve had a switch of products from BRS. Luckily, I can still use the viewer, but it is not as advertised.

I gave this 3 stars since it does work great but I am about 99% sure they sent me a used product. When paying for something sold as “new”, thats you expect to receive. Unfortunately mine had a 3″ scratch right down the MIDDLE, was dusty and the decal that says SEASIDE AQUATICS was curled around the edges and kindve weathered looking as if the thing has been used for 2yrs, wiped down and sold as new.

Very disappointed to say the least but not worth the trouble to try and get replaced. Mine was the 8″ for what its worth.

This is an overall great concept. The pump however doesn’t move the chaeto and it caused more harm than it did good. Ive now got an outbreak of algae in my dt due to the uptick in nutrients from the chaeto not being able to move.

Overall this refugium does the trick and is constructed from high quality materials. My only issues are the tank mounting screws weren’t long enough for my rimmed 55 gallon tank! I had to add wood inserts to tighten it securely to my tank.

The only other thing I wish it had would be laser cut slots in the top rim so the brackets for the LED could rest securely in place. I don’t like how they slide around and wobble, and I worry one day I’ll drop my light in the water.

Tank is beautiful, thought out, and well crafted. Shipping was easy, the unit was delivered as a pallet with the unassembled cabinet under the tank. VERY HEAVY! Unboxing went well and everything was included.

I first thought they had shorted me the cabinet top until I realized it was packed under the tank still. Assembly was easy and directions were clear. Fit and finish are perfect with very little work to adjust everything for level, square and flush.

Plumbing is the one area I must subtract a star. The pipes are nonstandard for US customers. And the valve design is extremely difficult to adjust compared to other drain systems and needs constant attention for silent operation.

Overall pleased and would purchase again if I didn’t design and build my own tank and plumbing.

Spoiled brat up top. this is not a product for kids. not only for cost sake but for experience and health of whatever is in it. This is a no joke system. If you don’t truly don’t know what your going into then don’t buy it.

Don’t just say hey, I would like a blue tang and never have even owned a fish tank in your life. I know this because i’m studying to be a Marine Zoologist. This is a good all in one tank but, just because of that it doesn’t mean it’s for kids or beginners.

One should get this tank because they would like to setup a reef with fish and corals/inverts that would have a symbiotic relation because they truly love reefs. They would need to understand/have knowledge that whatever was in the tank could take the same/similar water perimeters and keep the tank looking healthy like a reef in the wild.

For example, Montipora coral would do nice with a Candy cane coral and a yellow tang, due to the parameters they require and the fact that they both grow in most conditions fast enough that the tang would not totally destroy the corals.

Please don’t buy this for your kids!! Not recommended for them. Great product though if you know what your getting into and you have a plan to achieve that goal.

The tank and associated equipment arrived on a pallet. I brought them in the house in pieces and then asked my wife to help with the actual tank. Note: inside the box with the tank is a bunch of other things so you can lighten the load if you like by bringing them in first.

I set up the tank with no trouble except when it came to attaching the metric green return hose to the Syncra 3. 5 pump. That was extremely difficult but after heating the tube, perseverance and some great encouragement from Nick online at BRS, I was able to get it.

Nick was (and is) on support at BRS and has been amazing at answering questions and offering advice. The Red Sea lights are beautiful but the app is not great. Took me hours to get them set up. Works well once set up.

Tank is set up with Apex, Tunze, Octopus etc. its the most beautiful tank Ive ever owned. I feel great with BRS support in my corner (& by support I mean I just email & they answer. ) Thanks BRS.

I have had my tank since December 2018. I hadn’t had any issue until late last night when I heard running water coming from the front of the tank. The silicone had a significant leak; thank goodness I was home to empty the tank.

The live rock, fish, and years of work are a complete loss. The clean-up is ridiculous, and the customer support from the Red Sea is just the same. Good luck if you have any issues.

I will admit that Red Sea does make very nice setups. The tank features low-iron glass and a shaded back panel, and black silicone edges that are perfect. The tank sits flush on the stand with no bulky stand sticking out around the edges.

The top of the stand and the inside floor feature a nice rubber top. The plumbing is fine; I have no issues with plumbing, as that is something that a reefer always changes. The only drawback I see is the small RODI reservoir.

It really is tiny. I will eventually convert that to a fuge though.

Tank over all is super awesome, especially for the price. Its the first sump tank Ive ever owned, and the plumbing was super easy. The main drain is a bit noisy but after a few google searches I was able to figure out how to silence it.

Overall, I think its worth the money, and a great one to invest in if youre coming from AIO tanks like I am.

170 model 2 months in: The attention to detail is excellent. From the silicone seams to the overflow cover with perforated removable tab for light mounting you really can’t beat this tank. The stand is high quality, sturdy, and is equipped with padding for both the tank and sump.

The overflow and plumbing set up is simple and has zero noise. Even the door has a padded closing mechanism in the hinges. Glass clarity is excellent and there are no signs of mass production. I don’t know how you can improve on this tank for the money.

I can’t wait to get a larger version.