Hydor Koralia Evolution Powerheads

It seems there’s a small issue with the fairly new Hydor Koralia Evolution Pumps. According to the Hydor website, the Koralia Evolution needs a small modification to fix a backward running impeller. The issues arise on certain timers and wavemakers and can easily be fixed by cleaning the impeller bushing, bushing o-ring and bushing housing. Also fixing the issue is a modified bushing that Hydor will be issuing out for free to all Koralia Evolution pump owners. Below is the official announcement from Hydor, as well as some of their contact information.

ATTENTION KORALIA EVOLUTION OWNERS

Hydor has discovered a slight modification is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of some Koralia Evo Pumps.

The issue is that some pumps can run backwards over time when used with certain timers and wavemaker devices.

The problem can usually be corrected by a simple cleaning of the impeller bushing, bushing o-ring and bushing housing with any safe solvent such as rubbing alcohol.

Hydor has a modified bushing and bushing housing available to the consumer at no charge.

Please contact Hydor USA at any time for assistance at hydorusa.office@hydor.com.

EcoTech Marine Logo

A few weeks ago we discussed the recall involving the cables connecting the wireless VorTech pumps to both Ecotech Marine and IceCap, Inc. battery backups. Initially, EcoTech Marine would handle all of the recalls involving their new battery backup, while IceCap would be handling the recall for the original, older style backup. However, to reduce any confusion and to help streamline the recall, IceCap is letting EcoTech Marine handle all of the recalls.

Here’s the models affected by the Battery Backup recall:

• All MP40w Pumps equipped with the WWD
• Any MP40 and MP20 pumps that have been upgraded to the WWD

Continue reading below for the official notice sent out by EcoTech Marine.

Battery Backup Recall Update for IceCap Customers

As you are aware, EcoTech Marine issued a recall for the battery backup cables on our battery backup accessory. We originally encouraged those who own the IceCap Battery Backup to contact IceCap directly to inquire regarding replacement cables. IceCap has since requested that EcoTech Marine distribute replacement cables for them. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that we will be streamlining this process by handling the distribution of cables to IceCap Battery Backup customers in addition to EcoTech Marine Battery Backup customers.

If you own the IceCap Battery Backup, please contact us using our form to receive your replacement cables. We appreciate your business and support and encourage you to contact us if you have questions.

Regards,

Tim Marks
President
EcoTech Marine, LLC

Here is a video of the Ecoxotic Photo Cannon we discussed over the weekend. This gorgeous reef tank has only four of these LED Photon Cannons illuminating it, for a total of about 240watts of use. According to Ecoxotic, the Photon Cannons use only 60watts of energy each, which is virtually nothing when comparing it to a 250watt metal halide setup.

Additionally, these lights are said to be able to penetrate even the deepest reef aquariums. Ecoxotic tested them out over a 15 foot deep tank (yes, 15 feet tall!) and the Photon Cannons outperformed 400watt metal halides over this aquarium. I can’t wait to get some PAR numbers on these bad boys, but until then we’ll just have to watch the videos and speculate.

Ecoxotic Photon Cannon Pendant

After months of anticipation, Ecoxotic is finally releasing their LED powered Photon Cannon. These lights feature a single, 50-watt high intensity LED multi-chip that puts out some serious light, which will come in two color choices, 12000K white and 453nm blue. Additionally, each light will feature a 100 dregree reflector, allowing for superb penetration even into the deepest parts of your aquarium. There is no cooling fan required, so your lights will run dead silent. Each light will set you back $549, which is just a little more expensive single metal halide setup (bulb, ballast, and reflector). But given the fact that the Photon Cannon LEDs

Check out our gallery of Photon Cannon images below, as well as more product information.

Here is some additional information, as well as a description of the Photon Cannon from Ecoxotic.

What do aquarists dream of? Being able to replace their metal halides with a cooler, more energy efficient lighting solution. The Cannon LED aquarium pendant makes this a reality. Emitting a bold, crisp and vivid light, metal halides have been put on the endangered species list.

Compact and powerful, the single, high-density LED multi-chip coupled with polished reflector produces an intense, sharp beam of light penetrating water more effectively than metal halides. Packaged inside an IP65 rated circular module with glass lens – makes them ideal for harsh aquatic environment. Whether you have a deep aquarium at home or manage a large shark exhibit at work – the Cannon LED pendant provides a viable lighting alternative to those old school halides.

Each pendant features a 50 watt multi-chip LED, integrated driver, polished aluminum reflector, glass lens, and an adjustable hanging kit. Available in 12,000K White and 453nm Blue.

Stay tuned for a video of these amazing Photon Cannons in action, as well as the official product release information from Ecoxotic.

CoralVue Advanced LED System Over Tank

CoralVue is beefing up their LED aquarium lighting products by releasing their new CoralVue Advanced LED System. These new lights come in a healthy variety of bulb combinations, hanging/mounting configurations, and exterior color schemes. Each setup comes with four sources of illumination, with each of these areas containing three LED bulbs. The bulbs themselves come in two combinations…either two white LEDs with one blue, or one white LED with two blue. This flexibility will allow the aquarium keeper to achieve the blue or white coloration desired.

Continue reading below for the mounting options, a few more images, and product release information from CoralVue.

CoralVue Advanced LED System

Another neat feature to these lights is how they mount to the aquarium. The fixtures can be mounted a three different ways. The first of these mounts simply involves the light dangling from two arms that extend over the aquarium. Both arms can also be adjusted up and down to increase or decrease the space between the light and the water’s surface. Options 2 and 3 both consist of a single bar mounted over the tank, with the light hanging from it. These two options differ only in the light’s ability to be moved. One option allows you to manually move the light by sliding it back and forth over the arm. The other option is the least versatile because the light is immovable. Below is an image that can better explain the mounting options available.

CoralVue Advanced LED System Mounting Options

The light fixture will measure 12″ x 4.3″ x 2.5″. It will also come in seven different external color choices. This is accomplished by using different colored plates that slide onto the fixture. Using these colored plates will allow the user to more closely match the light to its surroundings, which is very important to some hobbyists.

Product information release from CoralVue:

The Advanced LED System is a state of the art LED design. It has a precise design heat sink that is more reliable than a cooling fan.  With the precise aerodynamic and thermodynamic design, the special designed casing is able to maintain constant working temperature. The LED System comes with 7 different side color plates to adapt to any room decor. It is available with an optional controller that allows for true light simulation that allows for sunrise and sunset cycles (Not availible for sale in the U.S). LED’s are now available to deliver the brightness, efficiency, long lifetime, ideal color temperatures, and stability required for the aquarium hobby. There is 3 different hanging methods shown below. There is also flexibility to combine LED systems into one hanging kit.

Other products in the CoralVue LED arsenal include the AquaVue LED Strips, which feature Cree LEDs, and the Solarian LEDs, which there’s currently not a whole lot of information on.

4-way Splitter Switches for Stunner Strips

In addition to the Ecoxotic polished aluminum reflectors we discussed earlier, the Stunner Strips are getting a couple of more handy accessories. For those who are neat freaks, Ecoxotic is introducing a 4-way Splitter that not only organizes the power cables, but also adds an inline switch that allows the aquarist to turn the lights on or off with a turn of a dial. The Stunner Strips can already be linked together to share a single power source, but without the 4-way splitter, the individual strips must be placed close together. With the splitter, each strip can be installed away from each other, allowing you to target dark areas in your aquarium or highlight specific corals with a heavy dose of actinic lighting.

36 inch Extension Cable for Stunner Strips

The other product to aid in the use of the Stunner Strips is a 36″ extension power cable that will allow you to mount your strips into a tall canopy or atop an aquarium with a really tall stand. This extension cable can also be used on the Ecoxotic Panorama Modules, further adding to its versatility. The extension cable, along with the 4-way splitter, are nice additions to these LED lights because they will allow you to mount your lights virtually anywhere over your aquarium.

4-way Splitter Stunner Strips

The 4-way Splitter with Switches will run $12.95 and the 36″ extension cable will be $3.95. Both are currently available from Ecoxotic.

Polished Aluminum Reflector for Stunner Strip

We really enjoyed the Ecoxotic Stunner Strips that were sent to use for a product review a while back, and it seems Ecoxotic is giving them a little boost. The Stunner Strips are getting their very own reflectors, allowing the light output of each strip to be significantly increased. The polished aluminum reflectors snap onto the strip an,  according to Ecoxitic, they double the amount of light entering your aquarium. Reflectors can make or break any lighting system, so we are definitely glad to see the Ecoxotic Stunner Strips getting this accessory. The reflectors will focus light into the desired area and prevent stray from being wasted on the nearby environment, making each strip so much more effective. Each reflector, sold separately from the Stunner Strips, will retail for $6.95, making them very affordable to anyone looking to use these lights over their aquarium.

Below is a promotional video from Ecoxotic, including a little footage of a couple of other Stunner Strip accessories that we will be introducing shortly.

Above is a video of the Ecoxotic 25-gallon LED Aquarium System that we discussed earlier today. This 18″ true cube all-in-one aquarium features a discrete filtration system that includes its very own protein skimmer and even automatic top-off jugs. The top-off jugs basically function with atmospheric pressure. The jug, with a hole in the lid, is inverted and placed above the return section of the sump. When the water level drops, the water in the jug spills into the chamber until the water level has reached its maximum level or the jug empties. This device uses absolutely zero energy and is extremely simple and efficient.

Enjoy the video and stay tuned for more product updates from Ecoxotic via the staff at the AquaNerd Blog. We will be discussing all of the new products and accessories that Ecoxotic is rolling out in the very near future, including the Ecoxotic LED Photon Cannon and the Panorama Retro 36 LED fixture.

Ecoxtic 25 Gallon LED Aquarium

Our good friends at Ecoxotic have released another great product with their 25-Gallon Ecoxotic LED Aquarium System. This nifty all-in-one aquarium is a complete setup, featuring discrete integrated filtration, a protein skimmer, a recirculating water pump, and even a water top-off system. Lighting the aquarium is a Panorama 17.5″ LED System that includes the following accessories: a 3-outlet GFCI extension cord, two 453nm Stunner Strips, 24 volt transformer, 3- way splitter and an EcoCham cleaning cloth. The tank and light fixture also support three different mounting options. Choose from the fully adjustable stand mount, wall mount, or modern hanging style. The aquarium’s dimensions are that of a true cube, 18″x18″x18″, totaling approximately 25 gallons. The total energy use for the system, lights and all, is a skimpy 107 watts, which is virtually nothing for a reef tank. The total price for this setup is $1149, though individual components can be purchased separately. For example, the aquarium and stand are each $250 and the light system ranges from $599 to $649 depending on which light mounting system you prefer.

For a little more information on this system, as well as a few more pictures, see below or visit the Ecoxotic website. Also, be sure to stay tuned for a video of this beautiful Ecoxotic cube aquarium that we will be posting later today.

Ecoxtic 25 Gallon LED Aquarium

Additional details:

• Energy efficient – Less than $6.00 per month to operate
• No fluorescent lamps containing mercury
• No heat transfer- eliminating the need for costly water chillers
• No heavy ballasts – lights use integrated LED drivers
• Complete system constructed of highly recyclable materials

Ecoxtic 25 Gallon LED Aquarium in a Home Setting

Clean, new sediment cartridge on the left, compared with cartridge after 8 months (approx. 1500 gallons production) on the right.

The carbon filter was less obvious visually, but because they protect the RO membrane from chlorine damage, I like to change it whenever I do the sediment filter. Also, remember that the micron rating on the sediment filter should be at least as fine as the rating of the carbon.

After I made the change, water pressure coming into the membrane went up instantly, and production of filtered water accelerated. Thanks to the in-line TDS monitors on my Spectrapure unit, I also notice that water coming out of the first two stages and coming out of the RO stage is lower in TDS than before.  And, this will also further the life of the expensive DI resins, which equates to additional cost savings.

Maybe most exciting, my wife claimed to notice a sudden difference in the taste of our drinking water (we get that out of the RO stage but before the DI). She even brought this up without me telling her I’d made the change. This ancillary benefit helps with continuing efforts to keep my spouse on board with the two reef aquariums in the living room, which is, of course, always day-to-day.