on the rare occasion that the skimmer reacts to something and overflows significantly, the overspray is captured and just drips into the sump.

Oh also, I stopped dosing and just use Kalk again 🤷‍♂️ pH is better and better hardness.

Those are important words for any reef keeper to consider. I won’t debate “overkill” as that is relative to the use of the tank and how much work you want to offload to automation. I do want to comment on “maintenance” as this tank was built to be very low maintenance and the gear discussed should be seen to drive down maintenance, not increase it. The maintenance consists of measuring Alk, cleaning glass, filling ATO and emptying the skimmer at a cost of about 15 minutes weekly. 10% water change monthly costing about 15 minutes. Then refilling CO2 absorbing pellets, carbon and cleaning up the refugium every 3 months at a cost of maybe 30 minutes. The Tropic Marin All-for-Reef and refugium cover all the tanks needs, I no longer chase parameters or make any adjustments beyond the one doser (adjustments based on Alk findings each week, often no change). I suggest any new reef keeper fully understand why they are adding each piece of equipment but know that a very complex setup does not equate to a larger time investment. Usually, you will be saving time by providing greater stability as the core functions of the tank do not require your time. Something for those building out new tanks to consider, aside from feeding the fish (that can be automated as well), could you walk out of the house for a week and the tank would be fine? That could represent you just not feeling well, being buried by work or other life distractions. Today, mine would be fine, my previous attempts may not have been.

I didn't want to do any drilling in the cabinet wall, so I used a heavy duty velcro tape. This allows me to quickly pull components off the wall for cleaning or maintenance. I bought mine at Home Depost. 3M Command strips also work great.

🤣