Aquaforest Filtration features an innovative all-in-one filtration system and product line, offering comprehensive water purification solutions in a single, efficient package.
Welcome to an in-depth exploration of the latest breakthrough from Aquaforest, a company renowned for innovation in reef aquarium care. Today, we delve into their brand-new "All-In Skim" filtration system, a product that redefines what a skimmer can do by combining multiple filtration technologies into one compact, efficient unit.
This article will guide you through the intricacies of this novel Aquaforest filtration system, their unique salt mixes, and a broad array of other cutting-edge reef products designed to elevate your aquarium experience and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned reef keeper or just starting out, the insights shared here will offer valuable knowledge on how these innovations can improve water quality, coral health, and overall tank stability.
Table of Contents
- The Next Evolution in Aquaforest Filtration Systems
- Performance and User Experience: What to Expect
- Availability, Warranty, and Pricing
- Expanding the Aquaforest Product Line: Fish Foods and More
- Aquaforest’s Innovative Salt Mixes: Hybrid Pro Salt and More
- Rock and Sand Innovations: Live Biosand and Porous Filtration Rocks
- Accurate Testing and Supplement Solutions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
The Next Evolution in Aquaforest Filtration Systems
At the heart of Aquaforest’s latest offerings is a filtration system that transcends traditional skimming functions. This new device, affectionately called the "All-In Skim," integrates several filtration components into a single, patented unit, creating a multifaceted approach to water purification that is both space-saving and highly effective.
Unlike conventional skimmers that focus solely on protein removal, this system incorporates:
- Integrated CO2 Scrubber: Typically a separate device, this scrubber reduces carbon dioxide levels, helping maintain optimal pH and water chemistry.
- Carbon Filter for Air Purification: It filters polluted air entering the system, preventing odors from infiltrating your living space and removing harmful contaminants.
- Biological Filtration Chamber: This chamber contains live biofilm media pre-inoculated with beneficial bacteria to promote nutrient cycling and biological filtration.
- Double Venturi Air Intake: A patented design enhances air intake efficiency by 35%, improving skimmer performance.
- Ozone Input: An optional ozone entrance allows hobbyists to incorporate ozone treatment if desired.
Collaboration with Science and Innovation
Aquaforest has collaborated with Polish coral reproduction institutes and marine scientists to develop and refine this system. The result is a skimmer protected by five patents, assuring unique technology not found elsewhere on the market.
The biological media inside the filtration chamber is especially noteworthy. It is shipped with pre-established bacterial colonies, meaning users can immediately benefit from biological filtration without the typical waiting period required for bacteria to colonize new media. This is a significant advantage for reef keepers aiming for stable, balanced tanks.
Silent, Energy-Efficient Operation with Smart Controls
One of the standout features of the Aquaforest filtration system is its quiet operation. The specially developed pump consumes only about 50 watts of power, making it highly energy-efficient without compromising performance.
The system also includes a sophisticated controller that supports multiple level sensors and can interface with popular aquarium automation platforms such as Neptune Apex. This enables remote monitoring and fine control of the skimmer’s operation, including automatic shutdown to prevent overflow.
Modular Design for Custom Installation
The pump can be detached and installed outside the main body, providing flexibility for various sump configurations and making maintenance more convenient. This modular approach allows hobbyists with limited sump space to adapt the system to their setup easily.
Performance and User Experience: What to Expect
The Aquaforest All-In Skim has been rigorously tested to ensure it delivers exceptional skimming efficiency. Thanks to its double Venturi design, it pumps 35% more air, enhancing the removal of dissolved organics and improving water clarity.
During operation, the system creates microbubbles in a turbulent chamber, which effectively attach to organic particles, drawing them out of the water column. Even when running on fresh water with minimal organic load, the skimmer still detects and removes impurities, demonstrating its sensitivity and efficacy.
Precise Adjustability
The DC pump is adjustable in 1% increments, offering fine control over the skimmer’s performance. The clear water level column with a scale allows users to follow straightforward instructions to set the skimmer optimally based on their aquarium’s bioload.
For instance, for highly stocked tanks, users might set the water level at 6 and the pump speed at 50%. This precision ensures the skimmer operates efficiently without wasting energy or causing unnecessary water turbulence.
Impact on Water Chemistry and Coral Growth
One of the most exciting aspects of this system is its positive effect on aquarium pH stability. By reducing CO2 levels effectively, the system can elevate pH from around 8.0 to 8.5 or 8.6 during the day, while also minimizing daily fluctuations. This stability encourages corals to absorb phosphates more efficiently, promoting faster growth and healthier colonies.
Such control over pH and nutrient levels can be a game-changer for reef aquarists aiming to mimic natural reef environments accurately.
Availability, Warranty, and Pricing
The All-In Skim is currently in its final prototype stage, with production taking place entirely in Europe. This manufacturing approach ensures high quality control and aims to avoid tariff-related price increases.
Aquaforest plans to launch the skimmer in Europe within two months, with U.S. availability expected around four months later due to shipping logistics.
While exact pricing is yet to be announced, the company assures that the All-In Skim will be competitively priced against other high-end skimmers on the market, despite offering significantly more integrated features.
Regarding warranty, Aquaforest is confident in the pump’s durability, potentially offering up to a four-year warranty. The pump is custom-designed and manufactured in Europe to meet rigorous standards.
Expanding the Aquaforest Product Line: Fish Foods and More
Aquaforest is not just innovating filtration technology; they are also making waves with their extensive line of fish and coral foods. After overcoming regulatory hurdles such as FDA approvals, their full marine food line is now available in the U.S. market.
Soft Pellet and Liquid Foods
The soft pellet food is slow-sinking and specially formulated, having been tested extensively with breeders and importers, including those in France. It is effective even for delicate species like tiny fish right after importation.
Additionally, Aquaforest offers liquid food that serves both fish and corals. This liquid contains rotifers and is particularly popular among Anthias keepers. The food has a unique “secret sauce” that attracts Anthias, making it easier to encourage feeding in these sometimes finicky fish.
Natural Preservation and Biosecurity
Concerned about biosecurity, Aquaforest uses natural antioxidants to preserve their liquid foods, allowing them to be shelf-stable for up to two years unopened. Once opened, refrigeration is recommended to maintain quality.
The foods are cleaned thoroughly to remove unwanted phosphates and other impurities, ensuring they are safe and healthy for aquarium inhabitants. The company emphasizes transparency and quality control to avoid contamination risks.
Aquaforest’s Innovative Salt Mixes: Hybrid Pro Salt and More
Aquaforest offers a comprehensive range of salts tailored to different aquarium needs:
- Sea Salt: Designed primarily for fish-only tanks, with fewer trace elements to reduce cost.
- Reef Salt: A basic reef salt enriched with micronutrients and amino acids for coral health.
- All in One Plus: Contains elevated levels of calcium, magnesium, and strontium for demanding reef systems.
- Hybrid Pro Salt: A revolutionary blend combining natural evaporated sea salt flakes and mined salt from ancient deposits, infused with probiotic bacteria, amino acids, and vitamins.
The Science Behind Hybrid Pro Salt
The hybrid salt is unique in that it contains dormant probiotic bacteria spores. When mixed into aquarium water, these bacteria become active and begin metabolizing nitrate and phosphate, effectively reducing nutrient levels biologically.
This approach acts similarly to carbon dosing but without the risks associated with chemical additives. The bacteria become a source of food for corals, enhancing coral health while helping maintain water quality.
It is recommended to use this salt in conjunction with a skimmer to remove excess bacterial biomass and prevent nutrient buildup.
Users should also be cautious with dosing amounts, as excessive nutrient removal can destabilize the system.
Rock and Sand Innovations: Live Biosand and Porous Filtration Rocks
Aquaforest introduces a line of filtration rocks and sands designed to optimize biological filtration and aquascaping:
- Porous Filtration Rock: Lightweight, highly porous rock that supports bacterial colonization and pH stabilization. The rock is designed as a functional replacement for live rock, free from pests and unwanted organisms.
- Live Biosand: Clean calcium carbonate sand inoculated with beneficial bacteria. Packaged with starter bacteria cultures and instructions, it accelerates the cycling process and promotes a healthy biome in new aquariums.
These products are part of Aquaforest’s “Kickstart” method, aimed at smooth, fast aquarium cycling without typical nuisance algae or instability.
Accurate Testing and Supplement Solutions
To complement their filtration and feeding products, Aquaforest offers a range of test kits designed for precision and ease of use. Their magnesium test kit, for example, has been rated among the best for accuracy compared to ICP lab results.
These titration-based tests help hobbyists monitor critical water parameters reliably, reducing guesswork and enabling better tank management.
Trace Elements and Alkalinity Supplements
Aquaforest provides component solutions for dosing trace elements and alkalinity. Their three-part trace element solutions allow precise control over reef mineral balance, while the KEH PRO alkalinity supplement is a highly concentrated formula that efficiently raises carbonate hardness and pH.
Interestingly, KEH PRO has a side effect of increasing pH, which can be beneficial in tanks needing pH buffering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes the Aquaforest All-In Skim filtration system different from traditional skimmers?
It integrates multiple filtration technologies—CO2 scrubbing, carbon air filtration, biological media, and ozone input—into one patented unit, providing comprehensive filtration beyond protein skimming alone.
Is the biological media in the filtration system pre-inoculated with bacteria?
Yes, it comes with live biofilm media already colonized with beneficial bacteria, allowing immediate biological filtration upon installation.
Can the All-In Skim be controlled remotely?
Yes, it supports integration with automation systems like Neptune Apex, enabling remote monitoring and control.
What is the expected availability and price range for the All-In Skim?
The system should be available in Europe within two months and in the U.S. within four months. Pricing is expected to be competitive with other high-end skimmers, despite offering additional integrated features.
How does the Hybrid Pro Salt reduce nutrients in the aquarium?
It contains dormant probiotic bacteria spores that activate in water, metabolizing nitrate and phosphate, thereby biologically lowering nutrient levels.
Is the probiotic bacteria in the salt sourced from marine environments?
No, the bacteria are selected probiotic strains optimized for marine aquarium systems but not directly sourced from the sea.
Are Aquaforest’s fish and coral foods safe and shelf-stable?
Yes, they are preserved with natural antioxidants, allowing up to two years of shelf life unopened. Once opened, refrigeration is recommended to maintain quality.
What is the recommended use period for mixed Hybrid Pro Salt?
It is recommended to use the mixed salt within 48 hours to ensure bacterial viability and effectiveness.
Can the All-In Skim filtration system be installed outside the sump?
Yes, the pump can be detached and installed externally to suit different sump configurations and ease maintenance.
What is included in Aquaforest’s Kickstart method for aquarium cycling?
It includes the porous filtration rock, live biosand with bacterial starters, and live biofilm media to promote a smooth and fast cycling process without nuisance algae.
Conclusion
Aquaforest has once again pushed the boundaries of reef aquarium technology with their innovative All-In Skim filtration system and complementary product lines. This all-encompassing approach to filtration—combining mechanical, chemical, and biological elements—addresses many challenges reef keepers face, from maintaining stable water chemistry to managing nutrients and odors.
Coupled with their advanced salt formulations, natural preservation methods in fish and coral foods, and thoughtfully designed cycling aids, Aquaforest offers a holistic suite of products that can elevate your reef-keeping experience to new heights.
If you're looking to future-proof your aquarium setup with cutting-edge technology and proven science, Aquaforest’s new filtration system and product line are certainly worth exploring.
This article was inspired by the video Aquaforest NEW Filtration System Deep Dive - Product Line EXPLAINED!
