Bacon's RSR 170 w/ Crystal Reef Aquatics sump

[bizacon]

I figured I should start a new threat with an appropriate title

Background

Have had fish tanks since my teens, first one was converted from my hamster tank..And i was wondering why all my fish were dying ;Facepalm . Broke down a RSR 425XL in NY with the full system (AWC from basement).

We moved to FL and my wife was nice enough to give me the corner. My English Lab was nice enough to give me HALF the corner, so a 170 it is.

First things first, Equipment list:
( I did have a Nero 5 on the tank, great pump, just a lot for the tank)

Tank:
· Rea Sea Reefer 170 white
Sump:
· Crystal Reef Aquatics RSS250
Light:
· Kessil A360X
· Wifi Dongle*
Return:
· Varios-2 Controllable DC Pump
Power Heads:
· Vortech MP10wqd (2)
Skimmer:
· Reef Octopus Essence s-130 internal protein skimmer*
Auto Top Off
· Advanced Acylics ATO container (5 gallons)
· Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155
Controller:
· ApexEL Controller System*


* = Have not purchased, jury is still out

Vendors:

• John over at Advance Acrylics is amazing, I believe I am on my 4th ATO from him
• Julian over at Crystal Reef Aquatics is amazing, answered all the questions and the build quality is amazing as well

Currently:

• Cycling, started on 2/21/19.. almost there

Concerns:

• I love the sump.. its great water volume and if I decide to do refugium, LR, or frag, perfect space. Just as you can see, wires over hanging over water and does not leave room for DOSING or any other storage.. I need to get creative!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

The buildish

 

[bizacon]

My dog was complaining that he was not part of it:

 

[Hulley]

Looks good, can't wait to follow this along!

 

[CoralDanimal]

This is awesome! As a fellow RSR 170 owner, I'm stoked to see someone get the Crystal Reef Aquatics RSS250 because I've been wondering whether it would fit. Space and volume wise it's definitely an upgrade to the stock sump + there's better compartmentalization for skimmer vs. refugium chambers.

Questions about it ;Pompus

• Sorry if this is annoying, do you remember what plumbing parts you bought to custom plumb it?
• What's your plan for dosing? I have my DOS mounted above, which works, but you'd need to get creative on the dosing containers.

 

[bizacon]

Thanks.. I am getting my skimmer in on tomorrow, so I can play around with height and adjusting water height as well. The build quality is great, and I would recommend it for sure. Just added water volume will help things out.

For Dosing I will most likely use a dos as well and do some sort of custom acrylic dosing Behind stand or side behind ato container. Trying to keep the clean look

Here is part list with keeping return line stock:

Fittings:
3/4" x 1" Sch 80 PVC Reducing Male Adapter - MPT x Socket 836-102 ( for main)
3/4" x 3/4" Sch 80 PVC Male Adapter - MPT x Socket ( emergency)
1" Schedule 40 PVC 90 Elbow Socket (2)
3/4" Schedule 40 PVC 90 Elbow Socket (2)
1 in spear valve
3/4 in spear valve


Tubing:
1 inch pvc pipe (6 ft)
3/4 inch pvc pipe (6)

Red Sea Part:
#42221 (2)

 

[CoralDanimal]

Thank you! I know what my next project is now

Thanks.. I am getting my skimmer in on tomorrow, so I can play around with height and adjusting water height as well. The build quality is great, and I would recommend it for sure. Just added water volume will help things out.

For Dosing I will most likely use a dos as well and do some sort of custom acrylic dosing Behind stand or side behind ato container. Trying to keep the clean look

Here is part list with keeping return line stock:

Fittings:
3/4" x 1" Sch 80 PVC Reducing Male Adapter - MPT x Socket 836-102 ( for main)
3/4" x 3/4" Sch 80 PVC Male Adapter - MPT x Socket ( emergency)
1" Schedule 40 PVC 90 Elbow Socket (2)
3/4" Schedule 40 PVC 90 Elbow Socket (2)
1 in spear valve
3/4 in spear valve


Tubing:
1 inch pvc pipe (6 ft)
3/4 inch pvc pipe (6)

Red Sea Part:
#42221 (2)

 

[bizacon]

Thank you! I know what my next project is now

Ha.. we all love projects

Here is a video for a play by play. I am more of a guess and check reefer

 

[ngoodermuth]

Nice tank, and your helpers are the cutest!

 

[bizacon]

Nice tank, and your helpers are the cutest!

Thanks!! I have one more too!!

 

[pelphrey]

Following along!! That ATO container looks great to the left of the stand!

 

[Westside Guy]

Did that ATO come in larger sizes?
Also can you post some closeups of the Tunze, especially where you placed the hose for the RO water return, was it in the sump or on top in the overflow?

 

[bizacon]

Did that ATO come in larger sizes?
Also can you post some closeups of the Tunze, especially where you placed the hose for the RO water return, was it in the sump or on top in the overflow?

Yes.. it does come in larger sizes, John over at advance acrylics does amazing work

Here are some pics of tunze. Top off goes into John guest fitting and sensor goes in return area.

 

[bizacon]

Weekend project!

 

[infinite0180]

Nice tank. I have the reefer nano! Do you have a link for the light you put in your stand? I need need something in there so i can see when im working!

 

[bizacon]

Nice tank. I have the reefer nano! Do you have a link for the light you put in your stand? I need need something in there so i can see when im working!

Thank you... slow work in progress.. this build will be slow ( well I am telling myself that)

78 LED Closet Light, Newest... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FNNHHST?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[Westside Guy]

Can you post pictures of where the hose exits the rear of the Advanced Acrylics ATO? Is there a hole or cutout?

 

[bizacon]

Can you post pictures of where the hose exits the rear of the Advanced Acrylics ATO? Is there a hole or cutout?

I had John move that hole as far back as possible for me.. he can make adjustments as you want.

 

[bizacon]

Part I completed

 

[bizacon]

Part II done

Waiting for it to simmer down. Built a little stand for it. It’s at 7”. Moving in the right direction.

 

[Koestby]

I like your progress! How do u like the 360X ?