Bosco Reefer 525XL build from HK

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Hi guys, so after much debate and asking a ton of questions, I've changed my order from Red Sea Reefer 425XL to Reefer 525XL tank only.

So far, its only the tank build planning stage, tank has been order, delivery in about a week.
I'll try my best to document the build and give as much information especially regarding dimensions and measurements that I was searching for.

Tank: Red Sea Reefer 525XL v3
Size: 59"L x 22.6"W x 56"H (Tank=22")
Volume: Total 525L (139G), (DT=409L, 108G)

EQUIPMENT:
Return Pump: Reef Octo VarioS-6 DC
Accessories pump: Sicce Silent 2.5 (for Chiller, refugium, detritus remover, reactors)
Wave/Powerhead: 2x Reef Octo Pulse 4 (positioned backwall)
Heater: Eheim Jager 300W, backup heater is Teco TK500 chiller's internal heater
Skimmer: Reef Octo Elite 150INT

yet to confirm:
Cover: Red Sea's cover, debating 1 single cover or 2 separate cover, makes for easier less bulky access

LED/Lighting: Hotly debated topic, still in thinking
1) 3x AI Hydra 26HD with Red Sea bracket (option to upgrade tank to RS Deluxe package)
2) 2x AI Hydra 52HD with AI bracket (this works out to be around $230US more than the 3x 26HDs)

My QT is set up, small but hopefully effective, 24x12x12
IMG_20181030_155906.jpg
 
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erichuyn

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I have, at the moment. 2 Hydra26HD for my coming 425XL. I'd go with 3x 26's over 2x 52's as well.
Should it not be enough I'd look at a Giesemann Stellar so you'd gain some T5's for coverage. But it looks more massive over the tank then.
 
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Finally got time to post some progress....
IMG_20181105_145849.jpg IMG_20181105_145920.jpg IMG_20181105_151938.jpg

V3 sump, lucky for me, the Reef Octopus Elite 150int, the one with the skimmer pump on the exterior fits into the skimmer chamber. On paper, it does not because Elite is 10.4inch wide whereas the chamber with the refugium plate on the 'larger' slot is only 9.8 inch wide.

You can fit the 150int in but placing it at a slight angle.

Overall quality of the tank is very good, expected the same as my first tank which was a 170.

Doors are a little pita to adjust, just make sure you adjust it BEFORE you put your sump in. There is less than 10mm between sump and cabinet on all sides.
 
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manufacturing defect/machinery marking on all 3 doors, retailer contacted the distributor who agree to replace the doors, will probably take at least a month.... IMG_20181105_162240.jpg IMG_20181105_162249.jpg
 
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A lot of Octo (Reef Octopus) equipment, trying out new stuff compared to the usually Ecotech items.

Elite 150int skimmer
2x Pulse 4, apparently same flow rate as MP40s
VarioS-6 DC return pump

Return pump and Skimmer both comes with float switches which is a very nice addition, both Apex ready too.

IMG_20181110_164231.jpg IMG_20181110_164208.jpg IMG_20181110_164221.jpg IMG_20181111_204123.jpg
 
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Few more photos on the Octo equipment

IMG_20181111_204141.jpg IMG_20181111_204204.jpg IMG_20181111_204216.jpg IMG_20181111_204251.jpg IMG_20181111_204309.jpg IMG_20181111_204415.jpg

Overall quality is pretty good, solid, packed with addition features like Float switch, 0-10V for Apex/GHL users. The only thing someone did mention was craftsmanship of 'glueing' on the inner skimmer cup, glue not uniformly applied, but doesn't really matter imo.
 
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I purchased the Deluxe version which comes with the Red Sea mounts and AI Hydra 26HD.
It was really hard deciding between Gieseimann Aurora 48" vs 2x Orphek Alantik V4 and the 3x Hydra 26HD, in the end, it came down to cost, Deluxe was significantly cheaper, even if I was to add an Aquatic Life T5 fixture, it would still be cheaper than the other 2.

The Red Sea tank bracket mount are well made EXCEPT for the retaining screws. How 'rust proof they are, I'll let you know in 6 months. IMG_20181108_093822.jpg IMG_20181111_185719.jpg
You have to use pliers to turn the screws into the mount, screw it in and out a few times until its smooth. It won't break, just make dang sure it goes in straight though.

IMG_20181111_185731.jpg IMG_20181111_185738.jpg
 
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Leak tested, all fine as expected, its a lot of water wasted actually, 525L, over 140G....

Main thing was checking the plumbing for leaks. Hand tighten only, no brute force required, make sure to silicone lub OR wet the o-ring of the lower part of the plumbing then insert it slowly all the way in before using the screw portion to tighten.

Aquascape took a while.

IMG_20181116_154729.jpg IMG_20181118_122041.jpg IMG_20181118_161625.jpg

One thing to note though, the Octo Pulse 4 cabling wasn't quite long enough for me to position the pump on the left side of the tank. It pulls the Controller behind the tank.
With the Reefer series, the 'dry' cabinet is on the right side which over 40" away from the left side of the glass.

Emailed them regarding possible extension cabling.
 
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Going back to assembly, forgot to add, silicone proofed the joints to stop sw entering the wood, proved useful when hose came off whilst I was pumping sw into sump.... Saltwater everywhere!!

Then I used a foam roller and glass suction handle to get the sump into cabinet, easiest lift and push.
IMG_20181110_163226.jpeg
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IMG_20181110_164143.jpeg
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Mastering the art of locking and unlocking water pathways: What type of valves do you have on your aquarium plumbing?

  • Ball valves.

    Votes: 42 48.3%
  • Gate valves.

    Votes: 46 52.9%
  • Check valves.

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  • None.

    Votes: 22 25.3%
  • Other.

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