Build Thread #2: Red Sea Reefer 525 XL

[atruex]

After my kitchen flooded, I decided it was the best time to upgrade. This thread will follow the journey of my new to me 525 XL. (RSR 200XL Thread)

Tank - Red Sea Reefer 525 XL
Return pump - One Neptune COR 20
Skimmer - Red Sea Reefer 600
Flow - (2) EcoTech Mp10 (1) EcoTech Mp40 (may get another)
Lights - (3) EcoTech Radion XR-15 Pro
Filter - Reefmat + refugium (later)

Control:
Neptune Apex system
Neptune DOS system for dosing and automatic water change.
Neptune Trident system
Neptune ATK system
Neptune FMM (Skimmer auto shut-off + ATK sensors)


I bought the tank used for $2,500. It came with an MP40, the reefmat, and the skimmer. It was up and running for 5 months prior. There is no coraline algae on the back glass, just some salt residue/sand. Have been slowly getting it cleaned up, and ready to put into my house (once the floors are done). Have been wondering if I will need to install extra floor supports or not.

Here is where it's at now. Sand ordered, rock ordered, all of my old livestock is living at the LFS currently. I built a new control board today. Planning on mounting all my powerhead controllers on the left side, then the rest is pictured. I wanted to leave room for my trident and alk/calc dosing containers on the left of the board.

 

[blaxsun]

Nice setup!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Sorry about your kitchen flooding! Tank looks great so far!

 

[Rhapsody in Blue Reef]

Nice upgrade!

 

[atruex]

Update!

I was able to get my tank cycled, and up and running about 2-ish weeks before Christmas. I had saved some sand, and all of the rock from my last tank (that's what the tub in the guest bathroom is for, right?). I also used 20lbs of the Caribsea live sand, and also added some of Dr Tims one and only to kick everything off. It only took a few days for the cycle, and I went to the LFS to grab all of my fish and corals.

Almost all of my fish lived while at the LFS (I lost my firefish, I think he jumped out). The corals however were another story. I think about half of it lived. None of my nicer euphyllia made it other than a gold hammer. Some of the other LPS that survived were looking a little worse for wear.

But everything is up and running, and so far so good! Parameters all look to be in check, and no major set backs. I had built my main aquascape with new life rock, and then did my best to glue/structure the stuff from my last tank.

I had no luck removing the rock flowers or the hairy mushrooms that were on the old rock, so I guess we'll see what happens with the mushrooms getting blasted with light.

Aiptasia is also taking off in full force, I had the LFS order a CBB, and I am hoping he will solve my problems assuming I can get him to eat!

I am doing my best to not start ordering every coral/fish I see, and trying to take it slow.. That being said, since I have had this tank up and running, in addition to my old stuff I have added:
- Splendid pintail fairy wrasse
- Yellow belly blue hippo tang
- 3 acros
- torch
- frammer
- birdsnest
- 2 gonis
- monti
- 2 or 3 chalices
- acans
- zoas
- pocillopora
- misc CUC members

 

[atruex]

Well, 6 month mark and I figure it is time for an update. Many things have changed since my last post update. I have had things die, things grow, and some things do absolutely nothing. Tank is starting to fill in, and I am finally seeing some SPS growth across the board, so am happy.

Equipment added:
- re-built my water making station
- added an additional mp40
- UV sterilizer
- Oxidizer
- Neptune DOS containers
- Leak detectors
- Bigger ATO tank

Dosing changes:
- RedSea iodine
- RedSea nopox
- Brightwell trace elements
- Microbacter 7 (via coral snow)

Livestock:
Have added to many to keep track of.. but to name a few favorites:
- CBB
- Blue Throat Trigger
- Leopard Wrasse
- Scopas Tang
- Couple Trachys
- Misc Zoas
- Acan Garden
- Euphyllia everywhere