Daltrey's Red Sea Reefer 750 XXL Build

[Daltrey]

Now to install the skimmer. I'm currently using an sca aquariums sca-302. I've been running it for around six months with no problems. This will be getting replaced once my bioload increases but for now I already had it so it's being used.

 

[Daltrey]

I run a seperate line outside to draw in fresh oxygen to my skimmer. I find it helps to raise my ph. Also by using a john guest valve I'm able to make small adjustments until my skimmer is whisper quiet.

The second john guest valve in the picture is going to my float valve. That is so I can turn off the water flow to do maintenance in the sump.

 

[Daltrey]

I forgot to mention my return pump. I'm running an ecotech marine m1 vectra hard plumbed with 1 inch pvc pipe and a union so I can take it out and clean it every so often.

 

[Ranjib]

Thanks for sharing. The tank look gorgeous. Did you fix the aquascape with glue or putty or something else?

 

[Daltrey]

Thanks for sharing. The tank look gorgeous. Did you fix the aquascape with glue or putty or something else?

I drilled the rock and ran fiberglass rods to hold it together. I have some two little fishies epoxy I'm going to use in a few places to hide a couple of the dowel rods that are showing.

 

[Raptor72]

Nice build. Mine has been cycling for about 3 weeks now. I was wondering if you felt pretty comfortable swapping out the stock plumbing. I’ve seen the video another reefer made on how to do it and I’m mustering up the courage to take it on. I should have done it before I got everything up and running but I don’t think it should take that long once I have all the parts on hand. Any tips or things to watch out for?

 

[Daltrey]

Nice build. Mine has been cycling for about 3 weeks now. I was wondering if you felt pretty comfortable swapping out the stock plumbing. I’ve seen the video another reefer made on how to do it and I’m mustering up the courage to take it on. I should have done it before I got everything up and running but I don’t think it should take that long once I have all the parts on hand. Any tips or things to watch out for?

Make sure and pick up a pair of pvc pipe cutters and dry fit everything first. You will have to cut the ends of the standpipes off. The plastic on them seems thin so I would only use a hacksaw because the pvc cutters may break them.

Watch a YouTube video on gluing pvc pipe if you have never done it before. Lots of helpful tips.

 

[Daltrey]

Time to add the heaters. I decided to go with two eheim jager tru temp 250 watt heaters. I like the fact that they have a user adjustable temp switch built in, shatter proof glass, automatic shut off if they were to run dry or if either were to fail then one will still keep my temp from dropping to dangerously low levels. Also both of them together are only 500 watts and not enough to cook my tank.

 

[Daltrey]

Next it is time to install my power station. I have decided to go with an apex classic. Easy to program and can take over control of my tank in almost any emergency situation.

It is also nice to be alerted of any possible issues as they happen. I really couldn't see myself running a tank without it.

I plan on enclosing everything in the cabinet so when I am finished you will not see any wires. Stay tuned for more pics of the finished cabinet.

Also the two power strips are running off of two seperate breakers. On one is a powerhead and heater and the other also powers a seperate powerhead and heater. I consider this a crucial part of the tank. If either breaker trips then I still have life support until I can fix the issue.

 

[Daltrey]

Now comes the exciting stuff. Let's fire it up and see where we are at with everything so far.

I have the vectra m1 set at 100%

 

[Daltrey]

Looks good and the gate valve is working perfect. I was able to set it exactly where I need it to be nice and quiet.

Ok, let's bring the skimmer online next.

 

[Daltrey]

And we have skimmate. It will take a couple of weeks to break in so for now it will be ran low.

 

[Daltrey]

Now it's time to bring the mp40's online.

Ok mp40's up and running. Will have to pick up some cable ties from home depot tomorrow to secure them.

 

[Daltrey]

Bringing the heaters online now and time to add the Tropic Marin salt.

 

[Daltrey]

Will let the salt mix overnight. I also received another goody today. Triton Core 7 other. That's it for now. Stay tuned as there is lots more to come.

 

[Daltrey]

Well while I wait on the salt to mix just thought I would share a pic of some of my other hobbies.

My Can Am and Harley Davidson Wide Glide. Me and my wife love to travel on it anytime the weather is nice. Also I'm big time into kayak fishing. Mostly bass fishing.

 

[Daltrey]

Another hobby of mine is building gaming computers. Here is my watercooled gaming computer.

 

[Daltrey]

And finally I'm into racing simulators. I built this one at my house to play iRacing.

 

[Don Lidtke]

Following along since this is the very same system I will be setting up this coming year.

I really like what you did with the drains and return plumbing. Nicely done!

 

[newbreefer316]

Looking good