First Reef tank, Straight into the deep end - Red Sea 525xl build

[Gav 525xl]

Hi All,

New to the world of saltwater and reef tanks, Previously many years ago had a 4ft freshwater tank that eventually got shutdown when construction for a new house resulted in renting during the build.
Fast forward a few years and a 3.5 year old daughter later, She asks me if we can get a "nemo" fish
What started as research into a small tank, led me to these forums and the available options and possibility of what could be achieved with advancements in equipment etc.

After a month or 2 of reading and researching, convincing my wife and a visit to some of the LFS around me, I decided to scrap the small tank and jump right in with the following.
- Red Sea 525xl
- Mantis Skimmer Tornado 180
- Mantis Tornado pump 12000 L/H
- 2 x Vortech Mp40
- 2 x Gen 5 Radion xr15
- 2 x 300w Heaters
- Clarisea Sk - 3000
- Aqua medic T controller twin
- Hanna test kits
- Milwaukee Refractometer

Delivery day finally arrived and since it has been filled with water I have been asked 1000 times when we can get fish.

A day/night of attempting to tidy the wiring to make and making small adjustments to positioning of equipment and the scape and this is how it turned out.

Added a bottle of Dr Tims one and Only and and waiting for Cycle (Into day 4 as I type this)
Now onto planning for future fish stock list and decisions on what corals and placement. Would love to hear any input

 

[blaxsun]

Love the rockscaping!

 

[Kayanarka]

That rock structure on the right is cool, it looks top heavy, like it should be falling to the center. Makes me want to talk the wife into gluing our rocks.

 

[Jedi1199]

Welcome to the Dark Side..

Your tank looks FANTASTIC!!!! I can't wait to see it when you get fish and corals into it!!

 

[Raph]

IT LOOKS AWESOME!!!!!!!

 

[Gav 525xl]

That rock structure on the right is cool, it looks top heavy, like it should be falling to the center. Makes me want to talk the wife into gluing our rocks.

Took quite a bit of work and glue to counterbalance. It also broke several times in the center where the large base rocks and shelves were joined. In the end a whole bottle of glue was used building up layers of sand to strengthen the joint. Basically making a new rock on top to secure it.

 

[Gav 525xl]

Welcome to the Dark Side..

Your tank looks FANTASTIC!!!! I can't wait to see it when you get fish and corals into it!!

Thankyou!! Looking forward to seeing how it all takes shape.

 

[JumboShrimp]

5-Stars on the rock work!

 

[RGoltz]

I’m curious how you installed the Clarisea in the Red Sea sump?

 

[Gav 525xl]

Grabbed a shot through the side of the tank, as well as a closer shot of the larger rock showing the heavy counter weight rocks at the base.

 

[Gav 525xl]

I’m curious how you installed the Clarisea in the Red Sea sump?

I had the LFS I got the tank from assist with this, The filter socks were removed entirely and the Clarisea hangs onto the the glass with brackets. With a flexible pipe connecting and directing water through it. I grabbed a few close up photos which hopefully explains it clearer.

 

[Kayanarka]

I had the LFS I got the tank from assist with this, The filter socks were removed entirely and the Clarisea hangs onto the the glass with brackets. With a flexible pipe connecting and directing water through it. I grabbed a few close up photos which hopefully explains it clearer.

I saw a short clip of this device in a video yesterday. What do you think of it so far? Is it just to eliminate having to clean socks or cups? How often do the rolls get replaced. Was it worth the investment? Thanks for sharing.

 

[Gav 525xl]

I saw a short clip of this device in a video yesterday. What do you think of it so far? Is it just to eliminate having to clean socks or cups? How often do the rolls get replaced. Was it worth the investment? Thanks for sharing.

I was told it would take approximately 2 months till needing to be replaced. Will confirm when It needs its first replacement. Yes eliminates filer sock cleaning / replacement. I occasionally travel for work so not having to worry about it seemed a worthwhile investment.