First saltwater tank - Red Sea Max S 500

[Nicholas Conner]

Hello Reefers,

This is going to start off fairly slowly as I am waiting on Red Sea to make the Max series tanks available again with their new ReefLED lights. Supposedly, early May.

Here is what I have so far:
Heaters - Finnex TH-05005 500W Titanium x2
Liverock - 120 lbs. Real Reef Rock - mixed sizes - Real Reef Solutions
RO/DI - AquaFX system with Barracuda replacement filters
Return-Pump - Neptune COR-20
Sand Bed - 80 lbs. CaribSea Argonite
Activated Carbon - BRS Rox 0.8 Premium Activated Carbon
Carbon Reactor - BRS Deluxe Carbon & GFO Reactor w/ Cobalt MJ-1200 pump
Controller - Neptune Apex
Salt - Red Sea Coral Pro





I have a small 10g tank ready to go as a QT.


Also, I’ve started cycling the rock in saltwater with added bacteria and a small pump. Been going about a week, will probably go about 4-6 weeks before being added to the tank.


I’m planning on buying more items in the next few days from a LFS. Test kits, TDS meter, etc. Anxious to get started, but I realize this is a process and not instant gratification. Short-term delays for long-term benefit. Or so I keep telling myself! :mad:

Thanks for looking!

Nick

 

[hdsoftail1065]

You build sounds well thought out. It would be extremely hard to stare at all the new goodies while waiting on the new glass box. Following!

 

[Nicholas Conner]

Thanks @hdsoftail1065. The anticipation is both fun and aggravating! My boys are having a hard time being patient, though...

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Welcome to R2R

I agree w/ hd. All that equipment and no tank to put it in. To me It shows you will have the patience to develop you tank slowly and let them grow.

Again #WelcometoR2R

 

[Nicholas Conner]

Thank you @Mastiffsrule. I definitely want a 5-10 year tank not a flash in the pan. I’m enjoying learning about the hobby and am looking forward to going through each step.

 

[saltyhog]

Welcome to R2R! Can't wait to watch this build evolve!

 

[SPR1968]

Welcome to R2R!

I have the Max S650 and build thread link below if you need any help

 

[Nicholas Conner]

Thank you in advance for your help @saltyhog. I’m sure I will need the reefsquad’s help along the way.

 

[Nicholas Conner]

Thanks for looking @SPR1968. I will definitely check out your build! I’m planning on getting the black as well. Have you had any trouble keeping the stand looking clean? I just know black cars always show a lot of spots and streaks...

 

[SPR1968]

Thanks for looking @SPR1968. I will definitely check out your build! I’m planning on getting the black as well. Have you had any trouble keeping the stand looking clean? I just know black cars always show a lot of spots and streaks...

You get some streaks but no it’s not a problem. Just wipe it occasionally, infact that reminds me! Lol

I think I’ve only wiped it twice in 3 years !

 

[GoVols]

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef!!

Running a 2013 S-400 over here.

It's great to have you aboard and hope you feel right at home.

Freddie

 

[Nicholas Conner]

Thanks @GoVols! I’m looking forward to participating in the community.

 

[Nicholas Conner]

Progress! Still waiting on the DT, but have setup two quarantine tanks (one for fish, one for coral) and will start cycling them in the next few days.



If you’re going to quarantine you need meds, right? Got a start on the medicine cabinet...



Also, half the fun is having boxes of goodies waiting for you when you get home! Couple of Ink Bird controllers, a TDS meter, Julian’s Thing with extra tips, Hanna Copper checker, and a Milwaukee salinity checker. Yay shopping!

 

[Dub_G]

Getting off to a good start. Patience is key and it looks like you understand this. Can't wait to see tank progress.

 

[PanchoG]

Hello, any updates? I have the same tank [emoji1360]