First tank, first build, RedSea Reefer 525 G2+

[BaldAndBeard]

After a couple months of research finally pulled the trigger on a RedSea Reefer 525 G2+. It isn't here just yet, but I've started to play around with some aquascaping/habitat ideas. Had posted on Reddit and was asked if I had a build thread here, which I did not. Figured I'd get one started to document the progress.

Got my table and working area all setup so I could get an idea of the space I had to work with. Went and picked up about 85 lbs of Caribsea Life Rock. One of their trees, a box of ledges, and then my LFS had several boxes of shapes that I could just pick through and grab what I wanted. Here are my first 3 attempts (ignore the socks on the table, lol). I think I may head back to grab a couple more arches and coves today and swap out some of the basic rock shapes.

 

[iannarelli]

Glad I convinced you to post over here! I'm sure you'll get lots of great ideas, advice, and encouragement. When do you take delivery of the tank?

 

[BHHOWARD]

Might want to post in this thread for feedback: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/need-help-with-your-aquascape.385531/

 

[BaldAndBeard]

Glad I convinced you to post over here! I'm sure you'll get lots of great ideas, advice, and encouragement. When do you take delivery of the tank?

Possibly being shipped out this Friday so maybe sometime next week. Don't have a definitive date just yet.

 

[BaldAndBeard]

Might want to post in this thread for feedback: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/need-help-with-your-aquascape.385531/

Appreciate the suggestion, will do.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

After a couple months of research finally pulled the trigger on a RedSea Reefer 525 G2+. It isn't here just yet, but I've started to play around with some aquascaping/habitat ideas. Had posted on Reddit and was asked if I had a build thread here, which I did not. Figured I'd get one started to document the progress.

Got my table and working area all setup so I could get an idea of the space I had to work with. Went and picked up about 85 lbs of Caribsea Life Rock. One of their trees, a box of ledges, and then my LFS had several boxes of shapes that I could just pick through and grab what I wanted. Here are my first 3 attempts (ignore the socks on the table, lol). I think I may head back to grab a couple more arches and coves today and swap out some of the basic rock shapes.

I like the aquascape designs!!!!

 

[BaldAndBeard]

Decided to pick up one of the Caribsea LifeRock forests to go along with the tree.

 

[BaldAndBeard]

Tank has arrived, so starting to put that together and get the rock moved into the tank in what *might* be its final layout before I start gluing together.

 

[nuxx]

Looking good so far

 

[BaldAndBeard]

Figured about time to post another update. We have a vacation coming up at some unknown point in the future, still trying to figure out when, but that might delay when I actually start to cycle things. Don't want to leave mid cycle. So, kind of taking things slow a bit.

Right now, it's working on getting out all of the dust and super fine sand particles from the CaribSea special grade dry sand we ordered. Started with just using some 5 gallon buckets, then picked up some of the mesh 5 gallon bucket paint strainers. These actually work super well in holding about 20 pounds of sand and filtering out the dust. Still only about 60 pounds in, and another 60 to go.

 

[BaldAndBeard]

Life got in the way, but finally getting ready to start the cycle. Everything was super noisy at first but have everything dialed in now and very quiet.