G’s Red Sea 200XL Build

[grr410]

Hey everyone!

Well the day has arrived to start the build of my new tank. After more than 5 years of being out of the hobby it feels great to be back. Todays goal was pretty simple, get the stand built and everything in place. Unfortunately, I will be out of town this week for work and didn’t want to rush, so when I return I will be adding water, substrate, rock, and begin the cycling process. My goal for this tank will primarily be LPS over SPS, some wrasses, a pair of clowns, and possibly some others.

After months of research I decided on the Red Sea Reefer 200xl, originally I was going to go with the new Reefer 200 G2, but was able to get an amazing deal on the 200xl. After realizing the only difference between the two is the new G2 sump is already setup for the Reef Mat. If I choose to utilize the Reef Mat in the future it’s a simple modification of the sump.

My past experience with Ecotech has been amazing so purchasing their products again was a no brainer. I’m excited to setup the Nyos Quantum 120 skimmer as I have only heard great things. Still debating on purchasing another MP10, but we will see how things go.

Equipment List
Tank: Red Sea Reefer 200XL
Light: Radion XR15 Gen 5
Return Pump: Vectra S2
Pump: MP10qd
Protein Skimmer: Nyos Quantum 120

Wish me luck here we go!!

 

[blaxsun]

Nice equipment list - you'll love your Nyos (if you have any issues getting it fine-tuned, drop me a PM).

 

[grr410]

Build went well. Red Sea really does a great job with their product. Extremely impressed with the glass on these tanks. Entire build took a little less than two hours and that included a few stops here and there. If you ever built anything from IKEA you will definitely have no issues with building the tank. Everything was clearly labeled and separated into individual bags. Next week water, rock, and substrate will be added and then the cycle begins.

 

[grr410]

Nice equipment list - you'll love your Nyos (if you have any issues getting it fine-tuned, drop me a PM).

Thank you. I have heard great things about these protein skimmers, just haven’t personally used one.

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Nice tank! I have the same one lol. Nice gear too. I upgraded to the XR30 on mine.

 

[grr410]

Nice tank! I have the same one lol. Nice gear too. I upgraded to the XR30 on mine.

Was there a specific reason you upgraded?

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

While a single XR15 would be fine for LPS and softies ...it's a bit weak for sps on this tank. I am looking to upgrade to reef brites xho30 down the road for additional par and spread.

 

[grr410]

While a single XR15 would be fine for LPS and softies ...it's a bit weak for sps on this tank. I am looking to upgrade to reef brites xho30 down the road for additional par and spread.

Gotcha I appreciate it. If I go more SPS in the future maybe I’ll make the switch

 

[Susan Edwards]

Nice tank! I love the red sea glass. My second tank, a 125g, aqueon I picked up used and regretted it almost from day one after having the RS c250 (60g). I missed that glass for the almost 3 years I had the tank. No regrets going back to Red Sea. can't wait to see it up and running

 

[grr410]

Nice tank! I love the red sea glass. My second tank, a 125g, aqueon I picked up used and regretted it almost from day one after having the RS c250 (60g). I missed that glass for the almost 3 years I had the tank. No regrets going back to Red Sea. can't wait to see it up and running

Thank you! My last system was taken down almost five years ago and I can tell you the glass alone in these tanks are amazing. I will keep this thread active and make sure I post all updates and such.

 

[grr410]

Finally returned from vacation and was able to stop by my LFS to grab water, substrate, and my rock. Was definitely a longer day than expected but finally got everything into the tank, pump and heater setup in the sump, and MP10 set up. Still have some organizing to do, still need to mount the light and setup the skimmer. But I can finally say the cycle has begun!!!

 

[grr410]

Update:
I added Dr. Tim’s one and only along with the ammonia from Dr Tim’s. This started my cycle to say and I am happy to see that things are moving in the right direction. Still have the NYOS Quantum 120 sitting in the box, I’ll be adding that in about a week or so, just before I add my first fish. Thanks for following along!

 

[design.maddie]

Still have the NYOS Quantum 120

I would get to installing it. I don't believe in a break-in period on skimmers, but there could be some residual organics/chemicals in the water column from the manufacturing process in the entire tank system that could make the protein skimmer produce wetter extraction. Maybe leave it on the lowest setting until you start adding fish food.

 

[grr410]

I would get to installing it. I don't believe in a break-in period on skimmers, but there could be some residual organics/chemicals in the water column from the manufacturing process in the entire tank system that could make the protein skimmer produce wetter extraction. Maybe leave it on the lowest setting until you start adding fish food.

I was told to hold off and not run it until I was cycled, so much information haha, need to figure what works best.

 

[design.maddie]

I was told to hold off and not run it until I was cycled, so much information haha, need to figure what works best.

Sorry, I may have not given clear instructions. As soon as your cycle is done, I think you are okay to get the skimmer going. You are correct in the notion of not running the skimmer during cycle. Especially if you aren't using food to cycle.

 

[Rhapsody in Blue Reef]

Wow great start!

 

[grr410]

Sorry, I may have not given clear instructions. As soon as your cycle is done, I think you are okay to get the skimmer going. You are correct in the notion of not running the skimmer during cycle. Especially if you aren't using food to cycle.

you are correct, yes, once cycled I will begin!

 

[grr410]

A little over a week in and I’m on day 5 of using Dr. Tim’s One and Only... test results are currently
Ammonia 3ppm
Nitrite 0.25ppm
PH 8.1

Only a few more days and hopefully adding my first two fish

 

[grr410]

Had some hiccups with ammonia, did water change and now moving along.
In better news, I just placed my order with @Bulk Reef Supply for my Apex A3 Pro!!!!! Should be arriving Thursday!!

 

[grr410]

Well it has arrived. Let the games begin!