Mr.Guy83 Reefer170 tank build

[Mr.Guy83]

This is how it starts!
I’m starting this post as my official reefer 170 build so I can track progression.Please join me along the way, all input and information is gladly accepted.

 

[Mr.Guy83]

First mod of this build was removing the filter sock holder. 1 hour later and a few cuts but finally done

 

[Mr.Guy83]

Complete! now I have room to add the Clarisea. Also going to convert to standard from metric. Plumbing on the way from BRS

 

[Mr.Guy83]

Using Marco rock for the build. I’ve seen a few scapes using this and I like the flatter pieces for sps and surface area. I purchased the rock before the tank so I had no idea how big the over flow was so hopefully it will fit.

 

[Mr.Guy83]

Decided to add another layer of scape to make it slightly higher. The rock circled has been removed to give more of a dynamic overhang.
The fish will have plenty of hiding places as this scape has at least 8 different overhangs and multiple wholes

 

[Mr.Guy83]

Some of the goodies have arrive! Will start the plumbing next week

 

[Mr.Guy83]

Installed the clarisea and was told it would fit...... well it doesn’t so have to completely bust apart the sump. First I removed the sock filter thinking the clarisea would slide right in.

 

[Mr.Guy83]

I’m back to square one with the sump. I marked off with painters tape where I wanted my new walls

 

[Mr.Guy83]

I decided to convert my plumbing from metric to standard. I’m using the Red Sea return attachment in this process.
remove the “barb” setting. And attach 3/4 adapter.

 

[Mr.Guy83]

First attempt ever at plumbing and it’s giving me a problems. Trying to fit the gate valve higher then the clarisea for easy adjustment. But it doesn’t seem to want to cooperate. Still messing around with some configurations.

 

[Mr.Guy83]

This stage may be simple to most but this was my biggest worry of the build. I spent many nights after my son went to sleep planning and trialing different versions of my layout. It even got to a point where I was going to throw in the towel and hire some one to do it. But, tonight I can proudly say I did it on my own and very happy with the outcome. The biggest challenge was the drain on the far right. I need to somehow configure it to include a gate valve and a union for easy disconnect if needed. As you can see it has way more grey than red but does exactly what it needs to do. The second photo is how it will look once all connected

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

First attempt ever at plumbing and it’s giving me a problems. Trying to fit the gate valve higher then the clarisea for easy adjustment. But it doesn’t seem to want to cooperate. Still messing around with some configurations.

Can you go off here with your valve (see attached) and drop it further to the right? Janky but might work

 

[Mr.Guy83]

Can you go off here with your valve (see attached) and drop it further to the right? Janky but might work

Here’s what I ended up doing, what do you think? The 45s worked better than the 90s for me.

 

[Mr.Guy83]

Fast forward a little bit. The tank now has water!

 

[blstravler]

Converting your plumbing was the smartest thing you could have done. The RS return valve is 100% garbage. Plumbing looks great as does your rock!

 

[Mr.Guy83]

Converting your plumbing was the smartest thing you could have done. The RS return valve is 100% garbage. Plumbing looks great as does your rock!

I really appreciate the compliment. I put a lot of effort into both. This is my first build so I’m learning as I go along

 

[haitian_reefer]

You’re going to love your Clarisea. I didn’t trust myself to plumb it, so I had my Lfs do it. My tank is a waterbox. The pic below is how much gunk it captured after 4 days of install.

 

[Mr.Guy83]

You’re going to love your Clarisea. I didn’t trust myself to plumb it, so I had my Lfs do it. My tank is a waterbox. The pic below is how much gunk it captured after 4 days of install.

Wow that thing really pulls gunk. My skimmer is going to have it made in the shade

 

[Macbalacano]

Wow you put my Reefer 170 to shame! I love this, can't wait to see it with fish and coral!