New Red Sea Reefer 170

[Bootie08]

So I finally decided to get into saltwater aquariums and bought myself a Red Sea Reefer 170. I started setting up my tank and decided to modify the sump and add a refugium. I got a piece of glass cut to fit the sump and made some holes for water to pass through. I'll begin cycling it in the next couple of days once the silicone is set. My question is... Should I add my macro algae and copepods to the refigium now or after the cycling process is done? Also when is the best time to add copepods to the tank?

Thanks in advance!

 

[g5flier]

Congratulations on your Red Sea! To grow macro algae you will need some nutrients in your system, you’ll have to cycle, get some life in it and then add the macro algae, welcome to salt water reefing, where nothing happens quickly.

 

[mjlash22]

Probably would do no harm to add now, but it wouldn't benefit anything until the tank is cycled. You could ghost feed to add nutrients, but that wouldn't really make much sense in your situation. I would just let the tank cycle and set up your refugium once you have some sort of stock in the tank and are feeding regularly.

 

[grassy_noel]

I'm considering a Red Sea Reefer 170 for my next tank and the lack of a refugium was one of my only concerns. I have an all-in-one tank now that does not have a refugium and I think going to a system with a sump would be most worth it if it had one. Could you post some photos of your modification so I can see how you've accommodated the refugium? Excited to see your mod, enjoy your new tank!

 

[Bootie08]

I'm considering a Red Sea Reefer 170 for my next tank and the lack of a refugium was one of my only concerns. I have an all-in-one tank now that does not have a refugium and I think going to a system with a sump would be most worth it if it had one. Could you post some photos of your modification so I can see how you've accommodated the refugium? Excited to see your mod, enjoy your new tank!

Here’s what I did to make a refugium. I actually used acrylic for this. Made holes in it for water to pass through and used silicone to hold it in place. It’s not the prettiest but it’ll work.

 

[grassy_noel]

This is great! Just so I understand, is the attached drawing accurate to what you did? The red box would be the new acrylic panel you added.

If so, can I ask what skimmer you are using? Looks like this would make the size/fit of the skimmer pretty important.

Thanks!

 

[Bootie08]

This is great! Just so I understand, is the attached drawing accurate to what you did? The red box would be the new acrylic panel you added.

If so, can I ask what skimmer you are using? Looks like this would make the size/fit of the skimmer pretty important.

Thanks!

Yep, exactly what I did. The skimmer I'm using is a Bubble Magus Curve 5. I just placed the skimmer in the sump and moved the panel where the skimmer has enough room to be removed.

 

[grassy_noel]

Smart! Of course, that makes so much sense. Thanks again, this is seriously making me reconsider the RS Reefer 170 when I upgrade.

 

[WallysWorld]

I'm getting ready to buy a Reefer 170, and had the same desire to add a refugerium. I've seen several other owners that have converted their ATO, but as I don't know what my evaporation rate will be, I don't want to give this up just yet. I like what you've done. I thought I saw a YouTube video of someone that did this. Was it you?

Does the skimmer get in the way of removing the filter socks?

Do you have an issue with heat from the light under the tank?

Thanks for posting this!
Wally

 

[Dannad]

Hi! I am planning to get Reefer 170, may i know how is the Magus Curve 5 ? Is the performance good?

Yep, exactly what I did. The skimmer I'm using is a Bubble Magus Curve 5. I just placed the skimmer in the sump and moved the panel where the skimmer has enough room to be removed.

 

[Mcsheff]

what would a ideal light/wattage size for a fuge that size? Budget if possible.

 

[reefer0084]

I want to replicate what you did. That was very smart. I have the same skimmer. Can it be angled so that the skimmer inlet is not pressed against the plexiglass? I would think that might make the pump work harder then normal.