New Reefer 350 Build!
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- Thread starter brett98xj
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Nice start!
I got all the valves and pipe from bulkreefsupply.com. I actually had to redo everything you see here. I ended up going up to 1" pvc all around instead of 3/4". I only went with 2 ports off the manifold, and changed all the valves from gate, to ball valves. Also got a length of silicone tubing from BRS and that is what is connecting my return pump to the manifold. There was a noticeable noise difference between PVC straight to the pump, and the silicone tubing.
If you hard plumb straight into the Reefer return pipe like I did, don't waste your time on threaded adapters, the Reefer will be a different thread pattern than what you can get in the states and will possibly leak. I spent way too much time (months) trying to figure out how I was going to do this, then one day realized a 1" piece of PVC fit perfectly. I did sand it down just a bit (JUST A BIT) due to the OEM return pipes being notoriously brittle and easy to crack. Gave both parts a generous dosing of primer and glue, and it's been the perfect solution. I even bought an OEM replacement from Red Sea America in case I ever need to go back to the original setup.
CDavmd
AstroReefer
Looks good, curious how you were able to keep the flow meter in that position. I found the unions would run against the back wall and bend the pipe a bit. I elected to put it after my return pump which simplified my manifold greatly.
OK, so the plumbing and the pictures above are from when I first put everything together. As I mentioned before, that setup only lasted through leak testing the plumbing and tank, and quickly went to version 2. This is what I ran up until February of this year. With just a valve to feed a reactor and a second to feed the factory ATO container turned refugium. I didn't run the refugium long though. I believe it could have worked out well, however when I drilled the holes, I placed them too high up. This didn't allow me to get the flow I wanted through it for fear it would easily over flow.
I was also using a Vertex Omega 180i protein skimmer, which was awesome. But since I like to try new things, I am currently using a Nyos 160 which also works great, and the Vertex is up for sale if you or anyone you know are interested.
So now, for where we stand today haha. At the beginning of the year I just came increasingly frustrated at the layout of the original sump, plus there was extra space that could have been utilized for more sump area. I really like Trigger Systems stuff. You can see I've had their Emerald line 10 gallon ATO container for a couple of years now. So I got looking and the only sumps they produced regularly that would fit in were the 26 or the cube. Cube being too small, and the 26 coming in slightly smaller than necessary. So I contacted Trigger, told them I was wanting basically the 26 custom extended in each direction. For not much more than what the 26 was going for, I got a sump that is a perfect fit into the compartment.
I also got ahold of Red Sea America and ordered a set of pipes to keep on hand. When I did this change over, after only a year, the plastic on the original ones where the flange is by the threads was so brittle they simply snapped while I was taking them out. Luckily they're great down there and I had replacements plus more for future needs within a couple of days.
The whole 1" pipe inside of the factory Red Sea ones has been the best thing I have found about adapting this plumbing. The tanks are great, but I wish the return plumbing was larger. I lose 50% of my flow of where I'd be at with 1.25" pipe because of the small diameter going through the return. While I love this tank, my next will definitely be completely externally plumbed with that size.
All in all I'm happy where I stand with the current setup. I keep going through circulation pumps in the tank now. Wanting to play around with everything. I started with MP40s, tried both Gyre 210s and 230s with their advanced controllers, and the Neptune WAVs. They're all great pumps. I really wanted the WAVs to work out, but they are a loooooooooooot of pump. I will hang on to those for my next larger tank, but the Gyres are up for sale!
I also bought a 170 stand to set next to this stand and place all my electronics clutter in. Worked out rather well and gave some extra storage.
Also built a mixing station too. This, along with the pipe I put together make water changes a breeze. Station is in my garage, tank in my living room on the other side of the house. About 60 feet of hose to stretch between both. Attach hose to pipe in tank, stretch it outside to siphon and drain, then using quick attach cams from Grainger, or BRS, attach the hose to the station, diver the new water through the hose and back into the tank. It's great.
So, that's pretty much where we are now. I did just install a Neptune Cor 20 return pump in place of the Vectra M1. My intentions were to use the Vectra until the Cor had some time under them and then grab one and have the Vectra as a backup. Voila! Here we are.
I have also put in a Kessil AP700 lol. I know it's a lot of light with the 360s on each side, but I couldn't resist.
I have also put in a Kessil AP700 lol. I know it's a lot of light with the 360s on each side, but I couldn't resist.
Awesome setup. Thanks so much for the update! Super helpful. One question that comes to mind is how did you connect the plumbing to the Red Sea return. It’s all metric and I have heard that is a challenge. That is the only that gives me heartburn. I got the Reef Octo Varios 6 which has a 1 1/4 output that I plan to reduce to 1" so my whole manifold will be 1". I just don’t know how to connect to the metric Red Sea return. Are you still using your sanded 1" pipe glued right to it? Has it held up well?
Appreciate the help.
There is so much great info here that I think I may have just read that you are still using the 1" into the Red Sea stock return. I like the simple setup. I think I am going to aim to be like your second setup as I want the option of running a couple of reactors.
Forgot to mention, for the skimmer I went with a Reef Octo 150s classic. I’ve heard good things about it. I’ll let you know how it works out.
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