Newb w/ a 425 XL Red Sea Reefer

ShaneO

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Aug 5, 2019
Messages
67
Reaction score
51
Location
Las Vegas, Nv
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hi guys just getting started in the hobby and my build off the ground. This all started a few months ago when a friend spiked my interest with his tank (freshwater) and he expressed his ambitions to move to the salt life eventually. I've always enjoyed building, using my hands, and learning. I'm always in the market new enjoyable hobbies. If you ask my wife she says I have way to many hobbies (not sure thats ever possible).
The plan was to take the plunge if I found a good deal on tank setup and could piece everything together on a budget. After looking for a while I found and acquired a 425 XL Red Sea Reefer (tank only). Being in unfamiliar waters I've been taking it nice and slow while trying to absorb as much as possible from this site and BRS. Over the last month or so its been mostly gathering parts and ideas. My intentions (I think) with the tank will be a mix of softies and LPS maybe a nem or two. Haven't thought a ton about fish yet, other than what BRS suggests on their Youtube channel. The basic crew that has a purpose of cleaning and such ex. tang, wrasse, blenny, goby, etc... Will expand down the road for sure. Hope you enjoy the journey with me and if you have any suggestions or guidance it would be greatly appreciate!

Now for the parts and build up to this point.
- Stand that I built myself
- 30g sump got on Offerup
- 2 upgraded Mp-40's with QD drivers
- 2 hydra 26's
- 1 hydra 52
- Jebao DCP- 8000
- Vivid Creative Aquatics return line upgrade with RFG
- Plumbing setup inspired from @Broadfield
- Skimmer Nyos Quantum 160
- BRS 300 watt Heater
- Milwaukee refractometer
- RODI setup (Liqua Gen 6-Stage acquired w/ tank) couple BRS additions TDM meter and flush
- Around 80 lbs of used rock (currently being bleached)
- 2 aquamaxx reactors

Here goes nothing!!
 

Dierks

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
May 3, 2018
Messages
1,601
Reaction score
3,274
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Dont forget Pictures!! We LOVE pictures!!
You have a great start there and am excited to see what you do with it! You are in good hands here and most people are eager to help! Good luck with your build and it sounds like you are already on the right track, if you are doing it right you are doing it slow for Reef Tanks!!
 
OP
OP
ShaneO

ShaneO

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Aug 5, 2019
Messages
67
Reaction score
51
Location
Las Vegas, Nv
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
20191114_200127.jpg

The night I got it. With two stands pictured.
 
OP
OP
ShaneO

ShaneO

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Aug 5, 2019
Messages
67
Reaction score
51
Location
Las Vegas, Nv
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
The towel is from a small leak on the return line. :oops:
Currently have a new part on order. Its the only one that I didn't replace when I did the plumbing. Its the original one.

Screenshot_20200107-201620_Chrome.jpg
 

Dierks

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
May 3, 2018
Messages
1,601
Reaction score
3,274
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Great Job!!! Everything is nice and clean!! I am a big fan of making everything like it was supposed to be there. I have no qualms putting in a bit more work to make things look good/correct. You are doing a great job and will be following along with your Build.
 

Dierks

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
May 3, 2018
Messages
1,601
Reaction score
3,274
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Current debate if I want to divide the wet from what will be the command center. Thoughts??
If you are able to, Do it!! I have done it both ways and my Dry equipment is MUCH happier as far away from the salt and water as it can be. I rusted out a light or two because of the proximity to the saltwater/moisture and ruined my first controller. If you take a look at my build thread you can see I actually put my controller in the cabinet next to the tank.
 
OP
OP
ShaneO

ShaneO

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Aug 5, 2019
Messages
67
Reaction score
51
Location
Las Vegas, Nv
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Well, trying my first ever scaping job on this fine Sunday.
Need some help and advice. I want to make sure I hit all the important parts. This is the current setup. I'm happy with the way it looks, but need help from the experts. Let me know what ya guys think! Thanks in advance!

20200112_124531.jpg 20200112_124537.jpg 20200112_122850.jpg 20200112_122857.jpg 20200112_122903.jpg 20200112_124542.jpg 20200112_124545.jpg
 
OP
OP
ShaneO

ShaneO

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Aug 5, 2019
Messages
67
Reaction score
51
Location
Las Vegas, Nv
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Finally starting the cycle!

Gonna be using Seed and some ghost feeding to help with the ammonia kick. Anybody have any thoughts or insight on this method?

20200121_200427.jpg
 

reef lover

It's a reef thing....
View Badges
Joined
Jan 1, 2013
Messages
14,296
Reaction score
44,604
Location
new york
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Yup throw a shrimp in there let it rot. Monitor ammonia...should go up and back down..add another shrimp...do the same until ammonia is processed in 24 hours. Nitrates will go skyhigh and then its time for a water change and and some clean up crew.
 

siggy

My Aquariums Going Again
View Badges
Joined
Feb 16, 2017
Messages
7,122
Reaction score
21,414
Location
MI
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Nice work, you're looking like a pro.
 
Back
Top