OldFellows first Saltwater Build

[Gnop1950]

I'm a couple of weeks out from ordering my initial equipment, so I thought I'd start my build thread. I'm very open to comments and suggestions.

The plan is for a mixed reef aquarium. For the initial equipment, I think I've settled on Reefer MAX 625 G3. There is still a week or so before I order, so I could change my mind, but I think the 625 is just about right for the space I'm using and what I'd like to accomplish.

Once the tank is ready, I plan to introduce some soft corals and inverts. Then gradually add more corals and fish as the tank matures. I've already started putting together my target lists (Corals, Inverts, and Fish).

Rocks, of course, but for the substrate, 3-4 inches of aragonite sand.

Based on my research, I plan to add a refugium once the tank is established, most likely holding chaeto. I believe I'll need to add a refugium wall and a refugium light. It looks like Red Sea makes a divider to set up a refugium in a 625, so I'll order that, and I'm considering a Kessil H80 Flora Refugium light. I have Kessil lights on two of my freshwater aqauariums and I've been very pleased with them. I love automation, so I'll probably expand with one of the Red Sea ReefControl modules when they are available.

I'm still working on a complete stocking plan, starting with the inverts and soft corals.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[Gnop1950]

Well, my wife gave me a thumbs up, so I figured I'd better strike while the iron is hot

I settled on a Red Sea Reefer 625 G3 Max. So far, the equipment ordered:

• Red Sea Reefer 625 G3 Max
• 120 lbs of CaribSea Seaflow Special Aragonite Aquarium Sand
• Inkbird ITC-308S Temperature Controller
• 2 x 200W Titanium Heater element (to hook into the controller)
• Milwaukee Salinity Digital Refractometer
• 4 Stage Value 150GPD RO/DI system
• Red Sea Coral Pro Reef Salt Mix (enough for 175 Gallons)
• Some heavy-duty Nitrile Gloves
• SICCE Ultra Zero 793 GPH (To help with water changes and salt mixing)
• 32 Gallon Husky Garbage can with wheels and top (for salt water)
• 1 x Aqua Ultraviolet 57W UV Sterilizer ( and installation hardware)
• 1 x SICCE Syncra Silent 1.5 water pump for the UV sterilizer
• ReefDose 2 Dosing Pump (with tubing)
• ReefCan Auto Top Off Reservoir: 10.6 Gallon
• Hanna Instruments Marine Coral Care Test Kit

Equipment I already have from the freshwater aquariums that I can use with the new saltwater aquarium:

• Python water changer with 50 ft hose
• Extra nets/algae scrappers, etc.
• RO/DI water storage (just another garbage can)
• PAR meter
• Various odds and ends for fishkeeping

Items left to order that I will likely order once the aquarium is on the way, or has arrived:

• Covers for the tank. I expect lots of evaporation; I live in southern Arizona. I'm looking at the Kraken Reef covers for the Reefer 625 G3.
• Rock - I'm considering the Carabsea LifeRock Dry Live Rock
• Light for the Refugium
• Additional testing equipment

Updated with some additional equipment. Removed the refugium divider; it appears to come with one.

 

[kevgib67]

Well, my wife gave me a thumbs up, so I figured I'd better strike while the iron is hot

I settled on a Red Sea Reefer 625 G3 Max. So far, the equipment ordered:

• Red Sea Reefer 625 G3 Max
• 120 lbs of CaribSea Seaflow Special Aragonite Aquarium Sand
• Inkbird ITC-308S Temperature Controller
• 2 x 200W Titanium Heater element (to hook into the controller)
• Milwaukee Salinity Digital Refractometer
• 4 Stage Value 150GPD RO/DI system
• Red Sea Coral Pro Reef Salt Mix (enough for 175 Gallons)
• Some heavy-duty Nitrile Gloves
• SICCE Ultra Zero 793 GPH (To help with water changes and salt mixing)
• 32 Gallon Husky Garbage can with wheels and top (for salt water)

Equipment I already have from the freshwater aquariums that I can use with the new saltwater aquarium:

• Python water changer with 50 ft hose
• Extra nets/algae scrappers, etc.
• RO/DI water storage (just another garbage can)
• PAR meter
• Various odds and ends for fishkeeping

Items left to order that I will likely order once the aquarium is on the way, or has arrived:

• Covers for the tank. I expect lots of evaporation; I live in southern Arizona. I'm looking at the Kraken Reef covers for the Reefer 625 G3.
• Rock - I'm considering the Carabsea LifeRock Dry Live Rock
• Sump divider to set up a Refugium
• Light for the Refugium
• Additional testing equipment

That's about all on my list at the moment, but I'm sure I'll add more as the project progresses.

Looks well planned out! Welcome, glad you are here!

 

[Tikki]

I'm a couple of weeks out from ordering my initial equipment, so I thought I'd start my build thread. I'm very open to comments and suggestions.

The plan is for a mixed reef aquarium. For the initial equipment, I think I've settled on Reefer MAX 625 G3. There is still a week or so before I order, so I could change my mind, but I think the 625 is just about right for the space I'm using and what I'd like to accomplish.

Once the tank is ready, I plan to introduce some soft corals and inverts. Then gradually add more corals and fish as the tank matures. I've already started putting together my target lists (Corals, Inverts, and Fish).

Rocks, of course, but for the substrate, 3-4 inches of aragonite sand.

Based on my research, I plan to add a refugium once the tank is established, most likely holding chaeto. I believe I'll need to add a refugium wall and a refugium light. It looks like Red Sea makes a divider to set up a refugium in a 625, so I'll order that, and I'm considering a Kessil H80 Flora Refugium light. I have Kessil lights on two of my freshwater aqauariums and I've been very pleased with them. I love automation, so I'll probably expand with one of the Red Sea ReefControl modules when they are available.

I'm still working on a complete stocking plan, starting with the inverts and soft corals.

 

[Gnop1950]

I've seen that video, but it is one of the older G2 models. The new Euro Bracing, additional cabinet bracing, and other changes should address many of those issues. Should there be an issue they now come with a 5-year warranty.

I'll also inspect the cabinet's additional bracing and add more if necessary.

I should also add that I always put at least a thin 1/8" neoprene mat under all my rimless tanks. Even though the 625 is Euro Braced, there is no frame at the bottom, and I feel it helps protect against the roughness of the cabinet top and dampens vibrations as well.

 

[Tikki]

I've seen that video, but it is one of the older G2 models. The new Euro Bracing, additional cabinet bracing, and other changes should address many of those issues. Should there be an issue they now come with a 5-year warranty.

I'll also inspect the cabinet's additional bracing and add it if necessary.

That’s good, just wanted to be sure you were aware.

 

[TheNative192]

Well, my wife gave me a thumbs up, so I figured I'd better strike while the iron is hot

I settled on a Red Sea Reefer 625 G3 Max. So far, the equipment ordered:

• Red Sea Reefer 625 G3 Max
• 120 lbs of CaribSea Seaflow Special Aragonite Aquarium Sand
• Inkbird ITC-308S Temperature Controller
• 2 x 200W Titanium Heater element (to hook into the controller)
• Milwaukee Salinity Digital Refractometer
• 4 Stage Value 150GPD RO/DI system
• Red Sea Coral Pro Reef Salt Mix (enough for 175 Gallons)
• Some heavy-duty Nitrile Gloves
• SICCE Ultra Zero 793 GPH (To help with water changes and salt mixing)
• 32 Gallon Husky Garbage can with wheels and top (for salt water)

Equipment I already have from the freshwater aquariums that I can use with the new saltwater aquarium:

• Python water changer with 50 ft hose
• Extra nets/algae scrappers, etc.
• RO/DI water storage (just another garbage can)
• PAR meter
• Various odds and ends for fishkeeping

Items left to order that I will likely order once the aquarium is on the way, or has arrived:

• Covers for the tank. I expect lots of evaporation; I live in southern Arizona. I'm looking at the Kraken Reef covers for the Reefer 625 G3.
• Rock - I'm considering the Carabsea LifeRock Dry Live Rock
• Sump divider to set up a Refugium
• Light for the Refugium
• Additional testing equipment

That's about all on my list at the moment, but I'm sure I'll add more as the project progresses.

Following Along! any special fish you are looking to add! I bet you are excited :D

 

[Gnop1950]

Following Along! any special fish you are looking to add! I bet you are excited :D

I am very excited, but then I've never grown up. Pretty sure that isn't going to happen at my age

It will be some time before I add any fish. I'll add some soft corals and a cleanup crew of inverts once the tank is cycled. As for fish, I'll be adding at least a couple of clowns and tangs. I'll still be researching other fish that are compatible and relatively easy to keep.

Honestly, I'm almost as excited about the inverts. I always enjoyed watching them while diving, especially during night dives.

I recently refloored (tile) one of the spare bedrooms. That will become my fish room and display room. I spent many years diving and have a nice shell collection that will be displayed in that room as well.

The fish room won't be overcrowded with tanks. There will be 3 small freshwater tanks (a 29-gallon community tank and 2 10 Gallon shrimp colonies) and this reef tank. My large community tank and small betta tank will remain in my office.

 

[TheNative192]

I am very excited, but then I've never grown up. Pretty sure that isn't going to happen at my age

It will be some time before I add any fish. I'll add some soft corals and a cleanup crew of inverts once the tank is cycled. As for fish, I'll be adding at least a couple of clowns and tangs. I'll still be researching other fish that are compatible and relatively easy to keep.

Honestly, I'm almost as excited about the inverts. I always enjoyed watching them while diving, especially during night dives.

I recently refloored (tile) one of the spare bedrooms. That will become my fish room and display room. I spent many years diving and have a nice shell collection that will be displayed in that room as well.

The fish room won't be overcrowded with tanks. There will be 3 small freshwater tanks (a 29-gallon community tank and 2 10 Gallon shrimp colonies) and this reef tank. My large community tank and small betta tank will remain in my office.

That sounds awesome, have you seen sexy anemone shrimp. If you like cool inverts they are really awesome. If you decide to add soft corals be careful with which you add as some can spread all over the tank, detach and re-attach making it difficult if you decide to add some LPS and other corals competing for space.

 

[chillout-reefer-dave]

Well, my wife gave me a thumbs up, so I figured I'd better strike while the iron is hot

I settled on a Red Sea Reefer 625 G3 Max. So far, the equipment ordered:

• Red Sea Reefer 625 G3 Max
• 120 lbs of CaribSea Seaflow Special Aragonite Aquarium Sand
• Inkbird ITC-308S Temperature Controller
• 2 x 200W Titanium Heater element (to hook into the controller)
• Milwaukee Salinity Digital Refractometer
• 4 Stage Value 150GPD RO/DI system
• Red Sea Coral Pro Reef Salt Mix (enough for 175 Gallons)
• Some heavy-duty Nitrile Gloves
• SICCE Ultra Zero 793 GPH (To help with water changes and salt mixing)
• 32 Gallon Husky Garbage can with wheels and top (for salt water)

Equipment I already have from the freshwater aquariums that I can use with the new saltwater aquarium:

• Python water changer with 50 ft hose
• Extra nets/algae scrappers, etc.
• RO/DI water storage (just another garbage can)
• PAR meter
• Various odds and ends for fishkeeping

Items left to order that I will likely order once the aquarium is on the way, or has arrived:

• Covers for the tank. I expect lots of evaporation; I live in southern Arizona. I'm looking at the Kraken Reef covers for the Reefer 625 G3.
• Rock - I'm considering the Carabsea LifeRock Dry Live Rock
• Sump divider to set up a Refugium
• Light for the Refugium
• Additional testing equipment

That's about all on my list at the moment, but I'm sure I'll add more as the project progresses.

The ol' wifey thumbs up.
Make sure you remember this next time she asks you to do the dishes or take the dog out... Reminds me of a classic covered by the Grateful Dead..

That's right, the women are - smarter.

Be a good boy. Following along.

 

[Gnop1950]

The ol' wifey thumbs up.
Make sure you remember this next time she asks you to do the dishes or take the dog out... Reminds me of a classic covered by the Grateful Dead..

That's right, the women are - smarter.

Be a good boy. Following along.

I've been married for fifty-six years. Any illusion I had about being in charge faded many years ago. About the same time as I realized that being right wasn't always the most important thing

 

[chillout-reefer-dave]

I've been married for fifty-six years. Any illusion I had about being in charge faded many years ago. About the same time as I realized that being right wasn't always the most important thing

I'm wet behind the ears at only 11 years married. A phrase they told me fishing for marlin was, Bow to the king. Isn't the phrase "You can either be right, or you can be happy"

 

[Gnop1950]

Well, some exciting but unexpected news. I finalized the order on 12 Feb I had to have them modify it. I had mistakenly ordered the white cabinet and wanted the black cabinet.

The order shipped on the 13th and will arrive in a couple of days!!! I was estimating 3-4 weeks from order finalization to delivery based on my research. Fortunately, I'll be done with the fish room remodel today.

My final orders for initial setup and prep included:

• Dr. Tims One & Only 8 oz
• 110 Lbs LifeRock Dry Live Rock
• E-Marco-400 Aquascaping Mortar
• 800 grams powdered All-For-Reef

I should have the new system assembled and ready to begin cycling by early next week.

 

[TheNative192]

Well, some exciting but unexpected news. I finalized the order on 12 Feb I had to have them modify it. I had mistakenly ordered the white cabinet and wanted the black cabinet.

The order shipped on the 13th and will arrive in a couple of days!!! I was estimating 3-4 weeks from order finalization to delivery based on my research. Fortunately, I'll be done with the fish room remodel today.

My final orders for initial setup and prep included:

• Dr. Tims One & Only 8 oz
• 110 Lbs LifeRock Dry Live Rock
• E-Marco-400 Aquascaping Mortar
• 800 grams powdered All-For-Reef

I should have the new system assembled and ready to begin cycling by early next week.

Sounds exciting!

 

[Gnop1950]

Delivery Day today. Assuming it arrives in one piece, I'll start getting everything set up in the fish room.

The plan is to assemble everything, then run a 24 to 48-hour leak test using RODI water in the bare tank. It comes with built-in leak detection, so I'll make sure that is set up so I have at least a fighting chance to catch any issues early. I can empty the tank pretty quickly if needed, either using the submersible pump I have or my Python Water Changer.

It will likely take at least a full day, if not more, to initially fill the tank with RODI water. I have two 32-gallon Husky trash cans that I'll pre-fill to 23 gallons each (only 23 gallons to prevent splashing when I move them around) to jump-start the fill, then finish the remaining 100+ gallons directly from the RODI system.

Assuming the leak test goes well, I'll add salt to the tank to reach the proper salinity, then let it mix with the powerheads and pump for 12-24 hours.

If the above goes well, I'll add the rocks/sand, removing any displaced water.

Should everything above go as planned, I'll begin cycling the tank. I'm looking at doing at least a one-week blackout to start. I'll add Dr. Tims, then some ammonia. The lights will remain off, and I'll cover the tank, blocking almost all light, for at least the first week.

From then on, I'll pretty much do as I've done for my fishless cycles in my freshwater tanks. I'll check ammonia and nitrates daily. Starting on the second day, I'll dose ammonia as needed to keep it between 1 and 2 ppm. Once ammonia goes to 0 from 2 ppm after 24 hours, I'll do a 20-30% water change, turn on the reefmat and protein skimmer, then add the first life to the tank, some inverts, I think.

That's a lot of assuming things will go as planned. I'm sure there will be trials and tribulations along the way, and I'll document them in my journal.

 

[Idech]

The fun is about to start !

 

[Gnop1950]

Tomorrow assembly starts. The freight driver was very helpful. We moved the crate into my garage. I inspected the crate, and there wasn't even a scratch on the container or the shrink wrap. Of course, it was a short haul. The tank was drop shipped from Texas, and I live in Arizona.

Everything arrived on time and in good shape. Tomorrow is assembly day. I uncrated and checked all the parts. Nothing was missing or damaged. There was even a little bag of extra parts. I'll get everything assembled tomorrow and Friday. My grandson and I will move the tank from the garage to the new fish room and set it on the stand, probably on Friday afternoon. Then I'll start filling it with RODI water for the leak test.

I had read and watched some videos, where they shipped with the tank on top of the cabinet. It makes sense, since the cabinet top has a neoprene layer, which helps absorb shocks along the way. Thankfully, mine came with styrofoam under the tank and the cabinet top packed on the side so I can fully assembly the cabinet before moving the tank.

The room is larger than it looks in the picture; that is just a lot of parts

 

[Gnop1950]

Setup is going much more slowly than I had anticipated, but I'd rather take my time and be careful with my first reef tank. Have some folks coming over tomorrow to help put the Aquarium on the stand.

Took quite a while to get it completely level. Tomorrow, the tank and initial sump plumbing will be installed, followed by the remaining equipment, doors, and the slide-out control panel.

One disadvantage of going all-in is that there is a lot more initial setup to complete. I decided to add an Apex controller. The controller and remaining equipment will be here on Sunday. So, my revised schedule is to be able to start the 24/48 hour leak test by Monday or Tuesday. While that is running, I'll markout an area with paper/cardboard and begin designing the aquascape.

There will be a 1000 VA/800 A SineWave UPS for surge protection and short-term power protection. Likely just the heaters and sump pump. There shouldn't be any long-term power outages. I'm planning to install a battery for my solar system in the next few months. The UPS battery will bridge issues like a popped breaker or GFI trip.

My current plan for the sump is to have the Reefmat and Refugium in the front chamber. The Protein Skimmer will be in the back chamber. The UV Sterializer will have its own pump, so I'm thinking of putting that in the back left of the sump (input), then have the output in the return chamber on the back right. Only the return pump will run until the tank is cycled; then I'll turn on the rest of the system.

 

[Gnop1950]

It is taking much longer than I had anticipated. Probably because I added so many additional items and not because I'm ancient and need my naps Plus, I'd rather go slowly and try to get it right from the beginning.

Tomorrow I'll hook up the last few items, including the ATO system, finish cable management, and then fill it with tap water for the leak test. The UV is still waiting on the hose I ordered, but other than that, it is ready to go, and I won't really need that for some time. I'll start designing the aquascape during the leak test, so it will be ready to go.

Once I start the cycle, I'll likely order a small AIO marine tank to use as a quarantine tank. No hurry on that, as I won't need it for the first inverts and fish, but I want to have it ready.

I've added a Neptune System Apex A3 to the system. I put a Hue Lightstrip around the inside to improve visibility during maintenance. I've also added a UNS Refugium light. I'll be adding a small ball of chaetomorpha algae to it once the tank is cycled and I add my first fish and inverts. I won't start adding coral for a bit. Probably not until I've had a chance to set up my quarantine tank. Hopefully, I'll be able to resist just turning it into another display tank; my track record in that regard is not the greatest.

I stocked up on the standard fish medications and coral dip solutions.