Red Sea Reefer 350 - Minnesota Build

[Homer2020]

Hello Everyone,

I just picked up my Reefer 350 for my home. I've had saltwater tanks back in high school but just got back into it a few years ago. I'll post more details soon.

A few questions:

1. I wanted to get a quick take on the big picture setup, in particular the ATO, auto RO fill to the TO tank, and auto water change. Does this look like it works?

2. I'm not going with the Neptune ATKv2 because of reliability issues, do you agree with that?

3. How can I automate filling the 50 gal tank with RO?

It's pretty crazy how much tech and innovation is in our hobby! My goal is to automate as much as possible and maximize redundancy to avoid leaks.

 

[LiveWire]

Welcome to the REEF!!
Seems that you have a great blueprint for your build.

I have never used the Neptune ATKv2 myself I have always went with Avast Marines ATO and have never had an issue. And you cant go wrong with the Osmolator.

You can automate RO water filling with your Apex, some optical sensors, and a few other items for flooding safety. Its not too hard to do honestly. Will be happy to help you with that project when you are ready.

You are starting off very well by having a plan so I applaud you for that. And I am sure many other members will also.

 

[Homer2020]

Thanks Livewire. What other parts would I need to fill the tank in the basement?

Here's a list of equipment I have:

Tank: Reefer 350 white
Skimmer: Reef Octopus Regal 150-S
Return Pump: Neptune COR-15
Lights: Ecotech Radion RMS XR15 G5 (x2) with tank mount
Powerhead: Aqua Illumination Nero 5 (x2)
Heater: JBJ True Temp
Controller: Neptune Apex
Auto Top Off: Tunze Osmolator 3155
Auto Water Change: Neptune DOS
RODI: RO/DI 4 stage Plus
Rock: Life Rock Box (x3)

Missing Gear:

I am planning on adding a filter roller system. It seems like a lot of people recommend the ClairSea. Do I need a 3000 or 5000? Or is there a better alternative?

Also, I plan to do a refugium. The Kessil H80 was recommended to me. Will that do the trick?

Lastly, I made some progress this weekend putting together the cabinet. Next step is to figure out my water mixing station in the basement and run the proper lines.

 

[Homer2020]

The night before the setup.

 

[Husker-reef]

in the same boat right now with this set up, looking forward to seeing it come together. Let me know if you like those xr15 g5 tank mounts. Debating on hanging mine from the ceiling or using mounts.

 

[Homer2020]

in the same boat right now with this set up, looking forward to seeing it come together. Let me know if you like those xr15 g5 tank mounts. Debating on hanging mine from the ceiling or using mounts.

I’ll let you know. This is what it looks like and it’s relatively clean

 

[PacificaDogFamily]

How did you hook up the cor-15?

 

[Pico bam]

Are you on tcmas? Looking great! I just picked up a sr120 myself.

 

[Homer2020]

Are you on tcmas? Looking great! I just picked up a sr120 myself.

Yes, but I haven't been very active on there. This is our office build thread: https://www.tcmas.org/forums/threads/red-sea-650-peninsula-build-office-build.65978/

 

[Homer2020]

How did you hook up the cor-15?

I haven't yet. Is there something I should be aware of that makes it challenging?

 

[HD_Reefer]

I’ll let you know. This is what it looks like and it’s relatively clean

Looking good!

 

[Homer2020]

Well this has turned out to be a bit more work than I expected. To make room for the ClairSea, I removed the filter sock chamber, that took some time. I wasn't really sure if I was doing it the right way but I made it...

I nicked part of the sump's silicone so I had to pick up a tube of aquarium sealant. I'll do that next.

Now I find out that the output of the Reefer is metric, and the ClairSea is imperial so it doesn't fit. Per ClairSea, the Inlet connection is a 1" fitting. I believe the Red Sea main drain pipe is 32mm. Any ideas how to make that connection? I saw on another post that they wrapped the pipe with pipe tape to make it snug.

As I look around more, I see there's this adapter, seems like this is the best solution?

Tried to make sense of this: https://www.theaquariumsolution.com/why-does-32mm-pipe-my-local-diy-store-uk-not-fit-my-clarisea

Making progress slowly....

 

[PacificaDogFamily]

I haven't yet. Is there something I should be aware of that makes it challenging?

Just wondering, I got mine installed today. No issues on the pump side. It's a beast! Way stronger than my last pump. I'm hoping ti helps improve my display. I did remove the wall that created the refugium as I decided to switch over to ZEO and add a carbon reactor as well.. So I needed the space.

 

[Homer2020]

I decided to tidy up and paint the basement wall before the water station and related components go in.

 

[Homer2020]

So I haven't made much progress on the actual tank and plumbing because I've been stuck on using Neptune vs Tunze for my ATO needs. After some thought and discussion, I have a new plan, I'm not going to use either!

I'm going to use the gravity based TO tank that comes with the Reefer. That will eliminate the need for the Tunze 3155. I'll still need the Tunze 8555 to run water from the RO unit in the basement up to the 10 gal TO tank.

I'm still working this out so any comments are appreciated.

Red and Green circles represent sensors.

 

[Homer2020]

Finally, the final plan!

I'm not using the Tunze anymore and going with all Neptune products.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[Husker-reef]

looking good! post some updates as it comes along

 

[Homer2020]

Made major progress today, water is running!

The mess behind the cabinet:

In the basement:

Closeup of the sump:

Some notes:

• I still need to add the 2" grommets
• The Apex board is secured with magnets at the top of the board
• I have the both Radeons connected to a single outlet on the EB832
• I have the FMM connected to an outlet on the EB832 but I don't know if that's necessary, maybe a waste of a controlled outlet?
• The ClairSea, fuge light, and TO res just barely fits
• The ClairSea is connected to the stock downpipe, to metric to US adapter, to elbow, to 1" union, to the ClairSea input.
• The RO unit in the basement currently filling the tank and is controlled with the Solenoid valve.
• Now it's time to learn the Apex programming...

 

[Homer2020]

Update: filled the tank up with RO water from the basement via the solenoid, that was nice not having to use buckets.

Used Caribsea Fiji Pink live sand. 4 bags.

I had a nasty gurgling issue but turning the COR 15 to 40%, turning the RedSea valve to almost completely closed, and raising the water level seemed to fix it.

I also picked up a Hanna test for salinity and to verify the temps.

Then did some practice aquascaping:

 

[Homer2020]

A day later the water has cleared up.