Redemption - RedSea Reefer 425XL

[ThePriceSeliger]

After a whole slew of issues I experiences with my previous tank, I've decided a new start is the best way to go. I got my hands on a 425XL last Wednesday, and this thread will follow the progression of the build and livestock.

Equipment looks like this:
RefSea Reefer 425XL
Vortech M1 return Pump
Skimz SM122 skimmer
2x Vortech MP40QD
Full Apex
ATI dimmable sunpower
BRS Carbon Reactor
BRS 1.1ml dosing pumps dosing Cal, Alk, & Mag

This is my first try ever hard plumbing anything, and it was a very interesting experience. Learned a lot, and managed to build the return plumbing and manifold without any leaks. Pretty pleased with the design.

Livestock will basically be starting from scratch, I took my previous fish to the fish store for store credit, but still have my two clowns whom my girlfriend is rather fond of.

Now, for the photos. I hope this thread will be photo heavy as things progress.

Obligatory unpacking shot


The tank the first time wet, filled with tap leak testing the plumbing.


Close up



Now time to start design my aquascape, I'll be using BRS reef saver, shelf, and branch and hopefully make some good spots for some quality SPS.

Here we go, redemption!!!

 

[Payday]

Looking good! Can we get a better look at the plumbing?

 

[Clarksski]

Yea.. Can we see more of your plumbing? What's with the three valves on the left?

 

[Bumgrundle]

Very well done sir! It's a Beauty!

 

[ThePriceSeliger]

Yea.. Can we see more of your plumbing? What's with the three valves on the left?

I'll grab some more plumbing photos in a bit, currently re-setting up my Apex and all the systems. That's a manifold with a 90degree turn in it. The valves on the left feed my skimmer, carbon reactor, and the third and fourth valve will either be for water changes and a refugium I'm planning for the integrated ATO chamber.

 

[bknapp]

Good start.

 

[revhtree]

Nice start!

 

[Drao05]

I'm setting up my 425XL right now also, so excited to follow along with your progress!

 

[tj w]

Nice... Will be following.

 

[ThePriceSeliger]

Looking good! Can we get a better look at the plumbing?

Yea.. Can we see more of your plumbing? What's with the three valves on the left?

Here is a photo of the plumbing. I rotated the gate valves 180 so the manifold can sit against the top of the stand, it leaves me a lot of room to work in the sump.



I also finished up my aquascape, pretty pleased with how it came out. Lots of overhangs, caves, valleys, and coral placement options. Sorry for classis blue IPhone photo.


And how she sits now. Still need to make about 15 more gallons, then we're on the road to redemption.

 

[ThePriceSeliger]

Nice start!

Thanks Rev!

I'm setting up my 425XL right now also, so excited to follow along with your progress!

Terrific, let me know when you make a build thread!

 

[Payday]

What size plumbing is the PVC?

 

[ThePriceSeliger]

What size plumbing is the PVC?

The drain plumbing is stock from Red Sea. The hard return plumbing is all 3/4" sched. 80. The manifold turns to 1/2" after the ball valve to allow for compatibility with my skimmer, media reactor, and my proposed refugium plan.

 

[shakinghorizons]

An update is requested!

 

[MCooper]

Super nice looking setup!

 

[ThePriceSeliger]

Whew! Sorry for the delay! It's been a busy summer! The tank is holding up well, coral and fish stocking has gone somewhat according to plan, and we've avoided disaster. Success in my book.

Fish list goes something like:
2x Ocellaris Clowns, one orange one black
Lawnmower Blenny
Diamond Goby
Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse
Exquisite Fairy Wrasse
Pin-Tail Fairy Wrasse
Golden Rhomboidalis Fairy Wrasse
Melanurus Wrasse
Leopard Wrasse

Coral is still SPS dominate. Currently fighting Bryopsis, which isn't getting worse but certainly isn't getting better. Also fighting a Colorado Sunburst Anemone who won't stay still. He's walked everywhere causing me to re-locate most of my frags. Currently trying to find a new home for him.

Wiring is something that's on the list for the last bit of my vacation. I plan to get my new Apex board set up and wires managed properly, it's currently a mess.





Came this morning from Battle Corals. Sorry for the blue I-Phone shot, best I had at the time.


Thanks for looking!

 

[TheReefKeeper]

Does the water top off tank come off their? And can you get the dimensions would like to see it a roller Matt will Fit their.
Thanks

 

[SlvrZ]

What are you using to secure the plumbing to the walls?