Reefer 250 Build. 15 years away from the hobby but I am back

powers2001

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Hi did you have to pre-drill holes on the IKEA cabinet before you attach the L-brackets ? Which size of drill and screw you are using?
@canadianeh I would like to chime in here. I bought a set of 4” corner braces in a package that come with screws to mount an IKEA wall cabinet on the end of my Reefer 250. You definitely should drill pilot holes where the screws go. Choose a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws. You hold the screw of the size you’re using by the head with one hand horizontal and hold a drill bit with the other hand horizontal just on top of the screw touching it. Look straight down on them and edges of the threads of the screw should stick out a little beyond the edges of the bit. Now drill your pilot holes where they go. When you screw on the screws there should be minimal resistance, the screw should go all the way in snug without stripping. If your screwdriver keeps popping out of the screw grooves then the pilot hole is too small in diameter.
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powers2001

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Hi did you have to pre-drill holes on the IKEA cabinet before you attach the L-brackets ? Which size of drill and screw you are using?
Oh my bad. I thought the cabinet was already built and you wanted to mount the cabinet on the side of your tank stand like I did. IKEA kit comes with all hardware except screwdriver and has holes already drilled. :p
 

canadianeh

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@canadianeh I would like to chime in here. I bought a set of 4” corner braces in a package that come with screws to mount an IKEA wall cabinet on the end of my Reefer 250. You definitely should drill pilot holes where the screws go. Choose a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws. You hold the screw of the size you’re using by the head with one hand horizontal and hold a drill bit with the other hand horizontal just on top of the screw touching it. Look straight down on them and edges of the threads of the screw should stick out a little beyond the edges of the bit. Now drill your pilot holes where they go. When you screw on the screws there should be minimal resistance, the screw should go all the way in snug without stripping. If your screwdriver keeps popping out of the screw grooves then the pilot hole is too small in diameter.
image.jpg

do I need a special screws? Wood screws? Yours is very long. That would go through the cabinet. I would like my screws to be short enough so that they won’t go through the cabinet.
 

canadianeh

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Oh my bad. I thought the cabinet was already built and you wanted to mount the cabinet on the side of your tank stand like I did. IKEA kit comes with all hardware except screwdriver and has holes already drilled. :p
No no. You were right. I want to build a false wall within IKEA frame.
 

powers2001

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do I need a special screws? Wood screws? Yours is very long. That would go through the cabinet. I would like my screws to be short enough so that they won’t go through the cabinet.
First of all where are you with the IKEA now and where are you going? Are you trying to copy the OP’s example? Which post(s)?
No no. You were right. I want to build a false wall within IKEA frame.
Can you provide a link to your IKEA on IKEA website?
 

canadianeh

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First of all where are you with the IKEA now and where are you going? Are you trying to copy the OP’s example? Which post(s)?

Can you provide a link to your IKEA on IKEA website?
Yes. I am copying OP’s example. Best IKEA frame.
 
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Hi did you have to pre-drill holes on the IKEA cabinet before you attach the L-brackets ? Which size of drill and screw you are using?
I did not the cabinet panels are very thin and hollow. It is a IKEA and that just how the make some of their furniture. Its very light. Each bracket is a different size so I will just got the local hardware store and do a physical measurement
 
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@canadianeh I would like to chime in here. I bought a set of 4” corner braces in a package that come with screws to mount an IKEA wall cabinet on the end of my Reefer 250. You definitely should drill pilot holes where the screws go. Choose a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws. You hold the screw of the size you’re using by the head with one hand horizontal and hold a drill bit with the other hand horizontal just on top of the screw touching it. Look straight down on them and edges of the threads of the screw should stick out a little beyond the edges of the bit. Now drill your pilot holes where they go. When you screw on the screws there should be minimal resistance, the screw should go all the way in snug without stripping. If your screwdriver keeps popping out of the screw grooves then the pilot hole is too small in diameter.
image.jpg

Great info.. Thanks for posting
 

canadianeh

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I did not the cabinet panels are very thin and hollow. It is a IKEA and that just how the make some of their furniture. Its very light. Each bracket is a different size so I will just got the local hardware store and do a physical measurement
I thought you are using Ikea besta frame and plywood for the false wall?
 
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I thought you are using Ikea besta frame and plywood for the false wall?

I did and used the same screws for the plywood false wall and the IKEA cabinet. Just need be vary careful when screwing into the IKEA cabinet its thin and hollow. Its not hard hard to do
 
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Numbers are great for a mixed reef. Tank has been up and running for about 9 months and just now getting to Par reading.. But like what I am seeing.
  • I have they Hybrid lights hanging 8 inches off the water.
  • Lights are spaced 12 inches on center.
  • I have listed in the the picture my color settings at peak.
  • I run the lights on 12 hour photo cycle with ramp up before and after.
  • Total peak time is currently 3 hours with T5 and Kessil 100%
  • I do try to run a lot of blue before and after peak
  • Par taking with no tank cover
*Note: picture of tank is from just setting tank up*
ParLayout .JPG
 

Robertellis30

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Wanted to share this pic. I have have had the ClariSea SK-300 installed for 6 days now and amazed at how clear the water is now. Felt my water was already pretty clean but 20 micron sure does pull out a lot. You can see the pictures on the wall down the hallway. That would be super clear water :)

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Where did you purchase flex hose set up? And what’s the sizing? Might be ideal to add to my 300xl
 
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Dal-Reef

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Where did you purchase flex hose set up? And what’s the sizing? Might be ideal to add to my 300xl

Got it a local hardware store not sure the size since I took my parts with me to check the fit. I did cut out all of the Red Sea filter socks and Refgium sections. They are too small to be used anyway in opinion . Here are a couple of pics the plumbing to the ClaraSea hope it helps if not ask more questions.
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Dal-Reef

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My tank turns 1 year old this month.. Been a slow but steady process. You can really see it starting to hit its stride. The acros are encrusting and changing to more vibrant colors. Tank is full of frags and now just let it mature and grow.. Thanks to Jeremiah Goode for the free frags and reef discussions. Thanks to Andre Mueller aka PSXerholic for one of the best process to follow Reef Moonshiners. Last but not lest thanks to R2R for all of the information out here. Here are few pics of the corrals. Keep reefing everyone (pic heaving)

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Thespammailaccount

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My tank turns 1 year old this month.. Been a slow but steady process. You can really see it starting to hit its stride. The acros are encrusting and changing to more vibrant colors. Tank is full of frags and now just let it mature and grow.. Thanks to Jeremiah Goode for the free frags and reef discussions. Thanks to Andre Mueller aka PSXerholic for one of the best process to follow Reef Moonshiners. Last but not lest thanks to R2R for all of the information out here. Here are few pics of the corrals. Keep reefing everyone (pic heaving)

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118250447_10224239000552899_6460323296883748437_o (1).jpg
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Tank is looking amazing!
 
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