aircrane1
Community Member
Long ago I had several marine tanks. Among them a 70 gallon mixed reef. Used VHO fluorescent lighting and didn't have a skimmer. Low tech and minimalist but it was fun and beautiful. Fast forward to November 2018. Bought a RSR 250 Deluxe and here we go. I didn't take pictures of unboxing or anyhing like that but I will make it a point to do more with the tank progression.
Here's the basics;
RSR 250 Deluxe (the Deluxe just means AI Hydra 26 HD LED lights)
APEX controller
NYOS Quantum 120 Skimmer
2 ea Vortech MP40 powerheads
Reef Octopus varios2 return pump
70 lbs TBS live rock
40 lbs caribsea special substrate
Cobalt Aquatics NeoTherm 300 watt heater
Marine Depot RO/DI Spectrapure Max pure 90 GPD
Instant Ocean Reef Crystals salt mix (one of those buckets that cause severe damage to fingers when opening)
That got the tank going but I have been buying a bunch of other stuff as things have progressed;
Eheim twin auto feeder
Salifert test kits forNitrite, Nitrate, Ammonia and pH
Red Sea test kits came with the tank (I was surprised actually)
Hanna Phosphorus tester
Hanna Salinity Tester
Marin Depot refractometer
I refuse to add up all of the costs. I decided that money was not going to be the deciding factor when jumping back in. I am a woodworker and have learned the hard way that you get what you pay for. If I cannot afford the best or a least close to it then I wait until I can.
My initial thoughts on everywhere the dough has gone?
RSR tank is really nice and easy to set up.
TBS live rock is the bees knees. Absolutely no cycle at all and plenty of life. A few gorilla crabs but they can be dealt with.
All of the pumps, skimmer and mechanical stuff was researched with noise in mind. Whole build is very quiet (my recliner is right next to the tank).
Darn top off tank that came with the RSR is way too small. Probably get a Tunze sine the APX gets too many poor reviews.
First animal order was from Vivid Aquariums. Small CUC with a Lawnmower Blenny and a pair of ORA Oscellaris clowns that bonded almost immediately. Couple of beginner corals and two feather dusters (I really liked them in my previous reef life). Very happy with the order and customer service from Vivid.
That's all I can think of right now so I am going to try to post a shor video of the TBS rock just after it went into the tank as well as a couple of pics. More when I can find the time.
I welcome any questions regarding this build as well as input and criticisms. And BTW, thank you to the community here for the help that you have already provided. This is a fantastic place!
I need to figure out video sizing before I can post anything like that so...sorry for now,
Here's the basics;
RSR 250 Deluxe (the Deluxe just means AI Hydra 26 HD LED lights)
APEX controller
NYOS Quantum 120 Skimmer
2 ea Vortech MP40 powerheads
Reef Octopus varios2 return pump
70 lbs TBS live rock
40 lbs caribsea special substrate
Cobalt Aquatics NeoTherm 300 watt heater
Marine Depot RO/DI Spectrapure Max pure 90 GPD
Instant Ocean Reef Crystals salt mix (one of those buckets that cause severe damage to fingers when opening)
That got the tank going but I have been buying a bunch of other stuff as things have progressed;
Eheim twin auto feeder
Salifert test kits forNitrite, Nitrate, Ammonia and pH
Red Sea test kits came with the tank (I was surprised actually)
Hanna Phosphorus tester
Hanna Salinity Tester
Marin Depot refractometer
I refuse to add up all of the costs. I decided that money was not going to be the deciding factor when jumping back in. I am a woodworker and have learned the hard way that you get what you pay for. If I cannot afford the best or a least close to it then I wait until I can.
My initial thoughts on everywhere the dough has gone?
RSR tank is really nice and easy to set up.
TBS live rock is the bees knees. Absolutely no cycle at all and plenty of life. A few gorilla crabs but they can be dealt with.
All of the pumps, skimmer and mechanical stuff was researched with noise in mind. Whole build is very quiet (my recliner is right next to the tank).
Darn top off tank that came with the RSR is way too small. Probably get a Tunze sine the APX gets too many poor reviews.
First animal order was from Vivid Aquariums. Small CUC with a Lawnmower Blenny and a pair of ORA Oscellaris clowns that bonded almost immediately. Couple of beginner corals and two feather dusters (I really liked them in my previous reef life). Very happy with the order and customer service from Vivid.
That's all I can think of right now so I am going to try to post a shor video of the TBS rock just after it went into the tank as well as a couple of pics. More when I can find the time.
I welcome any questions regarding this build as well as input and criticisms. And BTW, thank you to the community here for the help that you have already provided. This is a fantastic place!
I need to figure out video sizing before I can post anything like that so...sorry for now,
