Shaun's 2000 Litre (530 USG) Living Reef & Red Sea Max S 650 LED Design & Build

[SPR1968]

Tank are looking great Shaun. Love all the yellow tangs!

Thank you, and thanks for stopping by!

 

[Gort]

@SPR1968 - a fantastic build! What rock did you use?

 

[SPR1968]

@SPR1968 - a fantastic build! What rock did you use?

Hi and thank you

The rock in both systems is Real Reef Rock as below. You can see what it looks like in the picture, before the large tank was wet.

Product Line | Real Reef Rock

Explore the exclusive range of aquarium rocks available in different shapes & colors to fit in your aqua space. Our products are chemical-free & non-toxic.

realreefrock.com

 

[SPR1968]

I ordered some more alkalinity supplement to today in the Amazon prime day.



It cost £13.19 for 10 Kg. Do you know how much Red Sea Foundation B would have cost for 10 kg? £289.00!

And I’m fairly sure it’s basically the same stuff, or at least I haven’t noticed any difference at all.

 

[SPR1968]

The new large systems been running since December 2019 and the Red Sea S650 since June 2016

The systems are completely independent at the moment, although they both get fresh saltwater from the same system, and I think it’s now time to link the 2 together

This will effectively make the entire cabinet and filtration under the S650 redundant, and all filtration will be carried out using the equipment in the sump of the 2000 litre system which is more than capable of handing the extra water volume

This will make a huge difference to running costs, maintenance, testing and potential failures and also with the use of the Twin Tech Calcium Reactor, the water stability in the S650 should be better, although it’s fine anyway.

Im not concerned about any issues with disease or anything like that, all fish are healthy and all that will happen is the S650 will benefit from all the equipment in the large system, including powerful UV-C, skimmer, X Filter…….. When I think of the maintenance it will save for the sake of drilling a few holes…..

Ive got to check the sump can handle the extra water in the event of power failure, I’m pretty sure it can, and I can lower the water level a little anyway, and also use a good quality non return valve on the return. I’ll also drill an anti siphon hole in the top of the main return nozzle in the tank, and that will reduce the amount if water that siphons back.

I was going to buy an additional Abyzz A200, but I’ve got the original Red Sea Sicca pump and also a spare, so I thought that was a waste of money. The head pressure is 3.8m and 7000 lph. The pipe run will be adding around 5 metres so I’ll test the pump before connecting back up to the S650 to make sure its got enough power, it should have. If it doesn’t it will be another A200 and I also have a spare one of those.

The concept is pretty straight forward and basically means attaching longer pipes to back of the tank, going through an outside wall and then back into the sump of the 2000 litre system

You can see in the picture below, from left to right, the 32mm emergency overflow, the main 40mm overflow which will be refitted with a gate valve, and then the 32mm return hose. You can also see top middle, that stupid Red Sea valve which is already obsolete in this system.

ill make new connections with unions, and keep the original pipe work available in case we need to correct anything during testing.

The other option I’m considering, and awaiting a price for, is a brand new 2 metre long tank, same specs as the large system but slightly shorter, to completely replace the S650.

I don’t think I’m going to do this, because we’ve been together for over 5 years, and apart from gaining some extra space, and a much better design, the cost will be significantly higher with new lights etc., but it’s an option.

I’m just taking a few weeks to think over the plumbing parts needed, and ways of doing it, but that’s what I’m thinking.

These are the 2 systems

 

[GBRsouth]

It sounds like a lot less to maintain that way Shaun. Might keep the S650 going longer than you would otherwise be willing to look after two systems. The thought of the new tank idea is nice but would also be a shame to see the S650 shut down.

 

[SPR1968]

It sounds like a lot less to maintain that way Shaun. Might keep the S650 going longer than you would otherwise be willing to look after two systems. The thought of the new tank idea is nice but would also be a shame to see the S650 shut down.

The S650 will continue. It was just me thinking a little

The funny thing is, many of the new systems I designed into the new overall system for the S650 will be obsolete which is sort of ‘odd’.

 

[SPR1968]

I’ve just had a light bulb moment for the plumbing of joining the 2 systems together…..

I was going to hard plumb the long lengths of pipe, with numerous fittings connectors etc., like the main system plumbing

But how much easier would it be if I don’t need to worry about 90 degree elbows, tight turns, exact cuts….. Then I thought why don’t I just use black flexible pipe, other than the termination points to connect into the pumps/tank…….

BLACK CORRUGATED FLEXIBLE POND HOSE FISH GARDEN FILTER PUMP MARINE FLEXI PIPE | eBay

High-quality: UV-resistant material is perfect for better flow rates. By preventing algae from growing inside the black hose it ensures a clear and unobstructed water flow. The black colour also makes the hose suitable for concealing around the pond or garden.

www.ebay.co.uk

How much simpler is this, and it means I can take the full lengths of the downpipes and drop them into the X Filter as well……

 

[SPR1968]

So then, connecting the two tanks together, a simple task…..

I did a test run today, just to make sure all the pipe work I’ve built fits ready for drilling final holes for the flexible pipe. The main return pump and fittings are also finished. I made them so I can connect either the Red Sea standard pump I have, or an Abyzz A200 via a union.

So in the picture below you can see the 40mm central pipe which is the main overflow. I’m 100% certain it’s 40mm pipe, because I’ve already installed a 40mm gate valve onto it and modified it for the X Filter.

So naturally I assumed the union connector was also 40mm…… you know normal basic plumbing…. but no, and neither is the 32mm pipe connected to a 32mm union to the left of it!! I assume the return is the same but I didn’t get to that!

Im guessing they’ve used non metric fittings to fit into their ‘backward’ overflow system or something else who knows, but the standard don’t fit. Both my 40mm and 32mm were to big/loose for the union joint so that’s got me completely confused!

I disconnected the main down pipe, and it then took me 2 hours before finally it stopped leaking when I tried to reconnect it.

The other thing in my mind was, in a Max S system, the overflow is all built in one piece together, so if anything went wrong, like a joint cracked or something It would be virtually impossible to get to and fix.

Anyway after several hours of saying ’words of kindness‘ to the ‘engineers’ at Red Sea, the union sealed and all is well.

So the choice is now, leave it as it is, enjoy it and stop messing around with it, or a totally new (and bigger!!) replacement system linked to the large tank. I’m probably just going to leave it running because apart from minor maintenance it’s relatively simple

 

[GoVols]

Welp, Shaun

Are you calling off connecting your S-650 to your custom build, as one big system?

 

[SPR1968]

Welp, Shaun

Are you calling off connecting your S-650 to your custom build, as one big system?

No Freddie, Im still looking to do it, but just using the plumbing already modified rather than connecting direct to the top right of the tank which as you know with your S400, is very tight.

Ive already modified the main pipe and added a gate valve, so a drain outside can just be attached to an existing union connector. I just need to cut and do the same to the emergency pipe.

I‘m looking at using a remote sump on the outside wall behind the tank, connecting the 2 drains into it at lower level and then letting it drain/siphon into the sump of the large tank which is around 5 metres away.

I‘m trying to avoid the use of any pumps if possible and am just considering the options and how to do it.

Im thinking a basic plastic tank, insulated or heated for winter, that needs to have a water level high enough so it will then overflow and run down a pipe into the sump of the large tank

The benefits are so great by connecting them it worth doing if possible, because the equipment in the large tank can easily handle another 500-600 litres of water

 

[GoVols]

No Freddie, Im still looking to do it, but just using the plumbing already modified rather than connecting direct to the top right of the tank which as you know with your S400, is very tight.

Ive already modified the main pipe and added a gate valve, so a drain outside can just be attached to an existing union connector. I just need to cut and do the same to the emergency pipe.

I‘m looking at using a remote sump on the outside wall behind the tank, connecting the 2 drains into it at lower level and then letting it drain/siphon into the sump of the large tank which is around 5 metres away.

I‘m trying to avoid the use of any pumps if possible and am just considering the options and how to do it.

Im thinking a basic plastic tank, insulated or heated for winter, that needs to have a water level high enough so it will then overflow and run down a pipe into the sump of the large tank

The benefits are so great by connecting them it worth doing if possible, because the equipment in the large tank can easily handle another 500-600 litres of water

Yeah, that is a real tight area, Shaun

Sounds like a good plan, (lol) it would be nice for your Deltec cal reactor to take care of the entire system...

Your reefs look are looking great... ;Woot ;Woot

Are you still dosing Reef Energy and the Red Sea colors?

 

[SPR1968]

Yeah, that is a real tight area, Shaun

Sounds like a good plan, (lol) it would be nice for your Deltec cal reactor to take care of the entire system...

Your reefs look are looking great... ;Woot ;Woot

Are you still dosing Reef Energy and the Red Sea colors?

Thanks Freddie

I vary rarely use reef energy or reef roids, the corals get enough food from the fish. I might add some like every month or so.

As far as coral colours, I was adding them weekly, but I had an ICP test on both tanks and it showed raised Iodine levels (very high) so I’ve backed off dosing weekly to ever few weeks. It’s made no difference to the inhabitants

Im doing 10% water changes so I’m adding trace elements daily anyway and who knows what’s actually in the bottles (and how much water) despite what they say.and is it really needed with water changes.

Ill do another Triton in a month or so and see what if any difference not adding them has made.

I can confirm using my own made foundation element additives has made no difference in the S650 so it’s saving a fortune especially alkalinity at 300ml per day!

 

[najer]

No idea about the logistics of this mate, she needs out.
I am speaking to my lfs tomorrow as local is good for me now, no transport for me any more, I'm not sure I can catch her to order.
Tomorrow's chat will be with the manager of my lfs, he was the one that rescued her into the shop whilst I was there, probably best if I catch her once and someone picks her up from Southwest Marines.

 

[SPR1968]

No idea about the logistics of this mate, she needs out.
I am speaking to my lfs tomorrow as local is good for me now, no transport for me any more, I'm not sure I can catch her to order.
Tomorrow's chat will be with the manager of my lfs, he was the one that rescued her into the shop whilst I was there, probably best if I catch her once and someone picks her up from Southwest Marines.

What’s happened with her Simon, I’m a bit behind on your build thread ?

 

[GBRsouth]

What’s happened with her Simon, I’m a bit behind on your build thread ?

Won't let the yellow scopas out of the cave to feed.

 

[najer]

Won't let the yellow scopas out of the cave to feed.

This, she keeps the yellow scopas in the scape most of the day.

 

[SPR1968]

This, she keeps the yellow scopas in the scape most of the day.

Oh…. Time for a new home then

Do you want a yellow goby, unfortunately its still there!

 

[najer]

Oh…. Time for a new home then

Do you want a yellow goby, unfortunately its still there!

Thanks but no thanks.

 

[bdunn13]

Your pics are stunning.