Show Off and Discuss Your Red Sea Reefer Series

[Willard Barrera]

I love the Red Sea fish screen cover. I’m getting mine delivered this weekend. I’ve heard it’s tricky to install if you used too many light cut out adapters. I have a 750xxl so I guess I’ll need some help keeping the screen nice and tight

 

[Andre B.]

Anyone find a way to incorporate a bigger ATO tank in the Reefer 170 stand?

This is my custom solution that holds almost 5 gals. (Eventually, I’ll get around to doing a build thread on my Reefer 170).

 

[MannyDel]

This is my custom solution that holds almost 5 gals. (Eventually, I’ll get around to doing a build thread on my Reefer 170).

Is it simply a very slim 5 gallon container or is something in the sump modded?

 

[mjlash22]

Is it simply a very slim 5 gallon container or is something in the sump modded?

Looks like a slim 5 gallon container. OP will have to share brand/specs for you.

One option you could think about, which a lot of people do even for larger tanks, is to buy a small cabinet to place next to the tank, and have the ATO container in there. Also gives you the space for supplies/testing kits/etc.

 

[Fin]

It has an Oceanbox Designs logo on the ATO reservoir.

https://oceanboxdesigns.com/product/contour-auto-top-off-container/

 

[Andre B.]

It has an Oceanbox Designs logo on the ATO reservoir.

Correct, in a custom size of 15” x 4.5” x 14”. I don’t think, however, that they are doing custom sizes anymore.

 

[Andre B.]

One option you could think about, which a lot of people do even for larger tanks, is to buy a small cabinet to place next to the tank, and have the ATO container in there. Also gives you the space for supplies/testing kits/etc.

I still had to use this option to hold the electronics and dosing pumps . . .

 

[MannyDel]

Correct, in a custom size of 15” x 4.5” x 14”. I don’t think, however, that they are doing custom sizes anymore.

How tight is it? Do you think I can push from 4.5 to 5 or 6 inches?

 

[Andre B.]

How tight is it? Do you think I can push from 4.5 to 5 or 6 inches?

It is pretty tight. The max width that you could do is 4.75" and that would require removing the rubber strip that Red Sea lines the bottom and lower cabinet side walls with.

 

[HolisticBear]

Correct, in a custom size of 15” x 4.5” x 14”. I don’t think, however, that they are doing custom sizes anymore.

I have the same thing, custom build by Blue Tide Arcylics (find them on FB) I did 4 3/8 to be safe rather than 4.5. It last 5-6 days for me

 

[MannyDel]

Over $100 for a plastic box

 

[Whispers]

I finally got water and my scape

 

[scurvy dawg]

Over $100 for a plastic box

If you are susceptible to sticker shock, perhaps this hobby is not right for you!. I am just kidding of course, but you do have to remember that the plastic box is custom built. I had Blue Tide Acrylics build me a custom top off for my RSR 170 to my specific dimensions and openings for a little over $100. Well worth it in my opinion since the original RSR top-offs are too small. Got tired of having to refill every other day.

 

[sil40sx]

I finally got water and my scape

Wow, very nice! Whenever/if ever I'm gonna have a new tank, this is how I want my rockscape.

 

[gammarho55]

Just a few pics... Need to go update my build thread lol.

 

[BrianChung]

Hi reefers, Im considering to upgrade my 10 gallon tank to a reefer 250 and wondered about the quality of the cabinet. Hopefully someone can share their thoughts with me. Thanks so much.

 

[jwt1603]

Stand / cabinet is rock solid on my 525.

 

[MannyDel]

Worth going RSR 250 over 170 for a first tank? The RSR is obviously more expensive, mainly due to an additional LED, upgraded powerheads, more rock and sand, etc.

But the setup (tank, stand, sump) itself is comparable when comparing the prices by my local vendor. RSR 170 is $850 and I would buy a custom ATO reservoir for $165 to fit in the small stand. Total would be $1015. RSR 250 is $1110.

Another concern is moving the tank since I tend to move every 2 years so size matters but the 250 may not be too big?

 

[jwt1603]

I looked at the same thing, buying pieces or a "matched" set up. I found the price close too. Several people have upgrade the ATO, myself included. Not that the stock RSR one is bad, it's just kind of small and takes up a lot of room in the cabinet.

Not sure on moving. I would think the difficulty would be more in getting the livestock transferred safely more than moving the tank and stand.

 

[TwoLittleFrags]

Worth going RSR 250 over 170 for a first tank? The RSR is obviously more expensive, mainly due to an additional LED, upgraded powerheads, more rock and sand, etc.

But the setup (tank, stand, sump) itself is comparable when comparing the prices by my local vendor. RSR 170 is $850 and I would buy a custom ATO reservoir for $165 to fit in the small stand. Total would be $1015. RSR 250 is $1110.

Another concern is moving the tank since I tend to move every 2 years so size matters but the 250 may not be too big?

I am caught in the same pickle: RSR 170 vs 250. When I spec'd out the additional equipment for each system it looks like all of the cost savings will come from the difference in the RSR cost. I would end up using most of the same equipment for both tanks (skimmer, return pump, etc.).

I would guess you should see savings in rock, sand, salt, and water. I haven't done the math yet.

I would like to hear what you decide to do and why.