SuncrestReef's Reefer XL 425 Rebuild

SuncrestReef

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In February 2018 I started the original build of my Red Sea Reefer XL 425, and it was a very successful tank up until mid-summer 2020 when I started losing some SPS corals. Over a period of several months, I lost many more corals, including whole colonies. My nutrient levels were higher than I normally kept, with PO4 at 0.15 ppm and NO3 over 30 ppm, but ICP tests did not reveal any smoking gun reason for the declining corals. I can't prove that the higher nutrients caused the problem, but I highly suspect it contributed.

Ever since my original build, I have struggled to lower the nutrient levels, and I attribute that to insufficient filtration. Due to the crowded sump space with my UV, canister reactors, and skimmer, I could not fully extend the sock trays to remove the socks for cleaning unless I moved the skimmer out of the way. To get around this I replaced the stock Red Sea filter socks with filter cups filled with fleece fiber which I could refill by stuffing the fiber in without fully extending the cup trays, but the fiber didn't trap nearly as much detritus as a true filter sock, so I believe this was a losing strategy from the start.

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For this rebuild, I am completely replacing the stock Red Sea sump with a new Trigger Systems Platinum34 sump with an integrated roller mat filter:

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In order to fit this sump inside the Red Sea cabinet, this will require removing the Reefer's center support panel. I will replace that panel with an 80/20 aluminum support frame and a utility shelf:
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This rebuild will probably take about a month. I plan to move my fish to a quarantine tank, salvage my surviving corals in my old sump as a life raft while I bleach and scrub pests off my current rocks, scrub the display tank, rebuild the cabinet with the replacement center brace, build all new sump plumbing, cycle the tank again, then finally restock the tank with the surviving corals. I'll post plenty of photos and updates in this thread as I go along.
 
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SuncrestReef

SuncrestReef

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The Trigger Platinum34 sump arrived today in good condition. They did an excellent job packaging the sump surrounded by dozens of foam blocks and items inside the sump further padded with foam:

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Assembly was very easy and only took about 5 minutes
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Here’s the fully assembled sump in front of my current sump. You can see how the cabinet center brace panel is in the way. My 8020 aluminum order should arrive this weekend which will provide the stand support in its place.

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Daniel@R2R

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This looks so awesome! I can't wait to see how it turns out! Following!
 
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SuncrestReef

SuncrestReef

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I can't believe your other tank took a dive. It seemed to be solid. Goes to show that this hobby is a cruel mistress.

Excited to see how the refresh turns out. Surprised you didn't use the crash as an opportunity to upgrade.

I know! It was doing so well for 2 years, then suddenly it took a turn for the worse with no simple explanation of what was wrong. I methodically tested everything I could, sent off water tests, inspected all equipment for rust or stray voltage, but the only thing I could identify was high PO4 and NO3.

I had plans for a massive upgrade in January 2020 which included adding a large entertainment room onto my house with a dedicated fish room and a 360 gallon tank, but then COVID hit and my investment portfolio and business revenue plummeted, so I had to cancel those plans. I still hold out hope to do that big upgrade in the future, but for now this minor upgrade to my existing sump should hopefully get my coral health back on track with my past history of success.

Thanks for following along on my reefing journey.
 
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SuncrestReef

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Love the new sump, especially with the roller mat filter feature. You have any stocking ideas for this tank yet?
I just want to get back to the healthy mixed reef I had for the 2 years leading up to my crash. My corals exhibited amazing growth, colors, and polyp extension. I just want to get back to that state soon:

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SuncrestReef

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Just a quick update: My 8020.net aluminum order arrived and I'm now trying to come up with my new plumbing manifold design. I'm using the shipping box from the sump to help mock up my Reefer cabinet space with the new sump and aluminum brace. Since I will no longer have the Red Sea converted ATO reservoir refugium above the sump, I have new options on where I place the plumbing, but I also have the rollermat at the left taking up space. My goal is to fit the UV, two media reactors, and a shelf above the sump to hold my Trident and dosing reservoirs. It's definitely a 3D jigsaw puzzle.

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SuncrestReef

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Some critical components arrived today. These are the Red Sea plumbing fittings and metric to 1” PVC adapters. I’m glad I was still able to find these because the newer Red Sea parts are glued so they can’t be unscrewed.

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vetteguy53081

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I just want to get back to the healthy mixed reef I had for the 2 years leading up to my crash. My corals exhibited amazing growth, colors, and polyp extension. I just want to get back to that state soon:

1611115969622.png
As our Apex guy. . . Is this all you got ???
If so, looking Pretty dang Nice !! ;) Great planning on the sump !!
 
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SuncrestReef

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More parts arrived today. Now I’m just waiting on the orange PVC to arrive, then I can get to work building the new manifold.

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Daveobrien

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More parts arrived today. Now I’m just waiting on the orange PVC to arrive, then I can get to work building the new manifold.
Great collection of parts. I can see the replacement for your hated red sea gate valve, valves to feed the two reactors, valves to feed/bypass the UV unit, Unions and new flow meters. The work horse pieces are here.
 
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SuncrestReef

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Great collection of parts. I can see the replacement for your hated red sea gate valve, valves to feed the two reactors, valves to feed/bypass the UV unit, Unions and new flow meters. The work horse pieces are here.
Yes, I've never been more happy to see a 1" gate valve in my life!!! I have hated my Red Sea diaphragm valve for almost 3 years now, and can't wait to finally replace it.
 

A worm with high fashion and practical utility: Have you ever kept feather dusters in your reef aquarium?

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