T-Bucket's Red Sea Reefer 450

T-Bucket · Jul 16, 2016

This is my build thread for my Red Sea Reefer 450 116 gallon reef tank.

T-Bucket · Jul 16, 2016

I should have started this a week or two ago but better late then never.

Equipment:
-Red Sea Reefer 450 in black
-x2 EcoTech MP40sQD
-EcoTech Vectra M1
-x3 EcoTech Radion XR15 Pros
-EcoTech Reeflink
-x2 EcoTech Battery Backups
-EcoTech Vectra Battery Backup Booster Cable
-Reef Octopus Classic 202-S
-Aquatop 400 watt Titanium Heater

I live in Florida so I might need a chiller; if so I'll go with the Coralife 1/4 Hp. I'm crossing my fingers that I don't need one but I have one on my current tank so the odds aren't in my favor right now. Getting 2 battery backups, one for the MPs and the other for the M1 because I'd rather be prepared then be sorry. Also, not going with the Radion XR30 Pros because I think they are overkill and you can't crank up the intensity as high, the fans are louder then the XR15 Pros, they have external ballasts, they cost almost double the money, and I already have one XR15 Pro on my current tank.

Stock:
100lbs of Fiji Pink Live Sand
100lbs of Haitian Live Rock
Going to be mixed reef but mostly LPS, some transfers from my current tank.
Not to set on fish yet, couple clowns and couple tangs for sure though along with what's already in my current tank.

T-Bucket · Jul 16, 2016

My LFS assembled the tank for me free of charge.

T-Bucket · Aug 22, 2016

I have not forgot about this thread. I have had some family problems which have put this tank on hold but should be taken care of in the next couple of weeks. The good news is that EcoTech has now reveled the new Radion Gen4 Pros and I already have them on pre order through my local fish store. Stay tuned...

T-Bucket · Oct 1, 2016

At long last it's almost time for install. My LFS has FINALLY got my EcoTech Gen 4 XR15 Pros in.

T-Bucket · Oct 1, 2016

Sump is painted white and looking good.

T-Bucket · Oct 1, 2016

Had a friend come over to help run and install a dedicated circuit for the new tank. The tank will now have a 20amp circuit breaker with 12/2 Romex wire all to itself and with a 20amp GFCI outlet. Unfortunately had to cut into the wall to run the lines but at least drywall repair is easy enough to do.

rvlcf · Oct 1, 2016

Following along. I have a 450 with all ecotech too. Good luck with tank!

T-Bucket · Oct 1, 2016

rvlcf said:
Following along. I have a 450 with all ecotech too. Good luck with tank!

Got any pics? If so let's see it!

rvlcf · Oct 2, 2016

Will try to put some up for you.

rvlcf · Oct 2, 2016

rvlcf · Oct 2, 2016

Here are some shots. Tank was set up in April. Wanted a sparce scape because my last tank was full. Sps frags doing well and encrusting, however my lps seem to be shrinking a bit. Running a bit too low nutrient for them i think.

rvlcf · Oct 2, 2016

Got some of the fish to come out.

T-Bucket · Oct 2, 2016

rvlcf said:
Here are some shots. Tank was set up in April. Wanted a sparce scape because my last tank was full. Sps frags doing well and encrusting, however my lps seem to be shrinking a bit. Running a bit too low nutrient for them i think.

Tank looks real good man! How do you like that skimmer? I was going to go with that one but have been hearing mixed reviews about it. Also, do you have any shadowing with just those 2 XR30 Pros? That's a shame about your LPS, I like LPS better then SPS personally. My LPS in my current tank grow like weeds. I'm still experimenting with SPS.

Broadfield · Oct 2, 2016

Man, I forgot about this thread. I follow all of the Reefer series build threads... was surprised when this one popped up in my feed. Make sure you also post in the Red Sea Reefer specific thread I created... I'm sure everyone in there would like to see what you got going on!

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/show-off-and-discuss-your-red-sea-reefer-series.219309/

Sm51498 · Oct 2, 2016

I like your scape! Very natural looking and leaves you lots of space.

T-Bucket · Oct 3, 2016

Broadfield said:
Man, I forgot about this thread. I follow all of the Reefer series build threads... was surprised when this one popped up in my feed. Make sure you also post in the Red Sea Reefer specific thread I created... I'm sure everyone in there would like to see what you got going on!

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/show-off-and-discuss-your-red-sea-reefer-series.219309/

Haha I created this build thread a few months back when I started ordering everything from my LFS. The build got put on a slight hold and then I was just waiting for my Gen 4 Radions to come in. They finally came in last week and now I have a delivery and setup date for next week. I currently have a modified Max C-130, so this Reefer 450 will be a huge upgrade. I've actually been following your thread for a long long time and is how I got some of my ideas for my new Reefer; your tank is stunning by the way Broadfield.

rvlcf · Oct 3, 2016

T-Bucket said:
Tank looks real good man! How do you like that skimmer? I was going to go with that one but have been hearing mixed reviews about it. Also, do you have any shadowing with just those 2 XR30 Pros? That's a shame about your LPS, I like LPS better then SPS personally. My LPS in my current tank grow like weeds. I'm still experimenting with SPS.

I like the skimmer a lot. I've read the mixed reviews and never had any of the problems others have. The cup comes off real easy and is easy to put back on. It's just a solid skimmer.
As far as the shadowing, I don't feel I have any. You can see in the FTS how the lighting is saturating the whole tank. I have another xr30 that I'm not even using.

Sm51498 said:
I like your scape! Very natural looking and leaves you lots of space.

Thanks! Just 2 big Pukani rocks. My last tank was much more densely packed and I wanted a very open look for this one. It looks a bit barren, but as things grow i'm hoping it fills out nicely.
I have a large Marine pure block in the sump to make up for the lack of rock. It apparently has the equivalent surface area of 240lbs of rock.

Sm51498 · Oct 3, 2016

I like a spare scape with big rocks like that. I'm only running about 30 pounds in my 40 breeder, so clearly I have the same thought. I hate it when I can't clean the sides easily because the rock gets in the way or not having enough room for the corals to grow in. That open space is so much nicer.