Texas Red Sea Reefer 425xl Build

TexanReefer

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I'm new to the saltwater hobby, but I have been researching for years. I didn't want to setup my tank until I was in a home long-term. Here is what I have so planned/ordered so far, I would really appreciate any/all advice, especially on small things that I might be missing (ie certain plumbing parts).

EQUIPMENT
Tank - Red Sea Reefer 425XL (ordered)
Skimmer - Nyos 160 [is this large enough?]
Powerheads - MP40 (x2) (ordered)
Return Pump - Reef Octopus Varios 4 (ordered)
Utility Pump - Sicce Ultra Zero
RO/DI - BRS 7 Stage + Chloramine Beast (ordered)
Lights - EcoTech Radion Gen 5 XR-15 Blues x3 [How loud and blue are these? should I just get the pros?]
Hanna Checkers - Alk/Phosphate/Nitrate/Salinity/Temp probe
Test Kits - Salifert Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate/Phosphate
Refractometer - BRS
Heaters - 2x BRS Titanium 200w + Inkbird [Could I just set this up in an Apex instead of using an inkbird?] (ordered)
ATO Pump - Osmolator Universal 3155 Auto Top Off
Reactor - BRS Carbon Reactor Single
ATS - CW 100 Algae Turf Scrubber

SAND/ROCK/SALT
Rock - Carib Sea Liferock (40lbs normal rock + 40lbs Shapes)
Sand - Carib Sea Livesand (60lbs FIji Pink) [Should I go with fiji pink or special grade? I plan on having a mixed reef]
Salt - Tropic Marin Pro-Reef (ordered)

MAYBE PURCHASE
UV - 15 Watt Classic UV Sterilizer
Controller - APEX EL
Dosing - APEX DOS

PLANNED LIVESTOCK
2 Clowns
Midas Blenny
Tomini Tang
Melanurus Wrasse
Diamond Goby (After at least one year)
 
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SPR1968

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You will be fine with the NYOS 160, I have it in my RS S650 system

Im not familiar with inkbird, but you want a temperature controller between Apex and the heaters for safety reasons. I tried using just Apex and it’s temperature probe to control heaters directly and it failed.
 
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TexanReefer

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You will be fine with the NYOS 160, I have it in my RS S650 system

Im not familiar with inkbird, but you want a temperature controller between Apex and the heaters for safety reasons. I tried using just Apex and it’s temperature probe to control heaters directly and it failed.
What temperature controller would you recommend?
 

SPR1968

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KellyCorals

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I'm new to the saltwater hobby, but I have been researching for years. I didn't want to setup my tank until I was in a home long-term. Here is what I have so planned/ordered so far, I would really appreciate any/all advice, especially on small things that I might be missing (ie certain plumbing parts).

EQUIPMENT
Tank - Red Sea Reefer 425XL (ordered)
Skimmer - Nyos 160 [is this large enough?]
Powerheads - MP40 (x2) (ordered)
Return Pump - Reef Octopus Varios 4 (ordered)
Utility Pump - Sicce Ultra Zero
RO/DI - BRS 7 Stage + Chloramine Beast (ordered)
Lights - EcoTech Radion Gen 5 XR-15 Blues x3 [How loud and blue are these? should I just get the pros?]
Hanna Checkers - Alk/Phosphate/Nitrate/Salinity/Temp probe
Test Kits - Salifert Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate/Phosphate
Refractometer - BRS
Heaters - 2x BRS Titanium 200w + Inkbird [Could I just set this up in an Apex instead of using an inkbird?] (ordered)
ATO Pump - Osmolator Universal 3155 Auto Top Off
Reactor - BRS Carbon Reactor Single
ATS - CW 100 Algae Turf Scrubber

SAND/ROCK/SALT
Rock - Carib Sea Liferock (40lbs normal rock + 40lbs Shapes)
Sand - Carib Sea Livesand (60lbs FIji Pink) [Should I go with fiji pink or special grade? I plan on having a mixed reef]
Salt - Tropic Marin Pro-Reef (ordered)

MAYBE PURCHASE
UV - 15 Watt Classic UV Sterilizer
Controller - APEX EL
Dosing - APEX DOS

PLANNED LIVESTOCK
2 Clowns
Midas Blenny
Tomini Tang
Melanurus Wrasse
Diamond Goby (After at least one year)
Sounds like an epic setup! I personally like the XR15 Blues but they do have a strong light blue color. If you want something more on the white end I suggest the Pros.
 

ClutchCityReefer

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Looks awesome, I also just ordered a XL 425 (I live in Houston) and look forward to set up soon. I also went with the Nyos 160 for the skimmer but only went with 2 of the G5 radion pros, not blue. I was also advised to add some Reefbrites, but given the price of the build already am holding off for now. I bring this up because perhaps this would be a better way to bring up PAR without going with 3 XR30s.

As for your heater controller question I've been advised that it makes sense to spring for the Apex EL. I was talked into it from a friend and it seems like it is really worth it for the convenience and the EL is more than sufficient when compared to the base controller. You're going a little more high end than me so what is an extra $500 for the controller, especially if without you need to purchase alternative equipment anyway?

Also, do you plan to hook your top off to the RO/DI or will you be using a reservoir? It's my understanding that the OEM ATO unit is no bueno so I spent a little bit extra for a bigger unit that I can store in the empty chiller cabinet. You're exceeding my build in just about every regard except this one, so I figued it may be some low-hanging fruit for you.

Thanks and I'm looking forward to following your build!
 
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