TGs New Build - RSR250 to 270g Planet Aquarium

[tgbaby]

Progress has been slow....

I built a small stand for all the GHL equipment, I’ll mount the Ecotech drivers under the ProfiLux. There really isn’t much room under these tanks.

I also bought a cabinet from Ikea to hold the fresh water and two part containers. It’s not my favorite, but it will do for now.

Next on the list is to set up the ATO, ProfiLux, return pump and then finally fill with water.

 

[powers2001]

@tgbaby great start !!! I have an RSR 250 too.

 

[tgbaby]

Return plumbing should arrive this week, hoping to have it filled with water by the end of the holiday.

Here are a couple frags anxiously waiting for their new home.

This bubble bath is a rescue from a friends tank that crashed....unfortunately I’ll have to give it back [emoji22]

 

[tgbaby]

Water is in!!! Now the long wait begins......

I’ll be adding Dr Tim’s and some KP Aquatics rock that’s been in my current tank for awhile. Hopefully add the first fish in 3-4 weeks.

Also hooked up the Profilux/Doser and ATO. Still learning how to program everything but have the basics down.

Drilled a couple holes in the IKEA cabinet to run the dosing and ATO lines, need to order a couple more fittings from BRS.

 

[powers2001]

Why did you go with the Tunze Osmolator? Doesn't GHL have an ATO module?

 

[tgbaby]

Why did you go with the Tunze Osmolator? Doesn't GHL have an ATO module?

I have one on another tank that has worked flawlessly for the last 8yrs. I’ve replaced the pump a couple times, but other than that I’ve had great luck with it.

I’m going to install some GHL level sensors at some point. That way I’ll have notification if the Tunze malfunctions.

 

[powers2001]

@tgbaby How about your Vortech? Can that be controlled by your GHL?

 

[tgbaby]

@tgbaby How about your Vortech? Can that be controlled by your GHL?

GHL does offer a module that will control MP pumps, not sure about the Vectras.

https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/usa/product/vortech-controller/

I will be programming my two MP40QDs the old fashion way for now. If that becomes too annoying I’ll get the module.

 

[pelphrey]

Awesome build!!! I like the cabinet you installed next to the sump! The cabinet to the right of the tank is a must have item!

 

[tgbaby]

Awesome build!!! I like the cabinet you installed next to the sump! The cabinet to the right of the tank is a must have item!

Thanks! I’ve been following your tank build as well, very nice!

 

[pelphrey]

I am also glad to see that RedSea is making the white cabinets white on the inside as well!

 

[tgbaby]

Well the tank has hit the full blown ugly phase. I’ve added a couple snails and plan on performing the first WC this weekend.

I need to add some real flow, as of now it’s just the return and a tunze 6020. I have a gyre laying around that I’m going to toss in while I wait to move two MP40qd’s over from the current tank.

I also added 15lbs of rock from KP Aquatics to seed the liferock.

Hoping to add a few fish next week and then some “test” frags.

 

[powers2001]

@tgbaby Do you have livestock in the tank yet?

 

[tgbaby]

@tgbaby Do you have livestock in the tank yet?

Yup, added 7 chromis and a small yellow coris wrasse.

 

[tgbaby]

Not much to update, tank is still moving through different algae phases. Right now most of the hair/stringy type algae is gone and some type of brown slime has set it. I’ve added a hammer frag from the main tank and so far so good.

I did add a Red Sea RSK-300 skimmer, so far I am impressed. There was virtually no break in period and it’s very quiet. I can barely tell it’s on if I’m listening for it.

At first is didn’t think I’d utilize the built in neck cleaner but it’s honestly my favorite feature. I have yet to remove the cup to clean since it also comes with a drain port/hose.

 

[tgbaby]

Current tank is doing well, going to be hard when it comes time to break it down.

 

[abecker]

How did seeding the rock with the KP Aquatics go for you? I am debating getting all KP Aquatics rock for my next tank or doing like you did and using a mixture.

 

[tgbaby]

How did seeding the rock with the KP Aquatics go for you? I am debating getting all KP Aquatics rock for my next tank or doing like you did and using a mixture.

If you can afford it, I’d go all KP rock. This was my 2nd order from them and I wouldn’t hesitate to order again. I really think the benefits of dry rock are oversold. You really can’t beat the biodiversity that cultured rock straight from the ocean offers. I think Tampa Bay Saltwater is another excellent option, I just went with KP as they were more affordable and convenient having the rock delivered to your door.

Here is a pic of the rock from my first order.

 

[Retro Reefer]

Tank is looking great! Can’t beat real live rock and KP’s LR is really nice, I feel a lot of modern reef problems stem from using only dry rock and “bacteria in a bottle” to establish a tank.

 

[tgbaby]

Tank is looking great! Can’t beat real live rock and KP’s LR is really nice, I feel a lot of modern reef problems stem from using only dry rock and “bacteria in a bottle” to establish a tank.

Completely agree! There is already a distinct difference between the rock from KP and the Caribsea Liferock. The KP rock is now almost completely clear of any nuisance algae while the other rock has mostly transitioned from hair type algae to a brown/green slime coating.