The Bonsai Reef- Red Sea Reefer 300XL G2 Build

[Bonsai reef]

After my success keeping SPS in a 24g for last 2 years which I lost to an unfortunate power trip while I was out of town last Thanksgiving, I decided to start new with a bigger tank. Learning from mistakes to eliminate single point of failures. My old build thread is here.

I decided to go with the RSR 300XL G2 primarily for the improvements RS has done in the G2 version and the sump is roller-mat compatible with some cabinet space for dosing equipments.

Tank arrived on Jan 16th and the packaging has been solid. Special mention of Aquacave for the quick and seamless delivery within 11 days of placing the order. They honored the holiday discount of $100 even after the offer expired!

 

[Bonsai reef]

Assembling the cabinet was a breeze and took about 2.5-3 hours. Plumbing was very easy and took less than 15 minutes. The tank quality is top notch with seam protection guards. Did a quick leak test with tap water and all good!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Assembling the cabinet was a breeze and took about 2.5-3 hours. Plumbing was very easy and took less than 15 minutes. The tank quality is top notch with seam protection guards. Did a quick leak test with tap water and all good!

Tank and stand are off to a good start!!

 

[Jonty]

Following, change the drain valve for a gate valve right at the start.

 

[Bonsai reef]

Following, change the drain valve for a gate valve right at the start.

The drain valve in G2 is an improvement over the past ones as I have read. Its more fine tunable. But please do share your experience and reason your recommendation.

 

[trainbob]

I can’t understand why they don’t extend the cabinet an extra 1/2 inch to support the whole tank. Although they are beautiful tanks. Best wishes for your endeavor

 

[trainbob]

Will your aquascape be bonsai style

 

[Bonsai reef]

I can’t understand why they don’t extend the cabinet an extra 1/2 inch to support the whole tank. Although they are beautiful tanks. Best wishes for your endeavor

Agree. It took me time to realize that the front edge would match up with the doors (once the installation is complete

 

[Bonsai reef]

Will your aquascape be bonsai style

Yes

 

[Jonty]

I setup two 350G2's in September the valves are all but useless they never maintain a consistent flow sump levels go up and down causing ATO issues.

 

[piranhaman00]

I can’t understand why they don’t extend the cabinet an extra 1/2 inch to support the whole tank. Although they are beautiful tanks. Best wishes for your endeavor

I know I can never have one of these

 

[Bonsai reef]

Equipment list-

Return pump- Sicce Syncra SD6

Lights- 2x AI Prime HD (already have them from my last build) + 4xT5 hybrid module from Aquatic life (yet to come)

Wave makers- Jebao SLW 20 and 2xOW10 for now. Will add another SLW 30. Love the wide flow pattern.

Heater- hygger 300w with ink bird controller

Jabao 4x doser

Rocks- BRS dry macro + base + shelve rocks

Substrate - CaribSea live sand - special grade
with Brightwell bio brick in sump.

skimmer - yet to be decided.

 

[Bonsai reef]

I setup two 350G2's in September the valves are all but useless they never maintain a consistent flow sump levels go up and down causing ATO issues.

Hmm…i will have to keep an eye on mine

 

[Bonsai reef]

Aquascape done. Have used flat base rocks at the bottom, broken pieces of brs macro rocks to create the branches using glue and Aquaforest stonefix. Then brs shelve rocks to create tree looking structures. This took me about 3weeks and I am happy with the end product. It will help to mount SPS Frags. I made sure to keep same caves and crevices near the base for smaller fish to hide. I have seen some beautiful bonsai style reefs and they look amazing and thats my vision for this build.
I would give credits to JagAquatics from Australia for the youtube videos that inspired me to come with something like this.

 

[Bonsai reef]

Sand and salt water in! Started the cycle with Frizme Turbo Start and Dr. Tims ammonia. I always advocate fishless cycle and I had great success with Turbo start.

 

[Bonsai reef]

Return pump is running at 70% and I must say it’s very quiet and I can hardly hear a little trickle from the filter sock area. Installed a led strip light for the cabinet.

 

[62518161]

I know I can never have one of these

 

[CoachRichardson]

I have a 200G2 and don't have any trouble with the new valve. Love your setup.

 

[Bonsai reef]

I have a 200G2 and don't have any trouble with the new valve. Love your setup.

Thank you for the feedback. So far my water level has been rock solid and didn’t have to touch the drain flow valve once I got my levels right. I read somewhere that the ato tubing should be as vertical as possible so I have cut the extra tubing off. The longer tubing can end up with bubbles in the tubing or break the siphon and cause the float valve being stuck. That could be another reason for inconsistent water level.

 

[Bonsai reef]

Tank cycled with Turbostart in about 6 days and first pair of fish in! A pair of clowns from my pico tank is enjoying the extra swim space


Also, ordered the AquaticLife G3 4x T5 hybrid 36” speed fixture today. Configuration would be 2-blue plus, 1-coral plus and 1-purple plus. Will attach the 2 primes in the LED brackets.