Aquageek's Reefer 250 Build

Aquageek450 · Oct 2, 2018

Hey Guys,

I am in the process of setting up a new Red Sea Reefer 250 so I figured id create a build thread and document it. I got into reefing about 5 years ago and I built my current tank which is a standard 29gal display with a 20gal sump. The tanks has been running great all these years. Here are a few pictures of the current setup.

I plan to transfer the Nyos skimmer, reactor, ATO and MP10wqd to the reefer once I shut down this system.

Below is an equipment list for the build:
Tank: Red Sea Reefer 250
Lights: ATI Dimmable Sunpower 6x36w
Powerheads: 2- Ecotech Vortech MP10wQD
Pump: Sicce 3.0
Protein skimmer: Nyos Quantum 120
Sand: 40lbs Caribsea Special Reef Grade
Salt: Instant Ocean
Heater: 150w Eheim Jager
ATO: JBJ w/ Advanced Acrylic container

This brings us to the current state of the 250, I was very impressed with the quality of the stand and the beautiful craftsmanship of the tank. This also has the V3 sump with the removable section for a refugium if wanted. Once I got everything assembled, I added the sand and filled it up with fresh saltwater. Once you get the overflow dialed in, the tank is DEAD silent which is nice being as its in the living room. I went with the Sicce return pump due to running a smaller one on my other tank and it being pretty much silent, unfortunately the 3.0 has a noticeable hum that is somewhat annoying. If its still loud after break in I will swap it for a Vectra S1. Here are a couple pictures of the tank as of today. ( The HD bucket is just temporary)

I used a piece of raw shrimp to kick off the ammonia for the cycle, so I am patiently waiting for the ammonia levels to go down and for the cycle to continue.

In the meantime I am going to come up with a panel for under the cabinet to mount the Vortech controllers etc. to so everything is neat and organized and I still need to transfer/ get some live rock.

Ill keep this thread updated as the build progresses!

jsker · Oct 3, 2018

Great start, I like the 250 builds

Rscott · Nov 1, 2018

Please post more as im thinking this is a nice way to go myself

I would love to see your progress.

Rpc07 · Nov 1, 2018

Nice list of gear. I love my RSR 250!

Aquageek450 · Nov 16, 2018

A lot has been added, I will update this thread this evening

Corals.com · Nov 16, 2018

Looks great! Nice work!

Aquageek450 · Nov 16, 2018

Okay here is an update...

So the tank FINALLY cycled a little while back and I began the fun part...transferring stuff over from my 29gal.

But first I installed a VCA adapter to run dual Locline for my return, this made a huge difference and allowed me to direct the flow across the whole tank.

I also added the MP10WQD from my other to the reefer so now I have one on each side. And after a lot of debate I decided to try out a RedSea DIY Screen Top kit to save a little money compared to a custom acrylic top. Overall it has a good fit and a nice clean look. Although the netting is a pain to stretch and install.

Next, was to organize the sump area, I had cords everywhere and it was driving me crazy. I Also transferred over my NYOS 120 skimmer and my BRS mini reactor and replaced the return pump with a Vectra S1 so I could control the flow better. I mounted all the Ecotech controllers in the right upper hand corner for a clean look. Overall everything fit nice and it working as intended. I then made a box to hold my power strip. I also replaced the stock RedSea flow valve with a Spears gate valve for consistency (Don't even get me started on this topic....)

I then added some established live rock to the system and got the aquascape somewhat decent, im never really happy with the rock work until its covered in coral lol.

And here is a picture from a distance of the entire setup with the ATO resevoir to the left of the stand.

And here are a few other random pictures of the setup so far...

Oh, and one last picture of my pride and joy, I've had this WWC Bounce since it was about the size of a nickle and it easily covers a 5" Disk. Pictures dont do it justice. And the little JB on the right is growing into quite the looker with all the red : )

Aquageek450 · Nov 19, 2018

I started this thread in the wrong Forum, now its where its supposed to be.

Flameback Pair · Nov 29, 2018

@Aquageek450 nice tank and thread. I have a RSR 250 too. I have so much equipment I want to buy right now that I'm going to have to buy somethings cheaper and then upgrade later like the Red Sea top/screen then get an acrylic one when money's not so tight. Is the RS top built fairly well after you make it? If a cat jumped on it would it break it?

Aquageek450 · Nov 29, 2018

powers2001 said:
@Aquageek450 nice tank and thread. I have a RSR 250 too. I have so much equipment I want to buy right now that I'm going to have to buy somethings cheaper and then upgrade later like the Red Sea top/screen then get an acrylic one when money's not so tight. Is the RS top built fairly well after you make it? If a cat jumped on it would it break it?

It is fairly sturdy once assembled and the screen installed, however I doubt it would hold the weight of a cat. Not sure any top that uses netting would, even the acrylic ones.

Flameback Pair · Nov 30, 2018

That dang cat !!! If it ever jumps on a screen top of mine that's the last time !!! If the cat goes through the netting if it jumps up, it will be inconvenienced and wet to say the least. I doubt it could break the frame but it most likely would tear the screen now come to think of it. Just a thing I would have to chance but fish jumping out of the tank is more of a threat than the cat jumping in the tank. Haha

Aquageek450 · Dec 14, 2018

Added a RANCO temperature controller..

geodehunter · Dec 14, 2018

Your RSR 250 is looking good. Congrats on a successful tank swap.

Flameback Pair · Jan 5, 2019

@Aquageek13 do you control your Vortechs with the Ecotech Reeflink? Back when I had Vortechs I did not have it and I found dialing them in with the LED indicators difficult.

Aquageek450 · Jan 5, 2019

powers2001 said:
@Aquageek13 do you control your Vortechs with the Ecotech Reeflink? Back when I had Vortechs I did not have it and I found dialing them in with the LED indicators difficult.

Yes, I use a reeflink to control all my Ecotech products.

Flameback Pair · Jan 5, 2019

The server for EcoSmart Live is said to have a lot of down time. Is Ecotech improving that?

Aquageek450 · Jan 6, 2019

powers2001 said:
The server for EcoSmart Live is said to have a lot of down time. Is Ecotech improving that?

I’ve never experienced the server being down in all the years I’ve use it.

Flameback Pair · Feb 24, 2019

@Aquageek450 I'm thinking of getting a Ranco or an Aqua Logic temp controller. I searched the net and couldn't find a Ranco specifically made for aquarium use although the ones I found could be modified and would save a lot of money over the Aqua Logic from Marine Depot. Where did you get your Ranco may I ask?

Aquageek450 · Feb 25, 2019

powers2001 said:
@Aquageek450 I'm thinking of getting a Ranco or an Aqua Logic temp controller. I searched the net and couldn't find a Ranco specifically made for aquarium use although the ones I found could be modified and would save a lot of money over the Aqua Logic from Marine Depot. Where did you get your Ranco may I ask?

I believe I got the Ranco from McCombs Supply Co. online. They were the best price. I then used a piece of clear shrink tubing to waterproof the sensor. Many people just use the sensors as-is and never have a problem. But I wanted to be safe. And of course, I had to wire the controller since they dont come pre-wired. Its very basic wiring though. The controller works well.

Flameback Pair · Mar 8, 2019

@Aquageek450 The sensor on the Aqua Logic is bound to hold up in saltwater or Marine Depot won't sell them. They have a reputation to protect and something like a sensor corroding in saltwater in one of the products they carry would hut them bad.