Berens' Reefer 525 XL Build

jeffberens · Mar 3, 2017

I am relatively new to documenting my progress, so I will do my best.

I have been out of the hobby for a long time and decided it was time for a new reef tank. My goal with this new build will be a mixed reef with a reasonable amount of fish, zoas, LPS, SPS, inverts, etc.

My approach is as follows: I will have to research and ask lots of questions again because things have changed so much, but I plan on going with equipment that will not need upgrades for a long while. I guess what that means to me is I'm going to go a little nuts and spend some money and try and do it right so that I am not kicking myself down the road.

I would love any comments, feedback, suggestions, etc. because I feel like I have to relearn this hobby almost from square one.

jeffberens · Mar 3, 2017

Here is the Equipment list so far:

I have a Red Sea Reefer 525 XL in black on order and should have it at the house by the middle of next week.

Here is the equipment I have so far:

(3) Radion XR30W G4 Pro with RMS mounts
Deltec SC1455 Protein Skimmer
Vectra L1 return pump
Aquamaxx GFO and Carbon Filter Reactor
Aquamaxx Biopellet Reactor
New Apex (2016)
Apex WXM module
WAV starter kit (2 WAVs and 1Link)
Apex FMK (flow monitoring kit)
Numerous other Apex related items including probe holder, leak sensor, PMUP, etc.

Here are some items that are ordered and on the way:

Tropic Eden Mini Flakes (2 bags) and Tropic Eden Meso flakes (1 bag)
Red Sea Coral Pro Salt
2 large 55 gallon Water tanks for mixing and RO
Lots of plumbing related items

jeffberens · Mar 3, 2017

I would appreciate feedback and any suggestions for things I'm missing as well as guidance for the following:

What kind of rock and how much? I want a enough rock for attaching corals, but I tend to favor a less crowded aquascape with a couple island structures and more swimming room for the fish

What do I need to properly bind my rock together to build the structures? acrylic rods, hydraulic cement, epoxy, etc. Which is the best?

Should the rock sit directly on the glass bottom or should i put it on something? If so, what is best?

jeffberens · Mar 7, 2017

I was hoping for a little feedback regarding my build.

jeffberens · Mar 17, 2017

Sorry about the dark pictures. This room is has almost no lighting except a couple of lamps.

My manifold is almost complete and my layout is coming along.

Broadfield · Mar 17, 2017

Looking really good!

jeffberens · Mar 17, 2017

Broadfield said:
Looking really good!

Thanks. I'm sure you can see that your build was a major source of inspiration.

Broadfield · Mar 17, 2017

jeffberens said:
Thanks. I'm sure you can see that your build was a major source of inspiration.

Well I'm honored man. Plumbing setup looks great... I don't see any issues with it. I myself will probably rebuild mine some day to fit the Neptune flow sensors.

Cherub · Mar 28, 2017

Great looking set up. Is that plumbing what it came with or you customized it?

rvlcf · Mar 28, 2017

Great tank and choices on equipment!
I think the Pukani rock is the nicest. If you go that route just make sure you get the phosphates out before putting it in the tank. You can also get some really large pieces from BRS. I have a Reefer 450 with 2 big rocks only, no glue/rods needed.
I would reconsider the coral pro salt, the alk is really high. Is there a reason for wanting the alk so high?
Other than that, build on!

jeffberens · Mar 28, 2017

Denvercherub said:
Great looking set up. Is that plumbing what it came with or you customized it?

Customized for sure. I modeled mine after @Broadfield and seeing his amazing build thread. Then I had to change the concept to allow for flow sensors. After that, I got a little ambitious and learned how to bend pvc for a little flair.
Thanks for the compliment, but most of the credit goes to those other reefers because I wouldn't have known where to begin without them.

jeffberens · Mar 28, 2017

rvlcf said:
Great tank and choices on equipment!
I think the Pukani rock is the nicest. If you go that route just make sure you get the phosphates out before putting it in the tank. You can also get some really large pieces from BRS. I have a Reefer 450 with 2 big rocks only, no glue/rods needed.
I would reconsider the coral pro salt, the alk is really high. Is there a reason for wanting the alk so high?
Other than that, build on!

Thanks. The salt was just a choice based on availability and research of the best choices. I haven't even used any yet, so I would love a recommendation of what you use.

Cherub · Mar 28, 2017

jeffberens said:
Customized for sure. I modeled mine after @Broadfield and seeing his amazing build thread. Then I had to change the concept to allow for flow sensors. After that, I got a little ambitious and learned how to bend pvc for a little flair.
Thanks for the compliment, but most of the credit goes to those other reefers because I wouldn't have known where to begin without them.

very cool, thanks for that. I may have to do something similar! Looks great, I'm getting excited for my build! Waiting on my house to sell.

rvlcf · Mar 28, 2017

I personally use the regular Red Sea salt (blue bucket). There are a lot of opinions and preferences about the best salt mix. I would find one that closely matches the parameters of how you want your tank to be.

rvlcf · Mar 28, 2017

Another thing I did before the sump was installed was to seal all of the seams where the stand pieces come together with silicone. Maybe overkill, but I figured water and salt would get in eventually and start compromising the stand.

CJs Aquariums · Mar 28, 2017

love the curved plumbing.. and how its mounted to the top of the stand.. will be completely out of the way... Just got done scaping my build.. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/sca-120-gallon-pnp-build.288842/

hes some aquscaping advice.. do a full mock-up of the tank & overflow box so you can get the height you want compared to water level... many many benefits to doing it this way trust me..

Scubafrog · Mar 28, 2017

WOW! Your plumbing looks awesome. Love the blue/black combo and the Deltec skimmer. Did you paint the handles on the gate valves and the elbows blue or are those available somewhere?

And major thumbs up to Broadfield for inspiring another clean build. You guys are giving me the itch and knowledge to want a RS Reefer for myself if only the funds allowed. dang kids taking all my money.

jeffberens · Mar 28, 2017

Scubafrog said:
WOW! Your plumbing looks awesome. Love the blue/black combo and the Deltec skimmer. Did you paint the handles on the gate valves and the elbows blue or are those available somewhere?

And major thumbs up to Broadfield for inspiring another clean build. You guys are giving me the itch and knowledge to want a RS Reefer for myself if only the funds allowed. dang kids taking all my money.

I painted 1 fitting (at the very front left) because I could not find it in sched 80 gray to match. And I did paint the gate valve handles. If you look close you can tell I need to touch them up a little. I used Krylon Fusion spray paint for plastic.