Brian's RSM650 thread

bsstover · Aug 27, 2015

I have always enjoyed looking at everyone's tank build threads getting ideas for my tank, or just getting jealous. I think it's time I share my tank with everyone and hope to offer the same inspiration and hopefully eventually envy.

I set my Red Sea Max S650 up about 3-4 years ago. Over time I have made several modifications to the tank. I had a big tank crash late last year and this gave me the opportunity to upgrade much of my equipment. It's starting to show positive signs in SPS growth and color.

The first upgrade was a couple of years ago switching the AI Hydra lights. I am planning on switching to Kessil AP700s over the next couple of months.

One of the reasons I feel I had a crash was due to dust or other contaminates from a big household renovation. One of the perks from the renovation was adding a "tank room" to the back of the aquarium.

This room houses my Vertex RX-C 6D Ca Reactor, Apex system, RO/DI unit with water change station with Kamoer 3 channel doser doing daily water changes. I've also added a small frag tank to the room plumbed directly to main tank.

Under the tank still houses the original sump with upgraded Reef Octopus Regal 200INT Skimmer, a NextReef MR1 reactor with biopellets, and HOB algae scrubber. The other side houses the chiller that I've had since system was first set up.

I have removed the 4 recirculation pumps from back of tank and now run two Maxspect Gyre 150 pumps for water circulation.

Thanks for looking.

steve&mari · Aug 27, 2015

Very cool setup thanks for sharing be looking for more updates. Got some healthy corals growing nicely.

bsstover · Aug 27, 2015

Thank you steve&mari. Still working on trying to get some of the weeds (yellow polyps, Kenya trees etc) out of my tank from earlier iterations of my set up.

UConnMel · Sep 28, 2015

Following along as I start up my RSM 650 too

bsstover · Oct 8, 2015

I thought I'd post my latest update to my tank. I have just upgraded to the new Kessil AP700. I have to say, so far, so good! Running them on acclimation mode just in case and will watch how my corals respond over time.

bsstover · Oct 21, 2015

Finally got my new Kessil lights tuned and tank cleaned out of all the old kenya trees and yellow polyps that I started with this tank a long time ago. Starting to show good growth with SPS.

UConnMel · Oct 22, 2015

Looks great Brian!

bsstover · Oct 22, 2015

Thank you.

Xmoji · Oct 29, 2015

Any updates on the lights I'm thinking of switching over to them?

bsstover · Oct 29, 2015

I love the lights. Only complaint is they do not dim down as much as my old hydras to give a good "moonlight" effect. The programming was a little tricky at first but overall my corals appear to be basking in the new lights. I would recommend the ap700 with no reservation. Looking forward to new software update so I can hopefully mix some green and other colors in to the mix for aesthetics.

Xmoji · Oct 29, 2015

So is there currently an app out for making changes/adjustments to the lights or are we still waiting for that to come out?

I currently have hydra 52 and like the ease of control with the AI app.

bsstover · Oct 30, 2015

There is an app to make adjustments and Settings to the lights. However the way the app is designed right now you can't select individual wavelengths to increase or decrease. My understanding is future applications will allow you to make these more fine-tuned adjustments. Overall set up and use of the app is fairly easy once you get a hang of it. In all fairness I switched from hydras to these lights in the use of the AI controller is much easier.

Xmoji · Oct 30, 2015

Thx for the info. Let's us know how everything turns out.

bsstover · Nov 22, 2015

All is growing out well with the AP700's. Still fighting some of the software issues with the iPad App, but they are doing their job.

bsstover · Dec 7, 2015

One of the acros in my tank that I have never paid much attention to until recently. Starting to show some great coloring. I am going to watch this one.

Xmoji · Dec 7, 2015

That's awesome man! What intensity level do u have them on? Did you start low and ramp up?

I ended up purchasing the AP700 for a new building I am currently working on (going slow). Got a great deal on BRS on Black Friday.

Xmoji · Dec 7, 2015

Also what height do you have them at and how deep is your tank?

bsstover · Dec 8, 2015

I started off with them on acclimation over 2 weeks. Currently the lights are about 65% peak intensity. I have them about 9" hanging over the water. Tank depth is 23". Good luck with your build.

ah Chris · Dec 8, 2015

wow very nice sps you have

bsstover · Feb 29, 2016

One of the main reasons I chose the RSM650 was because of the all in one design, including the lights. For about the past 3 years I have had the original lights off of the system using LED lights. I have finally figured out a way to hybridize the light hood of the RSM 650 with AP700 so that I get the Kessil LED and T5 of the RSM. Essentially took out the center section of lights and suspended my kessils in the area. Working great so far.