Build thread: Red Sea Reefer 250

Gary Jaz · Mar 7, 2019

Gary Jaz said:
Been so afraid the tank was going to crash through the floor, but finally made some progress tonight.

I bought that metal stand on the right for about $40 from Target last year to be a speaker mount, but its dimensions are perfect for the sump area. I'll use it to start, until I learn what's the best way to deal with power strips/plugs/etc.

Also, added an $8 battery powered motion sensored led light strip to the upper left of the cabinet. Saw another thread that used Torchlights LEDs and ordered them, but while they work well, they are way too powerful for the small sump place, so I'm returning them to reduce clutter. One less thing to plug in.

Flameback Pair · Mar 7, 2019

@Gary Jaz How much flow is supposed to go through your UV sterilizer?

Gary Jaz · Mar 7, 2019

er, can't find the instructions.... the box seems to imply 3 x 125 gallons.....

Gary Jaz · Mar 9, 2019

ColParker said:
Not sure if you know, but there is a plastic flap that can be removed from the overflow section so that the light can be mounted dead centre.

Yes, but I have a second light yet to be mounted.

Gary Jaz · Mar 9, 2019

Gary Jaz said:
er, can't find the instructions.... the box seems to imply 3 x 125 gallons.....

Actually, since the UV filter does nothing but shine light I guess the amount of water that flows through it is whatever your pump pushes.

Gary Jaz · Mar 9, 2019

There was supposed to be one of these in each of the 3 bags of sand I put in the tank. I only have 2. One must be buried in the tank. Hopefully I will find it floating on the top of the water one day.

Gary Jaz · Mar 9, 2019

Lift off! Filled the tank and sump and plugged in the pump for the first time. I've been fearing water everywhere but it's all ok so far. Started cycling with a shrimp and some bioculture called "MicroBacter7" by Brightwell Aquatics.

Not running the UV filter yet. Turning off the skimmer for a few hours after I add the bioculture (everyday for 2 weeks it says).

stacksoner · Mar 9, 2019

I remember when my floors looked like that.

Gary Jaz · Mar 9, 2019

So having trouble with the ATO. I removed the white needle valve altogether and it flows. But the float seems to work the opposite to how it should. If I push the float down as far as it goes, it stops flowing. If I let go, it flows. Is there something to adjust?

Flameback Pair · Mar 9, 2019

Gary Jaz said:
Lift off! Filled the tank and sump and plugged in the pump for the first time. I've been fearing water everywhere but it's all ok so far. Started cycling with a shrimp and some bioculture called "MicroBacter7" by Brightwell Aquatics.

Not running the UV filter yet. Turning off the skimmer for a few hours after I add the bioculture (everyday for 2 weeks it says).

On your shrimp for cycling you might want to put it in a media bag with a draw string to keep crud from drifting around. I used a pantyhose stocking from my girlfriend and tied a knot at the end of it.

stacksoner · Mar 9, 2019

Gary Jaz said:
So having trouble with the ATO. I removed the white needle valve altogether and it flows. But the float seems to work the opposite to how it should. If I push the float down as far as it goes, it stops flowing. If I let go, it flows. Is there something to adjust?

Sounds like its upside-down

Gary Jaz · Mar 9, 2019

slewrock1 said:
Sounds like its upside-down

Yes, I was wondering if this was possible. So what is it that needs to be turned over? It's hard to see back there.

Gary Jaz · Mar 9, 2019

So now the problem is that it won't stop dripping no matter the position of the float. The return chamber is fuller than the 6 inches the instructions say to have in it.

Gary Jaz · Mar 9, 2019

Put aside the ATO problem for the moment and set up the second Hydra 26. New problem: how do you set up the parent/child relationship with these things? Only way to add the second light appears to be the same way as the first.

Gary Jaz · Mar 9, 2019

Gary Jaz said:
Put aside the ATO problem for the moment and set up the second Hydra 26. New problem: how do you set up the parent/child relationship with these things? Only way to add the second light appears to be the same way as the first.

And the answer to Hydra parent/child problem can be found here: https://support.aquaillumination.co...-do-I-add-a-child-light-to-my-parent-in-myAI-

stacksoner · Mar 9, 2019

Gary Jaz said:
Yes, I was wondering if this was possible. So what is it that needs to be turned over? It's hard to see back there.

I think you can loosen the collar and rotate it to the correct position.

Gary Jaz · Mar 10, 2019

slewrock1 said:
I think you can loosen the collar and rotate it to the correct position.

Since it can be pushed straight down, I don’t think that’s the problem.

Gary Jaz · Mar 10, 2019

So the Danner Mag 7 isn’t getting quieter. Can hear it while in bed upstairs.

What’s a good quiet replacement? Various 2 or 4?

Gary Jaz · Mar 10, 2019

So ordered a dampening pad for the pump first. This:

Diversitech MP-4E Eva Anti Vibration Pad, 4 x 4 x 7/8"
by Amazon.com
Learn more: https://www.amazoQ2AAW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_bTDHCb0RTQ12Zn.com/dp/B008H

We shall see if that helps.

Meanwhile, need to choose a powerhead. Was going to go MP40 but I'm reading some reviews that the noise is an issue, and noise is top priority for me. Seems like people who own Tunze powerheads report that they are quiet. Anyone have an opinion about which is better?

Gary Jaz · Mar 10, 2019

Gary Jaz said:
So ordered a dampening pad for the pump first. This:

Diversitech MP-4E Eva Anti Vibration Pad, 4 x 4 x 7/8"
by Amazon.com
Learn more: https://www.amazoQ2AAW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_bTDHCb0RTQ12Zn.com/dp/B008H

We shall see if that helps.

Meanwhile, need to choose a powerhead. Was going to go MP40 but I'm reading some reviews that the noise is an issue, and noise is top priority for me. Seems like people who own Tunze powerheads report that they are quiet. Anyone have an opinion about which is better?