Build thread: Red Sea Reefer 250

[Gary Jaz]

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?

BRS says a Varios 4 will fit so I ordered one. Space is about 8” x 8” so could be close.

 

[Bigboned]

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?

I have Tunze 6055 controllable and I can’t tell it’s on, my sofa is a foot away from the end of the tank- the surface water ripples make more noise

 

[Westside Guy]

BRS says a Varios 4 will fit so I ordered one. Space is about 8” x 8” so could be close.

If it isn't too late cancel your order and get the Vectra S1. It is extremely quiet and fit perfectly in my Reefer 250 V3 sump!
Also you shouldn't need a dampening pad with the S-1.

 

[Westside Guy]

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?

I have the Nero 5 which is extremely quiet on my Reefer 250 and love it. Also it is currently on sale everywhere.

 

[Chris'sReef]

I have the Nero 5 which is extremely quiet on my Reefer 250 and love it. Also it is currently on sale everywhere.

I agree the nero 5 pumps are fantastic work really well on my reefer 250 also

 

[Gary Jaz]

---If the link to the dampening pad doesn't work for you, try:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008HQ2AAW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have the Nero 5 which is extremely quiet on my Reefer 250 and love it. Also it is currently on sale everywhere.

I almost got a Nero cuz I like the AI app, but there are complaints about the magnet strength, so I balked. They may be on sale to get rid of the first batch and then will have a better version, IDK. I am holding off on my purchase cuz I hope a new version comes out in the next couple of weeks. Emailed BRS about this today.

 

[Gary Jaz]

I have Tunze 6055 controllable and I can’t tell it’s on, my sofa is a foot away from the end of the tank- the surface water ripples make more noise

So initial research is making this a candidate. I am thinking down the road I will get an Apex, so this might be the way to go....

 

[Gary Jaz]

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?

So after watching the BRS video about sound dampening again, I realize that the pad I ordered is for external pumps. Oopsies. I put a couple of silicone heat pads (?) under the Danner today and it helps. But I also ordered a Varios to replace this Danner.....

 

[Gary Jaz]

Ordered the Varios-4 and 1 Tunze 6055 today. I'll get a second Tunze if it's quiet.

New concern: I did not rinse the sand before putting it in. I poured it over the rocks so as not to splash the few inches of water I had in there. Now I have sand on the rocks. So I waved a large spoon to blow the sand off and the water is all cloudy again. I wonder if it would be a good idea to vacuum the sand to remove as much silt as possible now before it cycles and livestock goes in?

 

[7237689918]

I have Tunze 6055 controllable and I can’t tell it’s on, my sofa is a foot away from the end of the tank- the surface water ripples make more noise

Is this pad Ok to put in the sump? I have a need as well.

 

[7237689918]

Ordered the Varios-4 and 1 Tunze 6055 today. I'll get a second Tunze if it's quiet.

New concern: I did not rinse the sand before putting it in. I poured it over the rocks so as not to splash the few inches of water I had in there. Now I have sand on the rocks. So I waved a large spoon to blow the sand off and the water is all cloudy again. I wonder if it would be a good idea to vacuum the sand to remove as much silt as possible now before it cycles and livestock goes in?

Well, I did the same thing. Although folks-in-the-know here and at my LFS said it wouldn't hurt anything I was afraid it would bug me to no end. So I spent 3-4 days, on and off, stirring up, siphoning, and vacuuming and got most of it out.

 

[Gary Jaz]

I almost got a Nero cuz I like the AI app, but there are complaints about the magnet strength, so I balked. They may be on sale to get rid of the first batch and then will have a better version, IDK. I am holding off on my purchase cuz I hope a new version comes out in the next couple of weeks. Emailed BRS about this today.

BRS sent me a notice that they have more Neros in. So I asked if they were a new version but they are the same. So I ordered a Tunze.

 

[Gary Jaz]

Well, I did the same thing. Although folks-in-the-know here and at my LFS said it wouldn't hurt anything I was afraid it would bug me to no end. So I spent 3-4 days, on and off, stirring up, siphoning, and vacuuming and got most of it out.

Can't hurt so I am going to siphon. Also just ordered a pair of 100 micron socks to help this process.

 

[Gary Jaz]

Is this pad Ok to put in the sump? I have a need as well.

If you mean this one: Diversitech MP-4E Eva Anti Vibration Pad,

Maybe not. BRS video uses it for external pumps.

 

[7237689918]

Can't hurt so I am going to siphon. Also just ordered a pair of 100 micron socks to help this process.

Yea, that's what I used as well. They caught a good amount I think.

 

[AwildcatsZ]

@Gary Jaz what are the inside dimensions of the stand?

 

[Gary Jaz]

@Gary Jaz what are the inside dimensions of the stand?

Roughly 34" x 17".

 

[Gary Jaz]

If it isn't too late cancel your order and get the Vectra S1. It is extremely quiet and fit perfectly in my Reefer 250 V3 sump!
Also you shouldn't need a dampening pad with the S-1.

But you need a controller with this?

 

[Westside Guy]

But you need a controller with this?

If you want a WiFi connection you will need Ecotech’s Reeflink.
https://ecotechmarine.com/products/reeflink

Otherwise the S1 comes with their Quiet Drive controller. The S1 is super quiet, I have my Reefer 250 in my living room and you don’t hear it all all and the S1 fits perfectly in Red Sea’s new V3 sump.
https://ecotechmarine.com/products/vectra

 

[Gary Jaz]

So the Varios-4 came and I am amazed at how quiet it is. I cannot hear it. However, now I do hear my Nyos protein skimmer. ; ) Feels like quality.

However, I have a potential plumbing problem. The placement of the UV filter doesn't allow a nice relatively straight route to the pump. I have the pump tilted to reduce stress at that juncture, but the hose has to go under the ATO and up to the UV. Do I need to get a pair of 45 degree pvc elbows here?