Build thread: Red Sea Reefer 250

DarthSimon · Feb 28, 2019

Gary Jaz said:
I thought this was my build thread! How do I do that?

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/i...ure-youve-followed-this-one-easy-step.385155/

Flameback Pair · Feb 28, 2019

Welcome to R2R !!! I have a Reefer 250 too. Great tanks. Subscribed.

Chris'sReef · Mar 1, 2019

Gary Jaz said:
What size tank do you have Chris? A 250?

Yes I have a 250

ColParker · Mar 1, 2019

Gary Jaz said:
So I researched that issue and it seems that getting some sunlight isn't a bad thing in a reef tank. Right now in winter, one corner catches some light in the morning and afternoon, maybe a total of 2 hours. We shall see.

The reason I mentioned it is because I had a tank in a simalarly bright room. The few inches of rock that had direct sunlight were always covered in algae. The other areas seemed to suffer from more outbreaks than I felt I deservered, even though it was my first tank. Eventually I had to permanently keep all blinds closed.

Something to keep in mind... If you do suffer from an outbreak, maybe close blinds for a week as the first step before you look at treatment.

Gary Jaz · Mar 2, 2019

So now the rock question. I have 46 pounds of dry rock (south seas something or another), and the plan is to top off with some live rock. Good plan?

Gary Jaz · Mar 2, 2019

Placed the Corallife UV filter here. Every joint is above the sump in my tank. Not too thrilled with the clamps on the UV though. They are made to slide up and down vertically, but I don't have room for that. Still, the UV is solid (for now).

Gary Jaz · Mar 2, 2019

Gary Jaz said:
Placed the Corallife UV filter here. Every joint is above the sump in my tank. Not too thrilled with the clamps on the UV though. They are made to slide up and down vertically, but I don't have room for that. Still, the UV is solid (for now).

I ended up pointing both of the UV nozzles down, not toward the front as pictured here.

Gary Jaz · Mar 2, 2019

BTW, how many of you would smear silicone along all the cracks/joints in the stand?

Gary Jaz · Mar 2, 2019

First aquascaping attempt. Just put the biggest pieces on the bottom and 5 minutes later this. I have about 10 pounds of live rock to add that will increase the height of the right. Maybe it would be better to not have openings straight through....might be better if they were diagonal.

Bigboned · Mar 3, 2019

Gary Jaz said:
First aquascaping attempt. Just put the biggest pieces on the bottom and 5 minutes later this. I have about 10 pounds of live rock to add that will increase the height of the right. Maybe it would be better to not have openings straight through....might be better if they were diagonal.

I like how that looks, I like how one side is bulkier than the other, gives more perception of depth, cave looks good

NY_Caveman · Mar 3, 2019

I really love it. I might take this little rock and move it forward a few inches.

It will separate the structures nicely and create even more depth. Of course what you like is best.

Gary Jaz · Mar 6, 2019

So have learned that what you create outside the tank will be difficult to recreate inside the tank (minus glue). Here's the first in tank formation. I've also learned that the huge boulders are the worst to work with, and the L-shaped ones are best.

Started mixing salt water. Will get live sand this weekend.

Looking for some accessories.... what do you use to scoop in water? Best algae scraper? Best tongs?

Chris'sReef · Mar 7, 2019

Looking good, I like the 2 islands. What sand are you going for buddy? I have found the Tunze care magnet long to be really good as far as algae scrapers goes.

ColParker · Mar 7, 2019

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.

Gary Jaz · Mar 7, 2019

Chris'sReef said:
Looking good, I like the 2 islands. What sand are you going for buddy? I have found the Tunze care magnet long to be really good as far as algae scrapers goes.

The LFS sold me a Mag-Float and scraper blades. Also, for the sand: CaribSea Arag-Alive with an exclamation point sand.

Gary Jaz · Mar 7, 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, I have another Hydra to install on the right. Holy cow these are bright. In the evening I have the wavelengths turned to 3% and it's still blinding. Adding another one will make it nuclear.