Eric's Red Sea Reefer 525XL Build

Reefer525XL · Mar 14, 2017

bpapo said:
Thanks for the explanation, I've read in other threads about the fitting, I would think Red Sea would have this available.

What type of flow rate are you getting with the manifold?

The specifications look pretty close on the two pumps but I have also read about some reliability problems early on with the ECOTECH pump. I plan on using the Neptune controller and the RD3 has a 10 volt option . I like the idea of adjusting the pump based on the flow rate and also purchasing the FMM module to control an ATO , maybe just purchase the flow sensor also.

No Red Seas does not sell the PVC fitting. This is what it looks like.

Right now Im pushing through 1600 l/ph or 422 gph. You are correct both pumps have very similar specifications, however the RD3 has the 0-10v connection, water proof controller and imo the overall quality is greater. Also Royal Exclusiv USA is 30 minutes from my house so if I ever need any support I can more than likely get it the same day and don't have to wait. However, both companies have excellent customer support so you can't go wrong with either or in that department.

Royal Exclusiv does sell a module to hook up the RD3 to both the Apex and GHL so thats also a plus. Currently, the L1 is only controllable by the ReefLink and does not have the capability to automatically adjust the flow based off a flow meter.

Reefer525XL · Mar 14, 2017

Like most Red Sea Reefer owners I was also using 1/2" loc line to split my return nozzle not only to aim the flow to different areas of the tank but to stop the sand from getting blown towards the back of the tank.

@TSA makes a custom 3D printed Loc-Line Adapter for the Red Sea Reefer tanks so I decided to try it in hopes that I gained a bit more flow out of my return pump since their adapter is for 3/4" Loc-Line. Im not running the pump at 100% so I can still increase the speed to get more flow back to the tank but I know the "U" in my manifold is creating a lot of head pressure so Im willing to try anything to reduce the head pressure cause by the "U" bend. By installing the 3/4" adapter from TSA with 3/4" lic-line I gained a little over 250 l/ph from my return pump still running it at the same speed.

Over all Im very pleased with the results and very happy that I switched the adapter and loc-line to 3/4".

I highly recommend that if you have a RS Reefer you give this a try, totally worth the extra money.

Link to product: http://topshelfaquatics.com/product/red-sea-reefer-lockline-adapter-nozzle/

Here are a few images of the adapter and loc-line installed on my Reefer525xl.

Reefer 525XL -3-14-2017-6 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Reefer 525XL -3-14-2017-8 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Reefer 525XL -3-14-2017 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Reefer 525XL -3-14-2017-3 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Reefer 525XL -3-14-2017-5 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

bpapo · Mar 15, 2017

Reefer525XL said:
Like most Red Sea Reefer owners I was also using 1/2" loc line to split my return nozzle not only to aim the flow to different areas of the tank but to stop the sand from getting blown towards the back of the tank.

@TSA makes a custom 3D printed Loc-Line Adapter for the Red Sea Reefer tanks so I decided to try it in hopes that I gained a bit more flow out of my return pump since their adapter is for 3/4" Loc-Line. Im not running the pump at 100% so I can still increase the speed to get more flow back to the tank but I know the "U" in my manifold is creating a lot of head pressure so Im willing to try anything to reduce the head pressure cause by the "U" bend. By installing the 3/4" adapter from TSA with 3/4" lic-line I gained a little over 250 l/ph from my return pump still running it at the same speed.

Over all Im very pleased with the results and very happy that I switched the adapter and loc-line to 3/4".

I highly recommend that if you have a RS Reefer you give this a try, totally worth the extra money.

Link to product: http://topshelfaquatics.com/product/red-sea-reefer-lockline-adapter-nozzle/

Here are a few images of the adapter and loc-line installed on my Reefer525xl.

Reefer 525XL -3-14-2017-6 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Reefer 525XL -3-14-2017-8 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Reefer 525XL -3-14-2017 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Reefer 525XL -3-14-2017-3 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Reefer 525XL -3-14-2017-5 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

What is the flow rate with the U Bend before the Modification ?

Reefer525XL · Mar 15, 2017

bpapo said:
What is the flow rate with the U Bend before the Modification ?

Flow was between 1600-1630 l/ph. After switching the loc line to 3/4" the flow is 1860-1890 l/ph

Michael Montgomery · Mar 15, 2017

Excellent information here. Thank you for your well thought out explanations. It certainly helps those that aren't SO knowledgeable yet.

Reefer525XL · Mar 15, 2017

Michael Montgomery said:
Excellent information here. Thank you for your well thought out explanations. It certainly helps those that aren't SO knowledgeable yet.

You're welcome. Glad I could help you out.

bpapo · Mar 15, 2017

Reefer525XL said:
You're welcome. Glad I could help you out.

I just added the apex FMM to my list . The reccommended flow for the tank is 4000 lph with the pumps I have in mind is it too small or am I missing something

Reefer525XL · Mar 15, 2017

bpapo said:
I just added the apex FMM to my list . The reccommended flow for the tank is 4000 lph with the pumps I have in mind is it too small or am I missing something

I feel like 2000 lph is more than enough. You want to allow the skimmer to have enough contact time with the water so if you got really high flow passing through the sump I believe the skimmer won't be as efficient. 2000 lph is almost 4x turn over rate and thats perfect imo.

Also they don't specify if 4000 is the min or max flow so we don't really know.

Are you getting the L1?

bpapo · Mar 15, 2017

Reefer525XL said:
I feel like 2000 lph is more than enough. You want to allow the skimmer to have enough contact time with the water so if you got really high flow passing through the sump I believe the skimmer won't be as efficient. 2000 lph is almost 4x turn over rate and thats perfect imo.

Also they don't specify if 4000 is the min or max flow so we don't really know.

Are you getting the L1?

I haven't decided yet , you put some doubt in my mind about the L1. I'm going to the LFS this weekend to discuss with them and see what they recommend.

bpapo · Mar 15, 2017

BTW Thanks for fielding the questions , it makes me feel more secure in the decisions I'm making.

Reefer525XL · Mar 15, 2017

bpapo said:
I haven't decided yet , you put some doubt in my mind about the L1. I'm going to the LFS this weekend to discuss with them and see what they recommend.

bpapo said:
BTW Thanks for fielding the questions , it makes me feel more secure in the decisions I'm making.

Cool... let me know what you decide on & you're welcome!

bpapo · Mar 16, 2017

Reefer525XL said:
Cool... let me know what you decide on & you're welcome!

OK another Question on the manifold some people are using a check valve GEORGE FISCHER WYE CHECK VALVE. Do you think this is necessary or does the Red Sea Overflow handle this ?

Reefer525XL · Mar 16, 2017

bpapo said:
OK another Question on the manifold some people are using a check valve GEORGE FISCHER WYE CHECK VALVE. Do you think this is necessary or does the Red Sea Overflow handle this ?

The sump has plenty of space to handle the water that back siphons during a power outage or when your turn off the pump for whatever reason. The only reason why I would use a check valve is to keep the return line full of water so that when you turn on the pump you don't get a million micro bubbles in the display and water splashing from the bubbles. With pump that have a soft start this isn't a bid deal.

Also if you plan on feeding reactors with the same pump and still want to use a check valve make sure you install it between the reactors and tank instead of in between the pump and reactors because any water coming down will just siphon out through the reactors.

bpapo · Mar 17, 2017

I have another question regarding the manifold. The PVC fitting screws on to the return of the Red Sea. Then the manifold is glued on slip side of the PVC fitting ? so you can not take the manifold off ?

Rory's Reef · Mar 17, 2017

bpapo said:
I have another question regarding the manifold. The PVC fitting screws on to the return of the Red Sea. Then the manifold is glued on slip side of the PVC fitting ? so you can not take the manifold off ?

Unions are your friend

Reefer525XL · Mar 17, 2017

bpapo said:
I have another question regarding the manifold. The PVC fitting screws on to the return of the Red Sea. Then the manifold is glued on slip side of the PVC fitting ? so you can not take the manifold off ?

Yes! You could use a union right after the Red Sea fitting but I didn't since the Red Sea fitting acts as a union. I can just unscrew the red sea fitting and the manifold comes off in one piece.

bpapo · Mar 17, 2017

I'm sorry I'm not understanding . If the manifold is glued to the fitting . How can you spin it

Reefer525XL · Mar 17, 2017

bpapo said:
I'm sorry I'm not understanding . If the manifold is glued to the fitting . How can you spin it

Not my picture but a great example of the fittings.

Red arrow is pointing that the Red Sea fitting. Blue arrow is pointing at the pvc fitting, this fitting is a male adapter. Slip on one side and male thread on the other. The Red Sea the pvc fitting threads on the Red Sea fitting. If you unscrew the nut of the Red Sea fitting you can pull down and it comes out. So what you are removing is the Red Sea fitting not the pvc fitting from the Red Sea fitting. Let me know if that makes sense. If not I'll try to explain it in a better way.

bpapo · Mar 18, 2017

Didn't realize the Red Sea came with a union , I thought the PVC Fitting was replacing it and it came with a Barb . Now it makes sense . I am going to order the tank Sunday. I will let you know how I make out. The LFS store is pretty helpful . I am either getting the Reef Octopus 150SSS Elite Skimmer or 200SSS. Don't know if its overkill to go with 200SSS plus its big. Thanks for your help

Reefer525XL · Mar 18, 2017

Yes the Red Sea fitting comes with a barb but it's threaded so you need to take it off and then screw on the pvc fitting and it'll end up looking just that the picture above.

The Elite skimmer is one I was considering getting. I think the 200 is too big. Another tip is that while the sss are great at saving space when it's time to clean the pump you need to take the whole skimmer out and take it apart. I would rather get the 150-int which has the pump on the outside. If you don't mind taking the skimmer out every few months then by all means get the sss.