Fishboy11's Red Sea Reefer 250 Build

fishboy11 · May 17, 2016

Hey everyone! Thought I'd make a topic to document the build of my Reefer 250. I walked in to the LFS today to inquire if they could bring in the Reefer series, and there was a white Reefer 250 at the price of the black 250, so I had to jump on it. I will be picking it up next Monday and cannot wait to get this started. Below is a list of equipment I plan on running on the tank. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!

Lights: 2 AI Hydra 26 HD (may add 3rd)
Powerheads: 2 Vortech MP10s
Skimmer: Reef Octopus 110SSS
Return Pump: Syncra 3.0
Heater Controller: Aqua Logic Temp Controller
Rock: BRS Reef Saver

At some point I will add some type of controller to help with dosing. I am going to try to do some unique things with my aquascape by drilling small holes in the rock and using acrylic rods to create unique shapes/caves/overhangs.

dbl · May 17, 2016

Sounds like a great plan so far. Is this a replacement for an existing tank or are you adding to the addiction?

Good luck with the new project.

pgooden · May 17, 2016

Sounds very similar to mine! I love the tank. I have RO110SS also. Let me know how the hydras work for you as I am currently running a single Radion 15 and debating adding a second or replacing with the hydras!

Good luck with the build!

Shane

fishboy11 · May 17, 2016

@dbl This will replace an existing tank at some point. Also adding to the addiction haha.

Shane, I was contemplating going with 2 xr15, but the price for the Hydras is just too good I think given its controllability and output. I'm looking forward to them a lot. Do you have a thread to yours?

fishboy11 · May 23, 2016

Got some equipment for the tank today. Decided to go with the Skimz SN123. Also got 55lbs of reef saver rock, and my tank of course. Plan on setting the tank up this weekend and start carving the rock. More pics will follow.

dbl · May 23, 2016

Nice...it's always good to have weekend plans!!!

fishboy11 · May 24, 2016

Yeah it is! Can't wait to get started on this.

For those who have a Reefer 250 and use BRS single reactors, could you post pictures of where/how you have installed them?

fishboy11 · May 27, 2016

Hey everyone! I'm about to order my lights, and cannot decide between 2 Kessil A360WE or 2 AI Hydra 26HD. I am leaning towards the Hydras due to controllability and pricing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I plan on this tank being a mixed reef, with SPS, LPS, and zoas.

fishboy11 · May 28, 2016

Tank and stand are up. Rock carving is underway. Cannot wait to get everything running, although I'm probably a few weeks out from that. Still can't decide on lighting

Hecdr34 · May 28, 2016

Very nice. I ordered mine last night and I can't wait to receive it. I will be using 2 x Kessil a160we.

fishboy11 · May 28, 2016

Congrats on the purchase! Did you order a 250? If I go the Kessil route I'll go with 2 a360we. But I'm leaning towards either 2 Hydra 26hd or 2 radion xr15.

Hecdr34 · May 28, 2016

Thanks. I ordered the 250 with a 10% Memorial Day discount. I think it came out to $1259 for the white 250

It will be an anemone only tank so no need for the 360's for me

Henry1953 · May 29, 2016

I am slowly working on mine. I have my rock arranged, I think!! I leak tested it with tap water last weekend. No leaks, so this weekend I will start making RODI salt water. It should be filled by tomorrow night.

fishboy11 · May 30, 2016

Well, part of the aquascape is done. Ordering some glue and acrylic tubing today from BRS. Also think I'm gonna go with 3 AI Prime for lighting. It'll allow me to spread the light out more evenly in terms of PAR across the width of the tank.

On a bad note. I broke the micro-bubble valve on my skimmer when setting it. And they are back ordered from BRS. Oh well. Off to the hardware store for plumbing supplies

revhtree · May 31, 2016

Following!

Chrisfish · May 31, 2016

Really nice set up, looking forward to seeing more!

fishboy11 · May 31, 2016

@revhtree thank you for following!

@Chrisfish I hope to finish aquascaping by Friday evening and get the tank filled this weekend.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do to hide power supplies (such as lights)? I'm planning to buy some 3M hooks to run across the inside top of the stand to hide all cables.

fishboy11 · Jun 1, 2016

Plumbing is done. Was going to do PVC, but since I'll be purchasing a house in around 18 months, I decided to do something less permanent and went with vinyl tubing.

I was slightly disappointed I couldn't figure a way to put my 2nd BRS reactor in the sump. I'll hang on to it for the future. My lights and Jurassic gel will be here tomorrow. So aquascaping pictures to come Friday evening

I decided to take the float valve off and will use my Tunze osmolator. Where should the float switch for it be placed? In the display?

fishboy11 · Jun 2, 2016

Well. I didn't think through taking the reactor cartridge off when doing my plumbing. So. I need to hang the reactor. Does anyone have any recommendations? Should I use to screws into the back right above the sumo? Or should I get some 3M hooks to hang it?