Plumbing question

[DungSl1nger]

I recently received and largely set up my Redsea Reefer 250. Being as it’s my first tank I am unsure how to build it. What I mean is, watching the build threads are great but everyone seems to have years of experience and know what they need for their livestock. I on the other had do not know if I will need reactors, dosers, or a manifold.
So my question is how difficult would it be to upgrade plumbing down the road as my eco system grows?

 

[W1ngz]

It's certainly possible to modify the plumbing down the road, but I wouldn't worry about that now. The red seas are great tanks to get started with and once you've learned the basics you'll build up your own experience. Then you'll be able to decide how to upgrade the plumbing to suit your own needs, or maybe you'll decide it's will be time for a larger more customized setup.

A full fledged custom reef tank is complex thing, and you'll be doing yourself a big favour learning on a stock unmodified reefer.

 

[DungSl1nger]

It's certainly possible to modify the plumbing down the road, but I wouldn't worry about that now. The red seas are great tanks to get started with and once you've learned the basics you'll build up your own experience. Then you'll be able to decide how to upgrade the plumbing to suit your own needs, or maybe you'll decide it's will be time for a larger more customized setup.

A full fledged custom reef tank is complex thing, and you'll be doing yourself a big favour learning on a stock unmodified reefer.

Thank you, that is what I was thinking. The 250 is smaller than what I wanted

 

[mfinn]

I recently received and largely set up my Redsea Reefer 250. Being as it’s my first tank I am unsure how to build it. What I mean is, watching the build threads are great but everyone seems to have years of experience and know what they need for their livestock. I on the other had do not know if I will need reactors, dosers, or a manifold.
So my question is how difficult would it be to upgrade plumbing down the road as my eco system grows?

I think, since it is your first tank, just worry about the basics and getting them dialed in.
I also think that as time goes by you will see what you can make work for you and make the changes as they occur.
When that happens you should have a better understanding of what you need and how to do it.
At least your questions will be more specific.

 

[DungSl1nger]

I think, since it is your first tank, just worry about the basics and getting them dialed in.
I also think that as time goes by you will see what you can make work for you and make the changes as they occur.
When that happens you should have a better understanding of what you need and how to do it.
At least your questions will be more specific.

Thank you, I agree, I have so much to learn.

 

[W1ngz]

Thank you, I agree, I have so much to learn.

And you're in the right place for that!

 

[ScottB]

I recently received and largely set up my Redsea Reefer 250. Being as it’s my first tank I am unsure how to build it. What I mean is, watching the build threads are great but everyone seems to have years of experience and know what they need for their livestock. I on the other had do not know if I will need reactors, dosers, or a manifold.
So my question is how difficult would it be to upgrade plumbing down the road as my eco system grows?

@W1ngz nailed it.
Over the years you will come to tinker with everything at some point, but for now keeping it simple is the smart way to go. New biomes are going to go through so much change (on their own!) in the first 18 months without too much intervention on your part. Less is more when it comes to tools and additives in the beginning. Take a pass on reactors, dosers, manifolds for now. They are brilliant tools for solving problems that are many months away.

Get a good protein skimmer. The reef octopus 110SSS is so optimal for the 250. Once your tank is fully stocked with fish, it will really help keep your nutrients in order without fuss.

For now, focus your energy and expense on keeping the basics super stable: Temperature, Salinity, and fish nutrition.

Don't rely on a heater thermometer alone. Get a heater controller to accompany your titanium heater. I think the BRS combo is a fine one.

The auto top-off for the 250 is... meh. Do some research on ways that people have installed ATOs on the 250. Simple and reliable (no floods!) is the goal.

As for fish list, I would encourage you to do a lot of research here. It is important to add them in the correct order with an eye on what your ideal stock list looks like. And make sure you understand the ideal diet for each fish. Carnivores, herbivores, omnivores.

Like every forum, there is a ton of great information here along with a ton of... well intended suggestions. Taking note of the the contributor's post history can be helpful.

 

[chowberg]

You’re starting out with a great system. I would recommend not modifying it for now since you don’t know what you need yet. Plus if it easier working with things as designed as there are less variables. Good luck!

 

[DungSl1nger]

And you're in the right place for that!

Agreed, I have been reading so much.

 

[DungSl1nger]

@W1ngz nailed it.
Over the years you will come to tinker with everything at some point, but for now keeping it simple is the smart way to go. New biomes are going to go through so much change (on their own!) in the first 18 months without too much intervention on your part. Less is more when it comes to tools and additives in the beginning. Take a pass on reactors, dosers, manifolds for now. They are brilliant tools for solving problems that are many months away.

Get a good protein skimmer. The reef octopus 110SSS is so optimal for the 250. Once your tank is fully stocked with fish, it will really help keep your nutrients in order without fuss.

For now, focus your energy and expense on keeping the basics super stable: Temperature, Salinity, and fish nutrition.

Don't rely on a heater thermometer alone. Get a heater controller to accompany your titanium heater. I think the BRS combo is a fine one.

The auto top-off for the 250 is... meh. Do some research on ways that people have installed ATOs on the 250. Simple and reliable (no floods!) is the goal.

As for fish list, I would encourage you to do a lot of research here. It is important to add them in the correct order with an eye on what your ideal stock list looks like. And make sure you understand the ideal diet for each fish. Carnivores, herbivores, omnivores.

Like every forum, there is a ton of great information here along with a ton of... well intended suggestions. Taking note of the the contributor's post history can be helpful.

Thank you for the great reply, I have everything I feel is essential based on the super write up sticky. My parts list is impressive according to my empty bank account, and I still need to grow from where I am now. Besides the Redsea tank deluxe system, I have;

RSK-300 skimmer
MP40QD
Titanium Heater and controller
ATO will come later, I'll just top off morning and evening manually
Live sand and 80 pounds of dry rock
Full QT materials and will have multiple due to medications sensitivities (got to love dollar a gallon sales.)
All recommended meds, minus CP (per med sticky)
Misc., tests and testing equipment

Fish, I have been researching, quite a bit a will go in one at a time as they QT. looking at 12-14 month mark for corals.

 

[DungSl1nger]

You’re starting out with a great system. I would recommend not modifying it for now since you don’t know what you need yet. Plus if it easier working with things as designed as there are less variables. Good luck!

Good point, I don't want to add any more difficulty!