Re-build build thread. RedSea 425XL, bought used

[BryanM]

Truth be told, been 30 years or so since I've had any kind of aquarium.

I bought a used RedSea 425XL from a very nice person, tons of equipment, and I'm just trying to get through learning about all of it, and getting it set up.

First step complete, getting the RODI installed and functioning. I figured I'd start small, but with a major necessity.

I received an apex controller, doser, two cor-20 pumps, battery backup, UV light filter.... Probably more that I'm unaware yet.

We're adding a ReefMAT and the ReefLED 90's x2, as my wife doesn't want a light attached to the wall. Thinking about a skimmer too, but not sure its necessary.

 

[TX_REEF]

Congrats on the new tank! Skimmers certainly aren’t necessary, but can be helpful for nutrient export.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

That tank is going to look amazing once it is filled!

 

[MECOMI]

Truth be told, been 30 years or so since I've had any kind of aquarium.

I bought a used RedSea 425XL from a very nice person, tons of equipment, and I'm just trying to get through learning about all of it, and getting it set up.

First step complete, getting the RODI installed and functioning. I figured I'd start small, but with a major necessity.

I received an apex controller, doser, two cor-20 pumps, battery backup, UV light filter.... Probably more that I'm unaware yet.

We're adding a ReefMAT and the ReefLED 90's x2, as my wife doesn't want a light attached to the wall. Thinking about a skimmer too, but not sure its necessary.

Lots of fun getting to know the ins and outs of these systems. Bought a used Red Sea Max S-500 four years ago. Took me a year to clean and collect missing parts. It has been up and running strong for three years now.

Good luck and enjoy the ride,

B-Kind

 

[BryanM]

So the RODI setup I got has two DI canisters, and I'm believing that the first one is depleted, so its time to move the 2nd one into the #1 slot and add a new one to the end.

 

[BryanM]

More tidbits before build pics.

decided to go with:

reefmat 500, adapters so I can use more affordable fleece
DC Skimmer 600
ReedLED 90 x2

I'll be removing the filter sock stuff from the sump to make room.

Reset the Apex to factory, forcing me to learn how to use that beast.

Redsea blue bucket salt is on the way, and after I get water in the tank, I'll order live sand and rock from Gulf Live Rock.

 

[X-37B]

More tidbits before build pics.

decided to go with:

reefmat 500, adapters so I can use more affordable fleece
DC Skimmer 600
ReedLED 90 x2

I'll be removing the filter sock stuff from the sump to make room.

Reset the Apex to factory, forcing me to learn how to use that beast.

Redsea blue bucket salt is on the way, and after I get water in the tank, I'll order live sand and rock from Gulf Live Rock.

You will love the GLR. 150lbs in my ext 170. Tank at 3 months has 20+ bivalves doing well with 20+ hard corals and coralline is starting to show up on the back wall and powerheads.
All the rock is their premium.

 

[BryanM]

Update pics, progress.

 

[BryanM]

Getting there...
ReefMat installed
DC Skimmer 600 installed, but too low, getting a stand for that...
ReefLED's installed
New PH Probe for the apex calibrated and installed
Tunze Osmolator ATO installed w/Bashsea 10Gal reservoir
Cor-20 return pump instaleld
AquaUV 25w light installed
2 300 watt titanium heaters installed (2 for redundancy)

Not sure what's next. But I'm going to give Gulf Live Rock a call Monday to place an order, and maybe next Monday I'll be installing live rock and sand.

 

[BryanM]

 

[BryanM]

I've added a modest cleanup crew, and 2 cleaner shrimp. Modified the sump quite a bit, learned that you either needed to keep some of those walls or raise the skimmer - I prefer the more open sump though, so I was fine with getting it a stand. Already added two hammers and one favia as well.

 

[BryanM]

 

[dschuffert]

Everything looks good!

 

[BryanM]

 

[BryanM]

Some update pics, and I cannot recommend the Orpherek? filter kit highly enough.

 

[BryanM]

Magic eraser is unbelievable. Much better pics.

FWIW, I started dosing AFR about 3 weeks ago. Tank is probably "done" in terms of any equipment additions, etc.

AquaUV25
Reefmat500
DC Skimmer 600
no filter socks, no refug, just an almost clean sump, should have ditched the chamber for the return pump honestly.
2 Icecap 2k gyres
Apex, EB832, EB8, 2 dosers, Hydros controller for the Icecaps

 

[BryanM]

Well, I'll be god danged if that 2nd mantis shrimp just showed its face. He's clearly eating something, he's at least 25% longer than he was, and fatter.

Now that I saw him, right after I fed some mysis, might be time for a new trap with mysis in it.

 

[BryanM]

July 18th is when this started, and here's today.