Red Sea 250 Journey

[Westside Guy]

Good eye, I used just two strips if this Velcro. I originally had 3 but it was near impossible to take off.

‘Thanks for the information as I am almost ready to replace my Technical Pro PS9U rack mount power supply because the lights on the individual switches are failing. The PS9U had reversible mounting plates so I was able to screw it into the side wall of my Red Sea 250’s cabinet.The Pyle power supply looks like a better build and more reliable.

 

[Eight]

Ahhhh man I wanted to put in a rollermat more than anything, but I was nervous about modifying the sump. Looks like you have the v3 sump, my v2 has my ATO right over my filter socks, so I'm on the fence still about a filter roller in the future.

That is seriously clean I wouldn't even have door on my cabinet if I were you. Did you build that little cabinet under the tank? I'm going to go Snoop around your build now.

Thanks!! I was pretty nervous about modding the sump as well, but while it's a lot of work, it's not actually technically difficult. Just go slow and be careful. Even if you break a panel (which many people do), it's not going to affect your end result. Yeah, I noticed you have the V2 sump... I think the mod is similar though?

I bought a really cheap Ikea cabinet (Eket) which is SO close to fitting perfectly into the stand, but is about 1/2" too wide. I took out the circular saw and cut off the right side of the cabinet and then used L-brackets to just bolt it into the reefer stand. It ended up working perfectly. My tank is right next to the dining table, so my goal was to fit everything into the footprint of the original stand to keep everything neat.

Your build is looking great! Looking forward to where you're taking it.

 

[Houstoner]

‘Thanks for the information as I am almost ready to replace my Technical Pro PS9U rack mount power supply because the lights on the individual switches are failing. The PS9U had reversible mounting plates so I was able to screw it into the side wall of my Red Sea 250’s cabinet.The Pyle power supply looks like a better build and more reliable.

The Pyle was recommended by a few people on R2R. I was going to go with a UL industrial power switch brick, but for a 8 outlet with individual switched It was around $140. So I went with Pyle, will shell out for Apex soon

Thanks!! I was pretty nervous about modding the sump as well, but while it's a lot of work, it's not actually technically difficult. Just go slow and be careful. Even if you break a panel (which many people do), it's not going to affect your end result. Yeah, I noticed you have the V2 sump... I think the mod is similar though?

I bought a really cheap Ikea cabinet (Eket) which is SO close to fitting perfectly into the stand, but is about 1/2" too wide. I took out the circular saw and cut off the right side of the cabinet and then used L-brackets to just bolt it into the reefer stand. It ended up working perfectly. My tank is right next to the dining table, so my goal was to fit everything into the footprint of the original stand to keep everything neat.

Your build is looking great! Looking forward to where you're taking it.

Once I no longer need a fuge I'll probably look more into it. I guess it doesn't seem to difficult, your guides are really helpful. Btw I was able to get my door aligned a bit better thanks to your guide, it was driving me nuts!

I still do not understand how you were able to fit all your electrical equipment in that little box!? Btw do you plan on dosing in the future or using a Ca reactor? I'm curious to see how you will fit it underneath the stand.

 

[Chris_ATX]

Looks good. I also recently picked up a used Reefer 250 but drove out to Beaumont to pick it up. Traded a Electus and cash for it. Will be putting together a build thread soon.

 

[Houstoner]

Looks good. I also recently picked up a used Reefer 250 but drove out to Beaumont to pick it up. Traded a Electus and cash for it. Will be putting together a build thread soon.

That's funny I actually picked mine up not far from where yours was, my 250 was from Baytown.

Finished the return plumbing, it's not the prettiest, but she will do for now.

Trying to win that Tunze!!

 

[Eight]

I still do not understand how you were able to fit all your electrical equipment in that little box!? Btw do you plan on dosing in the future or using a Ca reactor? I'm curious to see how you will fit it underneath the stand.

So the nice thing about doing all of your control via the tablet connected to the Apex is you can literally jam everything away behind the scenes. There's no need to have the eco tech controllers accessible, the main pump controller can be hidden, etc. I will go and clean the little space behind the door soon, but right now it's a mess. Still I managed to fit all the Apex modules, the controllers and the doser in there.

The other thing I did was use the back of the stand for power bricks:

(Old photo, I've tidied up since this was taken.)

This leaves enough room for a modest ATO and and 2 part in the dry side of the stand, especially if you get something custom made.

Having done a calcium reactor before and struggled with it, I will be sticking to 2 part. It's easy, reliable and space efficient.

 

[Westside Guy]

The Pyle was recommended by a few people on R2R. I was going to go with a UL industrial power switch brick, but for a 8 outlet with individual switched It was around $140. So I went with Pyle, will shell out for Apex soon

The only option that the Pyle is missing is USB ports that the my Technical Pro PS9U has. I have no doubt that it has a better build.

 

[Houstoner]

The only option that the Pyle is missing is USB ports that the my Technical Pro PS9U has. I have no doubt that it has a better build.

So I actually ditched the Pyle for a new apex unit, was given a discount since I bought two Tunze stream 3s from a R2R member.

I got the tank moved today! Secured safely in-between some medical waste boxes of course.

Will be getting her wet later this week.

 

[Flameback Pair]

@Houstoner glad to see another Reefer 250 !!! I have one too. Can't to see your system running.

 

[mariano]

We just got into this hobby about 3 weeks ago and loving it so far, we started with an aqueon tank 55 gallons and Canister filter, don't really know much but learning something everyday, and yesterday I found about the Red Sea 250 and fell in love with it. We are moving in about 1 month so it will be the perfect time to purchase one. So I have two question, are Sumps hard to keep/learn how to work it ( since we don't own one right now, but the reefer 250 comes with one if im not mistaken) ? When we move, can we reuse the sand we have in our current tank ( we have "live"sand from the LFS ) or should we get new one, the tank just finished "cycling" . Thank you so much in advance.

 

[Houstoner]

We just got into this hobby about 3 weeks ago and loving it so far, we started with an aqueon tank 55 gallons and Canister filter, don't really know much but learning something everyday, and yesterday I found about the Red Sea 250 and fell in love with it. We are moving in about 1 month so it will be the perfect time to purchase one. So I have two question, are Sumps hard to keep/learn how to work it ( since we don't own one right now, but the reefer 250 comes with one if im not mistaken) ? When we move, can we reuse the sand we have in our current tank ( we have "live"sand from the LFS ) or should we get new one, the tank just finished "cycling" . Thank you so much in advance.

Welcome to the wonderful world of reefing! Red Sea sumps are very easy to work in and very straight forward, I recommend going on YouTube or here on R2R and just try to soak up as much info as you can with videos and threads about the 250. This is my first experience with a sump as well since my 2 other tanks are AIOs and I use a hang on filter for my quarantine. I've taken this red sea apart and put it together probably 3 times by now it takes no time at all.

I personally would not recommend re using sand for a new system, with it you bring all the pests and waste into your new tank. However it sounds like you just set this system up not long ago, so it's probably fine to bring it into the new tank.

 

[Houstoner]

Man I hate hiccups... So I got the tank up and running, but ran into a few snags. One of the Tunze stream 3s I purchased got damaged in shipping so I had to order a $20 replacement part. No biggie

The two mp40QDs I purchased however are a different story, they are very loud and vibrate, almost sounds like the wetside isn't aligned with the dry sides. I put one of the spacers in and that helped a little but the noise was still pretty loud for something that is supposed to be "quite drive". One dryside sounds quiet while the other is noticeably louder. The two mp40's are from 2016 so I'm going to try and disassemble the dry sides and see if I can replace the bearings. Any information or help regarding this would be greatly appreciated, this is my first time using Vortechs and I'm totally lost.

I kept my promise and got her wet this weekend! Should have rinsed the dry rock, oh well. The ATO turned refegium was extremely sketchy at first, but after dialing back the flow using the two little fishies valve it settled out.

Got the Apex setup, all probes are calibrated however my salinity probe is stuck at 4.2ppm. I Dumped alot of salt in the display and forgot my Hanna salinity tester so I wasn't able to delve to deep into it yet. Could not get my LDK to work either, plugged it in and threw water on one of the probes but no notification no nothing... Hmmm I'll figure this Apex out soon enough. Anyway here are some ugly shots of my unmanaged cables.

Did not get a chance to pour in any Bio Spira yet, will do that tomorrow when the salinity and temp stabilize. Then I'll add around 40-50 drops of some ammonium chloride for a hopefully clean cycle.

 

[Houstoner]

Just checked my Apex app, salinity is now down to 2.8ppm?? I calibrated it before I left in the solution that was provided. I added 1/3 a bucket of tropic Marine pro before I left, I know that can't be right. Can old calibration fluid be the culprit here??

 

[Houstoner]

Just checked my Apex app, salinity is now down to 2.8ppm?? I calibrated it before I left in the solution that was provided. I added 1/3 a bucket of tropic Marine pro before I left, I know that can't be right. Can old calibration fluid be the culprit here??

Looks like alot of users say the salinity probe is garbage, I guess I can back that up

 

[shadow1013]

Did any of the 30lbs of Marco rock include the foundation dry rock?

Here are more shots of the aquascape, used around 30lbs of Marco shelf rock along with some stax from two little fishies.

 

[monti mike]

Looking good so far! I have the 200xl and we have a similar build. I didn’t rinse my rocks either and it was fine! Following along!

 

[Flameback Pair]

Looks like alot of users say the salinity probe is garbage, I guess I can back that up

Check out this article to get your salinity probe going:

Apex salinity probe! How can I get it working right? Well hopefully this helps.

Salinity, salinity probe, apex, apex probe, salt, salt probe

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Houstoner]

Did any of the 30lbs of Marco rock include the foundation dry rock?

I originally ordered 3 small pieces and 1 medium foundation, only received 2 small foundations and the medium was wayyy to big. Honestly really disappointed with ordering rocks from BRS. My box had packing peanuts falling out before I even opened the box. BRS ignored my 3 emails with photos showing the damaged box and many broken pieces... I eventually gave up trying to contact them.

 

[shadow1013]

That sucks. I’ll have to double check next time I’m there but I think WWC carries Marco Rock. How much regular rock did you get from them?

I originally ordered 3 small pieces and 1 medium foundation, only received 2 small foundations and the medium was wayyy to big. Honestly really disappointed with ordering rocks from BRS. My box had packing peanuts falling out before I even opened the box. BRS ignored my 3 emails with photos showing the damaged box and many broken pieces... I eventually gave up trying to contact them.

 

[Houstoner]

30lbs of shelf rock, though honestly only a few pieces were actual shelves. Alot of rocks I got look like reef saver rocks. If you can I'd go in person to pick out your rocks. Better than hopping the guy in the warehouse picks out good pieces for you then break while they travel through ups.