Red Sea 425xl Deluxe - First Build Thread!

[EscMan]

Wow, I can’t believe I finally pulled the trigger and ordered a new tank. The black friday deals were just enough to push me over the edge. I was debating between the Waterbox 130.4 for the entire week but I ended up deciding on the Red Sea.

I also finally get to start my own build thread! I am going to take my time getting the tank up and running before adding anything. I have a ton of rock that I ended up leaving outside for the last couple years so my next step is to bleach and then cure all the rocks I plan on using.

So the first thing I want to do is set up a rough timeline. My steps in order are currently below. Any input on those in question marks is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Assemble tank
Clean and cure rocks(same time together)
plan/install of apex and controllers and wiring(same time together)
Add rock, sand, and water and start flow(vectra m1 & 2x mp40s)
Turn lights on
Add chaeto and light to refugium???
Add pods to display and fuge
Add initial cuc???
calc, alk, mag ready for corrals???
Start first dosing???
Transfer first fish
Transfer first corals

 

[dbl]

Congrats on the new tank. You can't go wrong with the RS Reefer...they are such good looking tanks. Signing up to follow along on this one.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Congrats! Starting my xl 525 same time.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Great news! Looking forward to it.

 

[EscMan]

Going to start cleaning my rocks this weekend. Anyone know how much bleach I should use and for how long? Just putting it into a tub and running with some old powerheads.

 

[NY_Caveman]

I would recommend 10:1 RO/DI:bleach for 1-2 weeks, then 1-2 weeks RO/DI with dechlorinator with a 100% water change in the middle.

 

[EscMan]

Hi Everyone! Some updates. Got the tank via freight delivery finally on Thursday. Will post pictures when I get around to assembly. First batch of rock is done bleaching and will be put into the dt with ro and declorinator for lack of more containers. Second batch of rock will then go into bleach for two more weeks.

I have a drinking water rodi(I think) system that i had installed when i first moved in and was wondering how and where I should add a t so that I can use this for ro water for the tank. If anyone has input on whether this water isnt good enough for the tank please let me know. Ive included pictures of the rodi setup I have.

 

[EscMan]

Missed a picture.

 

[EscMan]

Was able to get a diagram from their customer service! Mine doesnt have K. I am planning on adding the T at my red arrow. The J filter is meant to remove bad taste so I dont think is necessary?

 

[EscMan]

Assemblyyyy

 

[EscMan]

No labels on anything... but im assuming these are all the screws based on the jingle.

 

[EscMan]

Extra piece... something seems wrong here...

 

[EscMan]

So they give you two H’s, one white for the white cabinet. At least it wasnt hard to fix from where I was at.

 

[NY_Caveman]

This looks like an RO system for drinking water and lacks the DI filtration. You should be able to add a T to add deionization to your current system if you wanted (but after the stage you drink from). It would not be too expensive and looks like you could plumb it right in if you have space.

I would check the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids, a digital probe is about $20) of the output and see where it is. Ideally you want 0 TDS water to mix salt and top off. If you have this kind of system for drinking water, your incoming TDS may be pretty high.

 

[EscMan]

This looks like an RO system for drinking water and lacks the DI filtration. You should be able to add a T to add deionization to your current system if you wanted (but after the stage you drink from). It would not be too expensive and looks like you could plumb it right in if you have space.

I would check the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids, a digital probe is about $20) of the output and see where it is. Ideally you want 0 TDS water to mix salt and top off. If you have this kind of system for drinking water, your incoming TDS may be pretty high.

Thanks! i will actually be picking up the BRS Dual DI add on with the built in tds. Should be perfect.

 

[EscMan]

Laid down my plastic water proof mat and built the bottom ikea cabinet. A larger cabinet will go on top of this one and house my apex.

 

[EscMan]

Uh oh.... this seems like a bad idea haha.

So there was a snafu with my delivery and because of the delays the shipping company gave permission to the delivery driver to help me move everything into my place since I wouldnt have anyone available to help. We placed the tank on my dining table which is very robust and has felt feet installed so I can slide it. I was hoping the heights would be closer though.

I got this...

 

[EscMan]

Did get it on somehow. Looks amazing. Took awhile to level. Done till the next weekend.

 

[EscMan]

Merry Christmas everyone. Back at it again. Rock is now in fresh rodi with some prime. Debating on doing a vinegar bath for a week after.

Working on outting the plumbing together and this middle piece is a whole 3/4” off from the bracket. Not too big a deal as I can move the bracket but wasnt even close.

 

[infinite0180]

Nice build soo far! I just pit together a reefer nano for my upstairs apartment! Unfortunitely my varios 2 return pump is making alot of noise so im probably going to be delayed while i sort that out. Anyway im trying to decide on a cabinet for next to the tank. Do you happen to know what the name of that particular ikea one is?

Also i discovered if you place a flashlight into the over flow section of the tank you can see through it from the outside. I did this to verify that my standpipes where all the way in place. I ended up seeing one of mine was not completely tight and gave it a final turn. No leaks in my plumbing! Just thought i would share!