Red Sea Reefer 170 Build

Charles Weller · May 20, 2017

I went to my LFS on Friday to look at a Deep Blue 30 gallon RR tank and stand they had there on sale for $399 and ended up purchasing a Red Sea Reefer 170. I'm going to be moving 2 clown fish and 2 RBTA, that are currently in a 20 gal tank at the moment, into this tank once it's up and cycled. Absolutely love this setup and it was extremely easy to get this tank setup.

smokin'reefer · May 20, 2017

You can't go wrong with a little reefer I always say.[emoji41]

jmp21677 · May 20, 2017

I have the same tank. Biggest issue is the ATO is useless. Other than that it's great

Cherub · May 20, 2017

congrats on the new tank! very nice looking set up

Charles Weller · May 20, 2017

smokin'reefer said:
You can't go wrong with a little reefer I always say.[emoji41]

LOL, I'm surprised my two teenage boys didn't come up with that smokin'reefer

Charles Weller · May 20, 2017

jmp21677 said:
I have the same tank. Biggest issue is the ATO is useless. Other than that it's great

I agree. I plan to setup a different ATO later on. I have an Aqua-Medic Refill System Pro on one of my other tanks now that I'm happy with.

Charles Weller · May 20, 2017

Denvercherub said:
congrats on the new tank! very nice looking set up

Thank you, Denvercherub. I'd planned on buying the Red Sea Reefer 525 next year but couldn't resist picking this one up.

Charles Weller · May 20, 2017

Added 2 bags of Carib Sea Fiji Pink and started the rock work today.

smokin'reefer · May 20, 2017

Charles Weller said:
LOL, I'm surprised my two teenage boys didn't come up with that smokin'reefer

Sorry, I couldn't resist.
I love the reefer tanks though. You won't regret it. I have 2 and if I can catch the lady of the house in the right mood, I'm going to try for one of the big'uns coming out soon.

Charles Weller · May 20, 2017

I've got my eyes on the reefer 525 but may go with the 625 next year. I like the new sump design and the leveling stand is definitely a plus.

smokin'reefer · May 20, 2017

I'm gunning for the 625 myself. Same 5 feet wide as my 450 but 133 gallon display. I'm curious about the leveling stand, haven't seen anything specific on it yet. I do like the 4 sock deal. My 2 socks need to be changed about every 3 to 4 days. Thinking 4 would last longer but not sure with added volume.

Charles Weller · May 20, 2017

I've been changing the socks on my tanks twice a week ever since I watched the BRS video showing the improved nutrient export compared to once a week or more. We'll see just how long before I get lazy and go back to once a week or more.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/video/view/brstv-investigates-what-do-filter-socks-do-for-you/

Charles Weller · May 22, 2017

Picked up the AI Hydra 26 HD today and added it to the tank. I uploaded the SPS AB+ profile based on an article ( http://ecotechmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Ecotech_CoralLab_WP1.pdf ) by World Wide Corals and Echotech. Orcus Varuna over at ReefCentral adapted the profile to work with the AI HD lights. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2307040&page=166.

Keenan · May 22, 2017

Great start! Love the branching rock in the back-left.

Charles Weller · May 22, 2017

Keenan said:
Great start! Love the branching rock in the back-left.

Thank you. When I originally bought the rock for the tank I didn't buy the branching piece and spent 2 days wishing I had. So I made sure to grab it today.

Charles Weller · May 22, 2017

Over the next couple of weeks, I plan to pick up the remaining equipment for the tank. Here is what I was planning on

Vortech MP10W
200w Neo-Therm heater by Cobalt Aquatics
and still trying to decide on the skimmer. Originally planned on the Reef Octopus 110INT skimmer but the owner of the LFS was recommending the Simplicity 120 DC skimmer.

joro · May 22, 2017

jmp21677 said:
I have the same tank. Biggest issue is the ATO is useless. Other than that it's great

Agreed on this point and I found that evaporation rates made the included ATO basically a waste of time. I switched to a 5G ATO in a separate reservoir and I can go a week and a half in some cases without needing to top off. Good luck with the build, looking great thus far!

Charles Weller · May 23, 2017

joro said:
Agreed on this point and I found that evaporation rates made the included ATO basically a waste of time. I switched to a 5G ATO in a separate reservoir and I can go a week and a half in some cases without needing to top off. Good luck with the build, looking great thus far!

Thank you, I plan on doing the same thing. I'm thinking of using the ATO container as a refugium in the sump.

Charles Weller · May 28, 2017

Decided on the Simplicity 120 DC Skimmer. Having seen it in operation at my LFS and the fact that it has a DC pump were the deciding factors.
Also added some LED strip lights to the sump area.