Reefer 250 Build

[jayq16]

Been lurking the forum for awhile, doing a lot of research and getting ready for a reef tank - first one in over 10 yrs. Several years ago I worked at a LFS and did most of my reefing there haha. Had a few FOWLR set ups long ago but in the recent past focused on fw planted tanks. Latest was an ADA 60p but took it down with a recent move. Decided it was time to do a reef tank especially with where the technology and knowledge sharing has gone in the last 10 yrs.

I'm going to do a mixed reef, but would like to slowly move to majority of SPS. Will just have to see where it goes. I'll do my best to keep this thread up to date as other's build threads have been so helpful to me!

Ok tank details

Hardware
Tank: Red Sea Reefer 250 Series
Return pump: Vectra M1
Current: 2 Vortech MP40s
Skimmer: Nyos Quantum Q120
Heater: Cobalt Neo-Therm 300w
Hydor heater controller (had from fw tank)
Reactor: Aquamaxx XS Carbon/GFO reactor - will most likely run carbon here, GFO if ever needed and move carbon to the filter socks
Hard plumbing: from BRS, 1" blue schedule 40 for the most part, 1/2" for reactor
ATO: Tunze 3155
ATO Reservoir: Innovative Marine - 5 gallon

Lighting
2 AI Hydra 26 HD
1 XR15fw for stock ATO converted to refugium (this is over kill but had it lying around from my planted tank, figure it should work for refug)

Scape & Substrate
Caribsea Life Rock Shapes
Caribsea Live Special Grade Reef Sand (40 lbs)

Next steps/equipment
Set up the Tunze ATO
Convert stock ATO to refugium - need to drill it, going to try this myself, a little nervous so if anyone has advice let me know!
Set up quarantine tank using my ada 60p since it's not in use right now
Doser - will do manually for a bit though - probably go with GHL
Controller - would like an Apex, still deciding and setting up everything manually atm to keep things fun. This will be a toy to look forward too though

Attached a couple pics, 1 fts and what's underneath.

Feedback on the scape is welcome, went with the less is more approach and hope there's enough real estate to pack in a few corals.

Thanks!

 

[trevormass7]

I usually like a lot of rock but I actually really like your scape. Everything looks great

 

[enveeRF]

Looks great. Are you planning to add some more rock or bio media? If this is the only rock you are planning to use, you might need more media in the sump for bacteria, Marine Pure or Brightwell would work nicely.

 

[Branespikin]

I think you need to add alittle bit more rock. I started out with a little rock but ended filling her up eventually. More space to put corals on and more space for beneficial bacteria and filtration.

 

[jayq16]

Ya I was thinking of adding more rock in the back corners, agree will help with the bacteria surface area. Thanks!

 

[enveeRF]

How much power are you planning to set on the MP40s? Do you think they are possibly too much for a smaller sized tank?

 

[jayq16]

How much power are you planning to set on the MP40s? Do you think they are possibly too much for a smaller sized tank?

I'm keeping them at around 40% right now, will have to test out when I have livestock in there.

Read mixed reviews on the mp10 holding to the reefer's glass thickness, rather than risk it went with the mp40s.

 

[enveeRF]

I'm keeping them at around 40% right now, will have to test out when I have livestock in there.

Read mixed reviews on the mp10 holding to the reefer's glass thickness, rather than risk it went with the mp40s.

Very true, I forgot about the glass thickness!!!

 

[Branespikin]

I have 2 mp40s on the same tank in same position. One goes up to 70% other is on manual to about 50%. I need to sync them on my apex.

 

[Grey Guy]

Ya I was thinking of adding more rock in the back corners, agree will help with the bacteria surface area. Thanks!

Less rock, better water flow. You can put more rock in the sump and then move it up if you want to use it in the display

 

[Branespikin]

Less rock, better water flow. You can put more rock in the sump and then move it up if you want to use it in the display

RSR 250 have small sumps good luck getting any rock in there with skimmer and reactor if you are using one

 

[pelphrey]

Is that a radion in the cabinet? Frag rack in the ATO container?

 

[jayq16]

Is that a radion in the cabinet? Frag rack in the ATO container?

Ya but the freshwater version from my plant tank I took down, will use ATO as a refugium. But ya if corals take off would be cool to use as a frag rack haha

 

[pelphrey]

Nice!!!!

 

[jayq16]

RSR 250 have small sumps good luck getting any rock in there with skimmer and reactor if you are using one

Ended up ordering a little more rock, will add some to my display and see if I can fit any of the small leftovers in the sump, will need to be small. Reactor hangs above sump so only have the skimmer to worry about.

 

[Branespikin]

Ended up ordering a little more rock, will add some to my display and see if I can fit any of the small leftovers in the sump, will need to be small. Reactor hangs above sump so only have the skimmer to worry about.

Ok so you can fit few rocks in there. Good luck

 

[Grey Guy]

RSR 250 have small sumps good luck getting any rock in there with skimmer and reactor if you are using one

Oh well. Just saying what I do.

 

[Branespikin]

Oh well. Just saying what I do.

Yeah thats great to do. I have same tank and i can only fit few small pieces. Every little piece helps. Without reactor in there im sure he can squeeze in a few good rocks.

 

[Berlibee]

Nice start!

 

[dmw913]

Very true, I forgot about the glass thickness!!!

Yep. Tried to reuse MP10 this weekend to bump up flow and it was abject failure. Wouldn't stay attached.