Reefer 250 G2+ build thread - scaping ain't easy

clifg · Jul 9, 2023

Hi all! I'm back! Seeing as the new 250 will be here tomorrow I figured I would start a build thread. I worked on the scape this weekend and it was rough. I used AF cement mix and could never quite get the consistency right so it turned into a mixture of that and underwater epoxy. Let me know what you think of the scape.

Equipment so far:

250G2+
ReefWave 25
ReefRun 5500 & controller
ReefMat 500
Waiting for the DC Ref Sea Skimmers to become available
Helios PTC 2 x 200

Debating on whether to go red sea with the lighting as well or something else. I had the ATI Stratton and loved it. Will also pickup either a neptune or hyrdos as some point.

clifg · Jul 9, 2023

Bonus tank! I also am doing an experiment where I resurrected my fluval 12.5. I had traded in all the livestock and, during a busy period in my life, just let all the water evaporate. I've since added fresh ro/do straight to the tank and dialed in the salinity. So we'll see how that works out during cycling.

clifg · Jul 10, 2023

Stand put together and all the equipment (for now) in. Also 20# of ocean direct and scape in!

clifg · Jul 16, 2023

250 is all systems go with water cycling. The resurrection of the evo 12.5 was pretty incredible to me. Took a tank that had completely evaporated and just filled it with RO. Dialed in the salinity and added some bac starter and started to see signs of cycling within the week. Checked the params on Friday and added the first two fish yesterday. All is going well. Bonus pic of the pup and Carl the chameleon (in a setup built by some of the guys from EcoTech).

clifg · Jul 16, 2023

Here are some shots of the ReefBeat app if anyone is interested in that

saltienewb · Jul 17, 2023

Following! Do you have the 5500? How’s running at 70% flow wise?

clifg · Jul 17, 2023

saltienewb said:
Following! Do you have the 5500? How’s running at 70% flow wise?

Yup the 5500! It's good. I may end up just kicking it up to 100 and opening the valve a little bit more. I've just been dialing things in for now. Here's a little vid at 70%:

Gumbies R Us · Jul 18, 2023

clifg said:
250 is all systems go with water cycling. The resurrection of the evo 12.5 was pretty incredible to me. Took a tank that had completely evaporated and just filled it with RO. Dialed in the salinity and added some bac starter and started to see signs of cycling within the week. Checked the params on Friday and added the first two fish yesterday. All is going well. Bonus pic of the pup and Carl the chameleon (in a setup built by some of the guys from EcoTech).

Glad to see you have the tank cycling!

clifg · Jul 22, 2023

Update on the 250G2+: Cleaned up the controllers a bit, added a cheatomax to the sump, added a temp finnex light, which will go over to the fluval fuge eventually, added 2 scarlet cleaners and 2 clowns, added to the scape. All is progressing nicely!

clifg · Jul 22, 2023

Update on the fluval: Added a mandarin, rainfords goby, and a pair of harlequin shrimp. This is going to be a macro/harlequin/dwarf seahorse/mandarin tank so I set up a station to culture pods, brine, & phyto. Added some macro, gorgs, and mangroves.