Reefer 350 Build

xtremethings · Sep 9, 2020

I’m in the process of getting all the right equipment for my Reefer 350 build (mixed corals and fish) and I’m just looking for some guidance on some power heads and lighting.

Purchased so far:
-Nyos Quantum 120 skimmer
-Vectra S2 return pump

I’ve narrowed the power head options down to Maxspect Gyre CF330 pumps with controller, two Vortech MP10QDs or two AI Nero 5s. I know they all carry some good positive reviews, but are there any big drawbacks to any of the choices?

As for lighting, I’m leaning towards two Hydra 32s since I have one on my nano tank and like the way it’s been performing. I’ve also entertained the thought of going with some Red Sea 90s, but I haven’t heard great things about the app used to control them. Any thoughts?

StrayAmoeba · Sep 9, 2020

I set up a Reefer 350 a few months ago. I have 1 Nero power head and alongside the return pump (I have a COR15) these 2 keep the water moving plenty well. I even have the NERO turned down to about 60% as is the return pump. I would say the downside of the Nero is the app. Also, its not the most adjustable... Once you get it set up it stops being an issue but I've had some connectivity issues. I got the Nero because of the low profile both in and out of the tank. They also connect to each other and can do some interesting things that way if you get 2.

For lighting I got the ReefLed90s with the tank. They are slightly on the blue side but you can adjust how much blue vs white you get. Decent app and customizing options. I haven't really had any issues with the app - I do use my APEX to control everything but the RedSea app is not bad. I had looked at Kessil lights as well but they would have been significantly more expensive. I'm overall happy with the lights but haven't had them enough to tell differences in coral growth.

Hasted · Sep 9, 2020

The 350 has 1/2" glass, right? The MP10 doesn't like that thick of glass. I have the MP40 on my XL300 due to that.

Other than that, all the other equipment looks solid! Either light should be suitable.

Dcole12 · Sep 9, 2020

StrayAmoeba said:
I set up a Reefer 350 a few months ago. I have 1 Nero power head and alongside the return pump (I have a COR15) these 2 keep the water moving plenty well. I even have the NERO turned down to about 60% as is the return pump. I would say the downside of the Nero is the app. Also, its not the most adjustable... Once you get it set up it stops being an issue but I've had some connectivity issues. I got the Nero because of the low profile both in and out of the tank. They also connect to each other and can do some interesting things that way if you get 2.

For lighting I got the ReefLed90s with the tank. They are slightly on the blue side but you can adjust how much blue vs white you get. Decent app and customizing options. I haven't really had any issues with the app - I do use my APEX to control everything but the RedSea app is not bad. I had looked at Kessil lights as well but they would have been significantly more expensive. I'm overall happy with the lights but haven't had them enough to tell differences in coral growth.

I am looking to get a reef tank, but overall how do you like the lights? Do you feel like you are getting good coral growth? I am going to focusing more on LPS/Softies rather than SPS's

Dcole12 · Sep 9, 2020

I am looking to do a similar tank, but a little bigger, but I have heard great reviews of the AI prime lighting or any Kessil's, but I have been reading a lot about the Kessil's and that they potentially burn out after a couple years, but I personally haven't had them. That is just what I have read!

StrayAmoeba · Sep 9, 2020

I have only had the lights for a couple of months so I cant vouch for coral growth yet... they look nice and have a fair amount of customization though. I like the lights but I am still adjusting them to make them a little less blue.

xtremethings · Sep 10, 2020

StrayAmoeba said:
I set up a Reefer 350 a few months ago. I have 1 Nero power head and alongside the return pump (I have a COR15) these 2 keep the water moving plenty well. I even have the NERO turned down to about 60% as is the return pump. I would say the downside of the Nero is the app. Also, its not the most adjustable... Once you get it set up it stops being an issue but I've had some connectivity issues. I got the Nero because of the low profile both in and out of the tank. They also connect to each other and can do some interesting things that way if you get 2.

For lighting I got the ReefLed90s with the tank. They are slightly on the blue side but you can adjust how much blue vs white you get. Decent app and customizing options. I haven't really had any issues with the app - I do use my APEX to control everything but the RedSea app is not bad. I had looked at Kessil lights as well but they would have been significantly more expensive. I'm overall happy with the lights but haven't had them enough to tell differences in coral growth.

I like the Neros since they’re so compact. It’s crazy how many different configurations there’re with power heads and placement. I’d like to keep them hidden by placing two on opposite sides of the center overflow box pointed to the tank sides, but I guess it’ll just be trial and error on where they’ll actually end up.

As for the Red Sea 90s, did you end up with two or three. I’m looking to do a relatively conservative mixed tank so I’m thinking two lights should get me the needed PAR to keep things happy.

xtremethings · Sep 10, 2020

Hasted said:
The 350 has 1/2" glass, right? The MP10 doesn't like that thick of glass. I have the MP40 on my XL300 due to that.

Other than that, all the other equipment looks solid! Either light should be suitable.

The 350 sides are 2mm (~5/64) thinner so I’m thinking the 10s might be ok. I know they’ve got some similar tanks where I’ll be buying everything so testing it there would probably be a good idea.