Rookie Reefer XL 425

[kswan]

After months of research I ordered a Red Sea Reefer XL 425. I'm new to the hobby and this my first saltwater tank. The Red Sea tanks really stood out to me for being high quality and aesthetically pleasing with great reviews. It was delivered today so the fun begins...

 

[Jisko]

Following... I love the Red Sea tanks they're beautiful. Hang around the forums and ask all the questions you want I'm sure you can find just about everything you want to know here

 

[kswan]

I've selected a spot that will work great for both viewing and maintenance. It is directly above an area of the basement with access to water and drainage. Unfortunately I need to move a vent but with access from the basement it won't be a problem. In the next few days I'll be putting in a wood floor under the tank. Wood is probably not the ideal choice but I have extra from when I remodeled the kitchen.

 

[Jisko]

Be careful hehe water gets all over when working with the tank so having enough room to lay down towels and such is really nice

 

[kswan]

Thanks Jisco! I plan to do exactly that .

 

[kswan]

The stand took about 2 hours to assemble. Would have taken less but I had help...

 

[kswan]

I purchased the return pump and a pump for my mixing station from the LFS. I went with a Varios 6 for the return and Aqua Mag 1200 for the mixing station. The Aqua Mag was relatively cheap, has enough head pressure and can be a backup for my return if necessary.

 

[Jisko]

looks like you got your work cut out for you ;P

I use a 15g jug to store RO/DI water in then I transport it in 5g buckets up to my room where my main tank is. I guess its a bit of a pain but gives me a good work out haha

 

[kswan]

Today I got the floor installed. It's a nice level surface and should allow a little extra room to keep water off the carpet.

 

[kswan]

Next step will be to get the tank in place and begin the plumbing. I need to figure out the best place to run a couple pipes for water changes. Current plan is to have one for draining and one for filling.

 

[ncaldwell]

Subscribed! I love my 525. Glad you're on the forums first before starting

 

[R_C]

Great looking setup. Looking forward for the rest of the build.

 

[Jisko]

I'm already jealous I don't even have a proper stand I have a metal frame haha

 

[kswan]

Thanks everyone!

 

[kswan]

This is the area directly below the tank. The mixing station station is in process. I had to go vertical in order to keep the footprint a little smaller. The bottom barrel will be for saltwater. I was able to set it forward enough for easy access.

 

[Jisko]

This is the area directly below the tank. The mixing station station is in process. I had to go vertical in order to keep the footprint a little smaller. The bottom barrel will be for saltwater. I was able to set it forward enough for easy access.

This is the only reason I will ever own a house... want a tank eehh drill a hole in the floor haha

 

[kswan]

You got to do what you got to do...

 

[kswan]

Just got the tank in place. I had to recruit the neighbor. This thing is heavy!

 

[william24]

Looking good!

 

[Vincent100]

Looking really good
Iv a red sea 350 so just a baby compared to yours but they are great tanks so you made the right choice

Can't wait to see you fill it ...Are you going reef ?
Mines a year old this month and Iv just got to the point of be able to stop worrying about things and being able to sit back and enjoy it

You'll have alot of ups and downs but stick at it and you'll have a beautiful tank
And never hold back on asking questions no matter if you think you sound silly, loads and loads of helpful people on this site

Good luck with it all and enjoy
Here's a pic of mine a year in ;Greedy lol