Rookie Reefer XL 425

[kswan]

Your tank is really amazing I would love a break down of all the equipment and dosing etc. If you have spare 10 minutes

Sure:
Reefer 425 XL
2 AI Hydra 26
2 WAVs
Varios 6 return
2 BRS reactors for carbon and GFO - driven by manifold from the return pump
Neptune ATK
Reef Octopus Classic 150 skimmer
Apex
DOS for auto water changes
Kessil H80 for fuge
BRS dosing pump for Kalk

I'm currently running without filter socks. I sectioned off half the skimmer area with egg crate for a fuge. I thought about using the stock ATO container as many others have done but this was easier and gave me a larger fuge than the 3 gallon ATO. I have a BRS dosing pump to add Kalkwasser from a container in the basement. At the moment I'm not doing any other dosing. Let me know if you have any additional questions.

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

Awesome build everything looks great so far. Any update?

 

[kswan]

Awesome build everything looks great so far. Any update?

Thanks!

I have been thinking about giving an update. Things have taken a bit of a turn... I traded some corals locally and although I dipped them, I did not QT them. This introduced velvet to the tank. It was a difficult process for me to actually diagnose the disease as it did not follow the timeline that I expected based on research. The disease diagnosis is documented in this thread.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/thought-i-had-ich-now-i’m-not-sure.421368/

I have lost a lot of fish in the process including 3 Chromis, Kole Tang, Fire Fish and a Diamond Goby who jumped from the QT because I hadn't had a chance to secure the top. At this point I'm 30 days fallow and all the other fish are looking good. The tank has never looked better although getting things stable after going fallow has been a little challenging.

I took this opportunity to re-scape and pick up a few new shrimp. I'll post a few tank shots later.

 

[kswan]

 

[kswan]

At just over 2 months fallow here is a shot of the tank. Things are going well and I’m looking forward to getting the fish back in. I took the opportunity to rescape a little. Mostly on the right side.

Today I ordered a 48” Aquatic Live T5 hybrid light. I’ll get that set up this weekend. It will be fun to see the tank with a little more light.

I’m also setting up a 20 long as an invert/coral quarantine. Plan is to start simple with sand, live rock and a HOB filter.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Any updates?

 

[kswan]

I should get better at posting updates. Everything has been growing well and the tank is stable. I’ve switched to dosing 2 part via a DOS. Currently have 12 fish and everything is peaceful.

 

[kswan]

I also drilled a 40 breeder and am slowly working to convert that into my frag tank. Haven’t started on the sump or plumbing. I bought a metal stand from Petco for less than I could have DIY’d something. I’ll get som pics later.

 

[mbarber87]

Would love to see an update! Also, can you explain your flow? I have a nearly identical set up & Aquascape and I’m always curious to see how everyone else does it!

 

[kswan]

Here is a recent shot of the tank. Everything has been growing really well. I’m learning that if you don’t stay in top of the trimming it will become a problem. The birds nest in the back left is the size of a volleyball!

 

[kswan]

Would love to see an update! Also, can you explain your flow? I have a nearly identical set up & Aquascape and I’m always curious to see how everyone else does it!

For flow I am running a WAV on each end that ramp up to around 75%. I plan to switch over to MP40s soon because I don’t like cleaning them. The WAVs will go to a frag system. Let me know if you have any additional questions.

 

[kswan]

I had one of the coolest experiences for me in reefing this weekend. My torch had grown from a couple heads to 30-40 so I brought it into my LFS to trade. Ended up taking home a nice piece of my torch plus a 3 head Aussie Gold and a 2 head pink tip! Never thought I would own a $900 dollar coral!!! The Aussie Gold was going for $300/head! I thought about taking some store credit but decided to double down and see if I could grow these out too. Time will tell if I made the right choice...

 

[kswan]