Rookie Reefer XL 425

[kswan]

Here is my current aquascape. It took a ton of sawing and chiseling but everything is fitting nicely. Next step will be to bleach and cure. BRS put out a video the day I picked up the rock. I guess that is a sign to follow their recommendation...

 

[kswan]

Sorry for all the duplicates. Not sure how that happened.

 

[kswan]

All the rock went into a container with 15-20 gallons of tap water and 1 gallon of bleach. I'll let it soak for 2 weeks and then remove, rinse and finish the cure in heated salt water.

 

[Old Glory]

Awesome build. I am starting over with a Red Sea tank and will be following your build. Great work very clean and professional looking.

 

[sebastiaan1985]

Nice and looks like you got all based covered, so I am following!

 

[kswan]

Awesome build. I am starting over with a Red Sea tank and will be following your build. Great work very clean and professional looking.

Nice and looks like you got all based covered, so I am following!

Thanks! I'll keep the updates coming.

 

[PlanB]

Nice setup and like the progress. I will definitely be following, as I'm looking to do a lot of the same things you are.

 

[kswan]

Nice setup and like the progress. I will definitely be following, as I'm looking to do a lot of the same things you are.

Let me know if you have any questions on how or why I did what I did. I'm happy to help if I can.

 

[Bpc9876]

I am simply astounded that this is your first foray into reefing. You sir, are truly squared away...impressive work!

 

[kswan]

I am simply astounded that this is your first foray into reefing. You sir, are truly squared away...impressive work!

Wow! Very nice compliment. Thanks for the support!!!

 

[kswan]

I put the screen top together last night. Using a hack saw and a file produced nice cuts and fit. The screen is a little tight and bows the frame in the middle. I'm going to try setting it out in the sun to see if the screen will stretch. If not I'll have to redo it. Luckily BRS gave me enough to do at least 3 tops. I'm going to 3D print some clips to hold it inside the tank. Hope to get that done this week.

 

[Reefer1978]

I put the screen top together last night. Using a hack saw and a file produced nice cuts and fit. The screen is a little tight and bows the frame in the middle. I'm going to try setting it out in the sun to see if the screen will stretch. If not I'll have to redo it. Luckily BRS gave me enough to do at least 3 tops. I'm going to 3D print some clips to hold it inside the tank. Hope to get that done this week.

Had the same issue as I wanted the screen tight. I cut-out another aluminum piece and added in the middle as a brace.

 

[kswan]

That is a solid option.

 

[kswan]

Well, the original screen too was too tight. Even with a cross bar I couldn't get it straight. The second attempt went better but still had a bow in the sides even with just enough tension to keep the screen from sagging. I designed and printed a few brackets to hold a crossbar and it turned out nice. I also made a few tabs to hold the top in place. There is a gap at the back of the top due to the light mounts. Any thoughts on the need to close that in? It is 1/2 inch wide. As of now I'm mostly concerned about nerf darts and such from my 3 and 6 year old...

 

[kswan]

Picked up a Reef Octopus Classic 150 today. Unfortunately I already dropped the cup and broke off the drain nipple on the bottom. Should be easy to glue back in place but it is still a bummer.

I think it will go in the front so I can have a fuge in the back. The other option is using the Reefer ATO container for the fuge. My plumbing was designed to keep this space open as an option because it won't be used for an ATO. Plan for that is the new Neptune system.

 

[Mebeknob]

Also got this taken care of. Safety first!

What's the plan for power? Is this the outlet you'll be using or just one close to the tank?

 

[kswan]

This is the outlet that I'll be using. It is behind the stand to the left.

 

[ffcrum]

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

Awesome to have fine help

 

[kswan]

"Help" is a loose term. It's fun to have them involved anyway.

 

[Mebeknob]

This is the outlet that I'll be using. It is behind the stand to the left.

Smart to switch out the outlet. I've never had a large tank and always been curious putting all the power to one outlet. My gut feeling is that it could overload that circuit at times, but maybe not.
May be worth look into getting a dedicated circuit for your tank put in.