Stpatrick's Red Sea Reefer 425 xl build

[naterealbig]

Man that looks good! I'll keep my eyes out for the night shots. Thanks for the link!

 

[Stpatrick]

Here’s a picture of what the lady looks like at night. It is very bright. I can change it to any color I want. And its dimmable.

 

[Stpatrick]

So I am going for the ULM on this build. Specifically the triton method. Once I get the tank cycled and all my levels where they’re supposed to be I will start dosing the triton supplements. Stay tune for more on that progress.

 

[Stpatrick]

Had some extra time during the Christmas time off. So I decided to build a canopy for my reefer 425 XL. It actually turned out pretty nice.

I think I decided to go with two hydra 52’s for my lighting. They will be supplemented with 4 HO T5s. This will be a SPS dominate tank. Does anybody have any experience with the hydras?

 

[Stpatrick]

Headed into the even uglier stage of the cycle. The dreaded diatoms.

 

[Stpatrick]

Duplicate post

 

[Stpatrick]

Another look under the hood with all the lights on. I also set up the auto top off today.

 

[Biglex]

Awesome build!!!

 

[Stpatrick]

Awesome build!!!

Thank you sir.

 

[naterealbig]

Lights look super nice!. Still trying to figure out what I'm going with for under tank lighting. These will probably be what I get.

Excellent work under the hood. It's a shame your stand has doors on it . In fact, I intentionally left fours out of the plans for my build, as I want to store of the plumbing and equipment. Ha!

 

[Stpatrick]

Lights look super nice!. Still trying to figure out what I'm going with for under tank lighting. These will probably be what I get.

Excellent work under the hood. It's a shame your stand has doors on it . In fact, I intentionally left fours out of the plans for my build, as I want to store of the plumbing and equipment. Ha!

Ha ha. Funny you say that. Often I keep the doors open and lights on. After all, there’s nothing in the tank.

 

[naterealbig]

That's awesome, and what makes "us " dorks by definition. I'm an engineer and and artist, and to me this hobby allows me to indulge in both the science and artsy aspects. To me, the design and aesthetics of the support systems are almost as fascinating as the fish and coral themselves. The best looking tanks always balance both sides well.

 

[Stpatrick]

That's awesome, and what makes "us " dorks by definition. I'm an engineer and and artist, and to me this hobby allows me to indulge in both the science and artsy aspects. To me, the design and aesthetics of the support systems are almost as fascinating as the fish and coral themselves. The best looking tanks always balance both sides well.

Well said friend.

 

[Stpatrick]

Just a full tank shot. Cycle is complete.

 

[Stpatrick]

OK so I made my light decision. Just received three hydra 26 HD’s. Eventually I will have four but for now three will suffice. Been reading a lot about these lights and I think there going to be a good choice for the system. The program I plan on running is the sps ab+. I will post some pictures after I get them installed.

 

[Antics]

I really like your aquascape and canopy! Didn't paint it or just buy white/primed boards?

 

[Stpatrick]

I really like your aquascape and canopy! Didn't paint it or just buy white/primed boards?

I actually bought it at Home Depot. It had the finish already applied. Worked out pretty well. Thank you.

 

[Stpatrick]

OK so I have these lights installed now. I’m using the BRS ab+ settings I found online. I’m getting 550 par in the middle of the tank. Pretty impressive.

 

[Stpatrick]

I pulled the camera out to try to work on my photo taking skills. LOL. Here’s a few pictures I took this morning. I have about five starter SPS in the tank. Just to see if the new tank will support growth and coloration.

 

[naterealbig]

Awesome updates! Exciting to get some sticks in there - keep us posted on how they do. Your pics are great, and the scape is awesome if I didn't mention it earlier.

Should see great results from the Hydra, and the AB+ schedule is probably the best thing you coulda done. You've probably already check with the store on PAR range for their corals, but 550 seems a bit high in the middle of the tank.