Upgrading to a Red Sea Reefer 425-XL

[tgfitz1]

I am currently selling my system and will be purchasing a RSR 425XL as soon as possible, I won't be keeping any of my current equipment or rock. The only livestock that will be moving over with me is my corals, pair of black ice clowns, firefish and white spotted wrasse (a. lineatus).

The equipment that I am thinking of going for is as follows:

Lighting: 2x Hydra 26 HD's
Skimmer: Bubble Magus Curve 7
Return Pump: Jebao DC 4000 with controller
Heater: Fluval E 300 watt electronic heater
Powerheads: Jebao RW8s or Maxspect Gyre, still undecided.

Substrate: CaribSea Aragonite Fiji Pink Sand (40lb)
Rock: Really not too sure what I want to go for here.

I will be running a UV sterilizer.

The media I'll be using will be live rock rubble, rowaphos, biopellets and ceramic cubes.

The tank will be seeded with Bio Spira.

I am going to try to stick to a strict maintenance schedule with this one as I like to be organised, but I'm guilty of putting things off or not always finding the time.

I'd just like to know what everyone thinks of the equipment list and what suggestions and improvements you can come up with to make my next build go as smoothly as possible! Thanks guys!!

 

[mta_morrow]

I believe if you go with the "deluxe" version, it comes with the lights you want, and a bit cheaper than buying them new yourself.

 

[tgfitz1]

I believe if you go with the "deluxe" version, it comes with the lights you want, and a bit cheaper than buying them new yourself.

Wow haha, that's handy! Thanks for the heads up, I'll look into it.

 

[Litfury]

I have the red sea reefer 425xl. Great choice of tank. Search for the red sea reefer thread that was started by Broadfield who is a member here. You will be glad you did. I learned more about the reefer tanks from that one thread than anything else I could find.

 

[tgfitz1]

I have the red sea reefer 425xl. Great choice of tank. Search for the red sea reefer thread that was started by Broadfield who is a member here. You will be glad you did. I learned more about the reefer tanks from that one thread than anything else I could find.

Cool! Have you got any recommendations or tips on setting one up?? Also I'd love to see some pictures of your system if you have any. I've been on the thread before and I guess it's kinda the reason why I want one so bad! So many beautiful set-ups on there.

 

[Litfury]

I was new to saltwater was my first tank ever. I will say it was less intimidating than I thought. Two pretty stout people can lift the tank themselves if that's the only option. I used lifting straps to help. It took me and that same friend about two hours to put everything together. I am not mechanically inclined at all. I chose not to hard plumb mine to begin with because I am not going to dose anything for a while.
I highly suggest, and I mean highly that you get the "broadfield return" which is listed on his red sea threads. Helps so much with flow and I put it together in like 2 minutes with the parts from bulk reef supply.
I got a vertex 180i skimmer. It works great. Lots of people are doing skimz or the nyos 120. I have one mp40wqd which was enough flow but I ordered another just to be able to vary things up a bit.
I am currently using the stock ATO which lasts almost exactly three days. I will be ordering a different auto tip off in the future for more convenience and for when going out of town. Also plan on some egg crate to raise your skimmer as the reefer sump is deeper than most skimmers will recommend. I picked up some at lowes and just cut and zip tied it.
It's a phenomenal tank. It's beautiful and well made.
Mine was shipped missing an o ring on one of the drains so I had a leak when I filled it. Red sea sent me a replacement part with little effort ob my part. Just had to email them a receipt.