Yet another newbie 425XL build

RKeenan · Dec 31, 2020

RS 425XL
RS 90 Reef Light x 2
RS Reef Wave 25 x 2
Nyos 120 skimmer
RO Vario-6 pump
250 watt Eheim heater
200 watt BRS heater
Inkbird controller
Neptune Apex EL
Neptune DOS x 1
Tunze 3155 Osmolator
Aqua 25 watt UV
Neptune LDK with extra 2 optical sensors
Neptune VDM and Icecap cable to control return pump
Red Sea DIY top
60lbs Caribsea rock
80lbs Caribsea select sand
Tropic Marin Pro salt

AWC and ATO stuff

BRS stage 4 WS RODI
1x50 and 2x35 Brute trash cans
3 BRS float switches
Neptune LDK with extra 2 optical sensors
2 65 Firewire USB (connect Apex to DOS in garage)
4 60 ft dos lines (run through wall outside house and thru conduit back into garage)
Wire to power Tunze pump for ATO
Sicce 4.0 pump with quick connect fittings to fill tank initially and mix salt.

Process of building a 1" manifold with several unions and 3 gate valves (1 to replace stock drain valve)

RKeenan · Dec 31, 2020

Well got all the stuff run outside thru with flexible 1" pvc tubing/ junction boxes and media outlets back to garage. Got 40ft ditch covered back up and hooked up everything/ tested today. All working good (Although still have to figure some things with APEX out). Waiting on UV and some fittings from BRS and then will have manifold finished. Slowly getting closer. Hope to have it up and running by next weekend!

Pics soon.

sam.veilleux30 · Dec 31, 2020

Well, you might be a newbie but you went for the big guns from the start!
Is it your first build?
Good luck

RKeenan · Dec 31, 2020

Thanks much. Is my first "build". Always wanted a reef tank so started 3 months ago when bought a used 130D. Got it up and running but before I added fish decided should go bigger. Got great deal on a Reefer 250 but then decided I wanted all the Apex, remote ATO, AWC and figured seemed like a lot for small tank SOOOOO got this one and happy I did. Will have the 250 for sale shortly. I have to say I have watched so many build threads and video's last few months. HELPING A TON!

sam.veilleux30 · Dec 31, 2020

What's your aim?
Mix reef or full sps?

AZMSGT · Dec 31, 2020

Sounds like a heck of a start.

Maybe this can help you with your plumbing.

How To: Convert 32mm PVC pipe to 1" pipe. Red Sea plumbing used as an example.

One question that comes up allot is "How do I convert my metric plumbing to US spec?". Red Sea owners are always asking this. Here I will explain what Red Sea owners need to do to get a clean finish and conversion. Also the adapter I use can be...

www.reef2reef.com

RKeenan · Dec 31, 2020

sam.veilleux30 said:
What's your aim?
Mix reef or full sps?

Oh definitely mixed at best. Not sure have the full equipment needed and certainly not the knowledge yet to be taking on SPS.

hds4216 · Dec 31, 2020

Any idea what your stock list will be?

RKeenan · Dec 31, 2020

So for purely cosmetic reasons I am thinking of mounting the wave 250's on the back vertical midway up and between overflow and outside glass. The manual shows them this way aiming at the outside glass and flow rolling around to front and meeting in the middle? Wondering if that would make for enough flow in the center of the tank especially towards the back?

RKeenan · Dec 31, 2020

Not sure on stock yet. Obviously couple of clowns to start and then a Tang or two. Loved the behavior of the Pyramid Butterfly we saw but see they can be a hassle with soft corals. Goal is to try (something I am sure every reefer wants) and keep it LM as possible.

RKeenan · Jan 4, 2021

Well good progress this weekend. Wanted to build a nice setup for all the electronics. Did a lot of research and think the final product will come out pretty sweet EXCEPT... In the process of sliding it in the right side of the cabinet to test fit I scratched both sides of the interior pretty good (Did not countersink a couple of screws enough.

It is not through the paint but they are pretty deep. Any thoughts on how to repair? I guess they use epoxy paint on the insides. Since it is the dry side wondering if I can sand them down a little to smooth the scratches and respray with some satin paint black from Rustoleum?

RKeenan · Jan 20, 2021

Well finally got cabinet within a cabinet almost done. Not perfect but came out pretty good. Wanted to make it easy as possible to service and expand later. Plus with it being open at top and made of sheet pvc should allow for decent ventilation. Still some tidying up and few things to add but...