Eric's Red Sea Reefer 525XL Build - Page 3

RAMABAMA · 03/21/2017, 12:26 PM

This is one sick set-up, absolutely gorgeous. I am currently on the fence with buying a lightly used reefer and watching this build might just send me over the edge. Nice work dude!

bobbravo2 · 03/21/2017, 09:20 PM

How do you like the AquaDriver? Looking forward to a longer term review

ReefCowboy · 03/22/2017, 04:24 AM

Great job on this build!

Reefer525XL · 03/22/2017, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogueGrown

Not only does it look way better than the nub but also functions better.... Thats a win win in my book. Ill be getting one of these if I decide to join the reefer wagon for sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogueGrown

Any updates???
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Not much has happened since the last update. I've been running the lights at a higher intensity for a longer period of time because I have a few corals in the tank so algae is beginning to show on the rocks and sand bed, nothing too bad yet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX_Punisher

What skimmer and return pump are you running?

The return pump is a Royal Exclusiv Red Dragon 3 80w and the skimmer is also RE Bubble king 180.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAMABAMA

This is one sick set-up, absolutely gorgeous. I am currently on the fence with buying a lightly used reefer and watching this build might just send me over the edge. Nice work dude!

If you do get it Im sure you won't regret it. These are very nice tanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbravo2

How do you like the AquaDriver? Looking forward to a longer term review

Well its been running for just a couple of weeks but so far there is nothing to not like about it. Build quality is outstanding, no other like it on the market that I am aware of. The dual swabbie design is great, it keeps the neck and top of the lid clean. It also sucks water from inside the skimmer as the motor spins and sprays it on the neck so the silicone swabbie has no resistant as it spins. Love the high speed motor. The only thing I did not get with mine was the wash down ring. I fell like $100 extra for just a piece of ro tubing was a bit too much. Maybe if I had one of the monster skimmer with huge cups I would have gotten it but this is an average size skimmer so removing the cup once a month to clean it shouldn't be too bad. The neck cleaner does a great job at keeping the neck clean so Im sure I could go even longer than a month if I wanted to as long as I just drain the cup.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReefCowboy

Great job on this build!

Thank you

Reefer525XL · 03/23/2017, 01:33 PM

As I said before not much has happened in the tank for the past few weeks other than the first batch of SPS has landed! They have been in the tank for less than 48hrs, some less than 6hrs

Frags -3-23-2017 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Reefer525XL · 03/24/2017, 10:02 AM

Lets continue with the tank build

There are no plans to set up a frag tank anytime soon so I need a place to hold my frags till they encrust a bit and I move them to the rock work. I wanted something slim and small with a decent surface area. Zen Reef had the perfect frag rack. It holds 48 plugs and its only 13" long by 3" wide and the magnet is super strong. It comes with the grip locks so no snails will be knocking down the plugs like it usually happens when they are resting on egg crate.

I know not much of an update but its something

Reefer 525XL -3-24-2017 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Reefer 525XL -3-24-2017-2 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Reefer 525XL -3-24-2017-3 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Reefer 525XL -3-24-2017-4 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

RogueGrown · 03/26/2017, 10:38 AM

Can't wait to see more pics of this tank!!!

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

d2mini · 03/26/2017, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefer525XL

As I said before not much has happened in the tank for the past few weeks other than the first batch of SPS has landed! They have been in the tank for less than 48hrs, some less than 6hrs

Frags -3-23-2017 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Nice! Love that pink floyd.

Reefer525XL · 03/27/2017, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogueGrown

Can't wait to see more pics of this tank!!!

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

More pictures are coming soon!!!! Not much to show now as not much has change. Im still working on the right side of the cabinet where my controller is so hopefully I get the last piece of the puzzle this week so that I can finish it and upload a few pics. Don't get too excited thought, nothing crazy going on the right side. Just a basic layout thats organized and neat.

Reefer525XL · 03/27/2017, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2mini

Nice! Love that pink floyd.

Thanks Dennis.... Im still trying to figure out the "pink" part of the name.

RogueGrown · 03/27/2017, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefer525XL

More pictures are coming soon!!!! Not much to show now as not much has change. Im still working on the right side of the cabinet where my controller is so hopefully I get the last piece of the puzzle this week so that I can finish it and upload a few pics. Don't get too excited thought, nothing crazy going on the right side. Just a basic layout thats organized and neat.

I ended up ordering a SCA 50 instead of the the reefer 170., partly cost and partly dimentions.

I'd like to add an external electrical cabinet to save space in the already cramped stand. With that said I'm really fooking forward to seeing what your plans are. I know mine won't be nearly as sexy in the sump as what you're doing but I want it to be as clean as possible. Your work is an inspiration to many!!!

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

RAMABAMA · 03/29/2017, 05:12 PM

Well I pulled the trigger on a Reefer 450. Turned out to be even better than slightly used. Was purchased by someone and they never put one drop of water in it. I got a killer deal on it. Now it's time to go to work on it. If you don't mind me asking what fitting did you use to connect to the reefers return fitting. Did you just remove the barb fitting and use a 3/4 mpt x 1" slip? If so any issues with it leaking?

Reefer525XL · 03/29/2017, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAMABAMA

Well I pulled the trigger on a Reefer 450. Turned out to be even better than slightly used. Was purchased by someone and they never put one drop of water in it. I got a killer deal on it. Now it's time to go to work on it. If you don't mind me asking what fitting did you use to connect to the reefers return fitting. Did you just remove the barb fitting and use a 3/4 mpt x 1" slip? If so any issues with it leaking?

Thanks correct. I used a 3/4" mpt to 1" slip fitting. On the 3/4" side I used teflon tape, went around the threads about 14 times. When you screw it in make sure it goes in straight and don't over tightened it because you can crack the Red Sea fitting. That's what everybody does and it does not leak, however I like to overdo things so I grabbed a q-tip and smeared pvc cement on the inside of the Red Sea fitting where both fittings meet. This will parent water from ever slipping through the threads. Not likely to happen but I rather be safe than sorry.

Reefer525XL · 03/29/2017, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogueGrown

I ended up ordering a SCA 50 instead of the the reefer 170., partly cost and partly dimentions.

I'd like to add an external electrical cabinet to save space in the already cramped stand. With that said I'm really fooking forward to seeing what your plans are. I know mine won't be nearly as sexy in the sump as what you're doing but I want it to be as clean as possible. Your work is an inspiration to many!!!

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Haha thank you! If I had put the tank on a longer wall I would have probably put some sort of cabinet on the side to hide an ATO reservoir and also for storage of additives and supplies. These stands don't have a lot of extra room.

RogueGrown · 03/29/2017, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefer525XL

Haha thank you! If I had put the tank on a longer wall I would have probably put some sort of cabinet on the side to hide an ATO reservoir and also for storage of additives and supplies. These stands don't have a lot of extra room.

My plan is to build a small cabinet on the right side for electronic storage and wire tucking g and on the left side make a second cabinet for an ATO that will double as a stand for either QT or a plumbed in frag tank.

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Reefer525XL · 03/31/2017, 07:39 PM

Today I borrowed an Apogee PAR meter from a friend to see what the Powermodule is putting out! Well now I know how this fixture gets the nickname of "PAR Monster"

Fixture is approximately 12-14" off the surface. T5's are set at 100% and Led's at 75%.

Measurements taken on the sandbed are touching the sand and approximately 3-4" off the front glass. The rest are on different spots on the rock work so not all are the same distance from the front. MP40's were turned off to help with the number fluctuating due to the surface agitation.

Reefer 525XL PAR by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Reefer525XL · 03/31/2017, 07:46 PM

This frag rack is getting hit with 500par!!

IMG_2796 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

and so is Mr. Floyd

IMG_2795 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

neuwave · 04/03/2017, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefer525XL

As I said before not much has happened in the tank for the past few weeks other than the first batch of SPS has landed! They have been in the tank for less than 48hrs, some less than 6hrs

Frags -3-23-2017 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

Nice line up. Love that TSA Rainbow Sherbet.

Reefer525XL · 04/05/2017, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neuwave

Nice line up. Love that TSA Rainbow Sherbet.

Thank you! The mother colony of the frag is pretty bad ***!!! can't wait till I grow it out.

Reefer525XL · 04/05/2017, 01:56 PM

Not much to update on other than the tank so far is coming along great. A few weeks back I did get a little bit of algae on the rocks and sandbed but most of it is gone now. Also the rocks are starting to get some color and are not ugly white anymore.

FTS from today 04/05/17

Reefer 525XL -4-05-2017-2 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

I also received these 4 frags from WWC today. Here is a quick cellphone pic from when I was dipping them. Not that WWC is known to have pest but its better to be safe than sorry.

and lastly I finally was able to somewhat finish the electronics side, while not as "fancy" as the sump area it works for me and it keeps most of the wires tucked and hiding away while giving some room to store by 2-part dosing reservoirs and other additives.

Reefer 525XL -4-05-2017 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr

RAMABAMA · 04/05/2017, 02:49 PM

Why did you use to support that shelf on the electrical side? There is not much meat in the wood to drill. Have you ever visited WWC? I really would like to get down there.

blutang007 · 04/05/2017, 03:13 PM

Beautiful build. Subscribed!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Reefer525XL · 04/05/2017, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAMABAMA

Why did you use to support that shelf on the electrical side? There is not much meat in the wood to drill. Have you ever visited WWC? I really would like to get down there.

I think the side panels of the stand are 3/4" thick. I drilled a 1/4" hole half in deep and inserted a shelf pin into the holes to hold the shelf.

Reefer525XL · 04/05/2017, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blutang007

Beautiful build. Subscribed!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks!!

Reefer525XL · 04/07/2017, 01:50 PM

Quick 3 minute video of the tank and some of the fish, enjoy! Watch in HD

P.S. Egg crate is temporary, will be removed soon

03/21/2017, 09:20 PM	#52
bobbravo2 Reef Addict Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 967	How do you like the AquaDriver? Looking forward to a longer term review __________________ Bob G. - O.R.C.A Member Current Tank Info: 65 Gallon \| Radion Pro G3 \| MP40 \| MP10 \| Apex \| Jaebo DC9000 \| KNOP Calcium Reactor \| Mated Picasso Clowns \| Mix of LPS, SPS and Softies

03/22/2017, 04:24 AM	#53
ReefCowboy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 1,742	Great job on this build! __________________ Rimless 150 Gal Sps System: Giesemann Spectra/New Apex/2x MP40qd's+ 2x Gyre XF250's/Cor20/Custom Stand, Sump and Algae Scrubber/2x DOS dosing/Skimz Octa 205i Skimmer

03/23/2017, 01:33 PM	#55
Reefer525XL Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: South Florida Posts: 375	As I said before not much has happened in the tank for the past few weeks other than the first batch of SPS has landed! They have been in the tank for less than 48hrs, some less than 6hrs Frags -3-23-2017 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr __________________ Red Sea Reefer 525XL Build Thread ---> http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2624983

03/24/2017, 10:02 AM	#56
Reefer525XL Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: South Florida Posts: 375	Lets continue with the tank build There are no plans to set up a frag tank anytime soon so I need a place to hold my frags till they encrust a bit and I move them to the rock work. I wanted something slim and small with a decent surface area. Zen Reef had the perfect frag rack. It holds 48 plugs and its only 13" long by 3" wide and the magnet is super strong. It comes with the grip locks so no snails will be knocking down the plugs like it usually happens when they are resting on egg crate. I know not much of an update but its something Reefer 525XL -3-24-2017 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr Reefer 525XL -3-24-2017-2 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr Reefer 525XL -3-24-2017-3 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr Reefer 525XL -3-24-2017-4 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr __________________ Red Sea Reefer 525XL Build Thread ---> http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2624983

03/31/2017, 07:39 PM	#66
Reefer525XL Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: South Florida Posts: 375	Today I borrowed an Apogee PAR meter from a friend to see what the Powermodule is putting out! Well now I know how this fixture gets the nickname of "PAR Monster" Fixture is approximately 12-14" off the surface. T5's are set at 100% and Led's at 75%. Measurements taken on the sandbed are touching the sand and approximately 3-4" off the front glass. The rest are on different spots on the rock work so not all are the same distance from the front. MP40's were turned off to help with the number fluctuating due to the surface agitation. Reefer 525XL PAR by Reefer525XL, on Flickr __________________ Red Sea Reefer 525XL Build Thread ---> http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2624983

03/21/2017, 12:26 PM	#51
RAMABAMA Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Jax, FL Posts: 24	This is one sick set-up, absolutely gorgeous. I am currently on the fence with buying a lightly used reefer and watching this build might just send me over the edge. Nice work dude!

03/26/2017, 10:38 AM	#57
RogueGrown Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Medford, OR Posts: 382	Can't wait to see more pics of this tank!!! Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

03/29/2017, 05:12 PM	#62
RAMABAMA Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Jax, FL Posts: 24	Well I pulled the trigger on a Reefer 450. Turned out to be even better than slightly used. Was purchased by someone and they never put one drop of water in it. I got a killer deal on it. Now it's time to go to work on it. If you don't mind me asking what fitting did you use to connect to the reefers return fitting. Did you just remove the barb fitting and use a 3/4 mpt x 1" slip? If so any issues with it leaking?

03/31/2017, 07:46 PM	#67
Reefer525XL Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: South Florida Posts: 375	This frag rack is getting hit with 500par!! IMG_2796 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr and so is Mr. Floyd IMG_2795 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr __________________ Red Sea Reefer 525XL Build Thread ---> http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2624983

04/05/2017, 01:56 PM	#70
Reefer525XL Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: South Florida Posts: 375	Not much to update on other than the tank so far is coming along great. A few weeks back I did get a little bit of algae on the rocks and sandbed but most of it is gone now. Also the rocks are starting to get some color and are not ugly white anymore. FTS from today 04/05/17 Reefer 525XL -4-05-2017-2 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr I also received these 4 frags from WWC today. Here is a quick cellphone pic from when I was dipping them. Not that WWC is known to have pest but its better to be safe than sorry. and lastly I finally was able to somewhat finish the electronics side, while not as "fancy" as the sump area it works for me and it keeps most of the wires tucked and hiding away while giving some room to store by 2-part dosing reservoirs and other additives. Reefer 525XL -4-05-2017 by Reefer525XL, on Flickr __________________ Red Sea Reefer 525XL Build Thread ---> http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2624983

04/05/2017, 02:49 PM	#71
RAMABAMA Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Jax, FL Posts: 24	Why did you use to support that shelf on the electrical side? There is not much meat in the wood to drill. Have you ever visited WWC? I really would like to get down there.

04/05/2017, 03:13 PM	#72
blutang007 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 73	Beautiful build. Subscribed! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04/07/2017, 01:50 PM	#75
Reefer525XL Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: South Florida Posts: 375	Quick 3 minute video of the tank and some of the fish, enjoy! Watch in HD P.S. Egg crate is temporary, will be removed soon __________________ Red Sea Reefer 525XL Build Thread ---> http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2624983 Last edited by Reefer525XL; 04/07/2017 at 01:55 PM.