Red Sea Reefer 170 Build/Upgrade

[mmarti91]

I recently acquired a Red Sea Reefer 170 to replace my old Red Sea Max 130D. I was looking for a tank that had a built in overflow and a well thought out sump. For the money spent, this tank is a great deal in terms of build quality and included features (such as built in ATO, removable filter sock overflow, precision drain flow control valve & more).

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=335474&stc=1&d=1449378879
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=335475&stc=1&d=1449378879
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=335476&stc=1&d=1449378879

I've had my RSM 130D for about two years and have been battling a nightmare case of never-ending dinoflagellates for about 6 months. I've tried 96 hour full blackouts while dosing h2o2, elevating pH with kalk and manual removal with little success. The 96 hour blackouts made a big difference, but within two days it returned. I just ordered some Marin Fauna Dino X from BRS with hopes that I might finally get these dinos under control. My current debate is whether or not to even transfer the live rock from my 130 to the new 170 and risk transferring the dinos. I would like to cut down on cycle time by seeding the tank with my current live rock but don't want to risk transferring the dinos.

So far, this is my current equipment for the tank.

AI Hydra 26 with Director
Sicce Syncra 2.0 Return Pump
Reef Octopus Classic 110 Super Space Saver Protein Skimmer
Vortech MP10wQD
2 x BRS 1.1mL/min Alk/Ca dosing pumps
Neptune Apex Jr
Pinpoint pH monitor
BRS Mini 5" Reactor for GFO & Carbon


I'm thinking I'll buy some dry rock online or see if my LFS can get some to prevent transferring the dinos. In the past, I have used live sand from CaribSea but now I am learning that the popular opinion is to start with dry sand. This would mean a 6-10 week cycle before moving the livestock from the 130 to the 170. I might buy some MB7 to add some bacteria into the virgin system. Nobody likes to wait but anything is better than staring at that f#*&@* dino.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=335477&stc=1&d=1449378879
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=335478&stc=1&d=1449378879

[Mozigus]

congra dude

[rickztahone]

Such a nice looking system I would say why risk it and start new. Do the slow cycle and have peace of mind.

[mmarti91]

Such a nice looking system I would say why risk it and start new. Do the slow cycle and have peace of mind.

Thank you!! I agree, I'd hate to take a chance and have these Dinos return. If it was your tank, would you start with dry sand or live sand? I like using the special reef grade sand from CaribSea.

[rickztahone]

Thank you!! I agree, I'd hate to take a chance and have these Dinos return. If it was your tank, would you start with dry sand or live sand? I like using the special reef grade sand from CaribSea.

I am not sure which I would prefer as I am coming up on that same question myself pretty soon, lol. However, my reply still stands the same, start clean and you save a headache. I'm a big FW guy and QT (long QT) is the most given advice around the way and the one people choose to ignore the most and that is when problems start creeping up.

[ReefConcept]

Great setup! I will be following.

[mmarti91]

I am not sure which I would prefer as I am coming up on that same question myself pretty soon, lol. However, my reply still stands the same, start clean and you save a headache. I'm a big FW guy and QT (long QT) is the most given advice around the way and the one people choose to ignore the most and that is when problems start creeping up.

Picked up 40 lbs of dry rock and 60 lbs of Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Reef Sand from the LFS today. I know it's debatable as to whether or not the sand is really "live" but I've heard good things about Nature's Ocean bio-activ sand.

[mmarti91]

It's been 7 weeks since I added the live sand, dry rock and water. Just picked up a Hydra 52 HD and decided to try custom mounting it using two Kessil goosenecks.

I got a piece of aluminum bar stock and cut them down to 4" pieces. Then, I drilled and tapped them to screw to the Kessil 150/160 mount. I also made sure to pre-bend the goosnecks to avoid placing a lot of torque on the display glass.

Checked the ammonia and nitrites today and decided it was time to add some small fish. Added two hermits and two blue green chromis'. Can't wait to get my MP10, Apex and dosing system hooked up.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=340319&stc=1&d=1453872518
http://reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=340320&stc=1&d=1453872529
http://reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=340317&stc=1&d=1453872245
http://reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=340318&stc=1&d=1453872254

[06bug]

Now that's using your brain. I like the clean look of those goose necks. Good job!!!!

[mmarti91]

Now that's using your brain. I like the clean look of those goose necks. Good job!!!!

Thanks!! I might even try to run the power through the gooseneck :D

[Foolkiller]

Thanks for posting and sharing. I've been out of reefing for a bunch of years and have been looking for a setup like this. I think I'd enjoy the plug and play nature of the reefer. If this works awesome for you, I might just mirror your setup :-) (how nice of me). I like spending money on quality equipment as long as it does it's job. Thanks - jim

[mgoulding]

Following along