Red Sea Reefer 425XL Build!
 

Okay, after more than 20 years in the hobby, I decided to go all out and get a high-end system (retiring and having a large pay out check played into this decision).

So, I started with a Red Sea Reefer 425XL system (88 gallons with a 24 gallon sump). I added:
- Kessil AP700 LED lighting
- Vertex 180i Skimmer
- 2x Ecotech MP40 circulation pumps
- Ecotech M1 return pump
- Ecotech Battery Backup
- Bubble Magus Dosing Pump (B-Ionic Alkalinity, Calcium and Magnesium)
- JBJ Artica Chiller 1/4 HP
- Dual Stage Temp Controller
- Eheim 250 wt Heater
- Bio Pellets and Phosphorus Reactors
- 3.20 gallon FW reservoir with float valve
- 60 lbs of Real Reef Live Rock
- 100 lbs of live sand

Okay, I wanted to be as automated as possible, and this setup is sweet! I moved the contents of a 24" cube into this tank, and have put several acro and other SPS frags in as starters.

Now, to watch the tank develop.

I'll post some starter pictures in a bit.

If you have experience with any of the items mentioned above, please comment - these are all new to me!

Kevin

Expensive stuff. Sounds like a fun way to start retirement.

Yeah, After years of piecing together systems, I decided I wanted a coherent setup, with everything as automated as possible, with good equipment!

Kevin

So envious of you!
I love your equipment list!

Thanks! That's what I love about this hobby - after 20+ years, I'm still learning every day. Every new piece of equipment/technology is a new learning experience.

Kevin

Nice tank Looking forward to the pictures. Congrats on the retirement.

I love your profile picture! Matrons are my favorite clownfish. I know they are aggressive but they have so much personality. And they are pretty much guaranteed to host in an anemone. I just got a pair of gold nugget maroons

The lighting plays havoc on getting a good picture of the actual tank - that, and there really isn't much to be seen in there yet, coral-wise. These pictures will be more of starting point for comparison later on (hopefully!).

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4702/...7e3575b8_b.jpgIMG_2789 by Kevin Kuykendall, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4752/...7aa56170_b.jpgIMG_2822 by Kevin Kuykendall, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4610/...06acc204_b.jpgIMG_2823 by Kevin Kuykendall, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4606/...4be932cc_b.jpgIMG_2824 by Kevin Kuykendall, on Flickr

Kevin

The first equipment photo shows the left side of the cabinet beneath the tank. It shows the skimmer, biopearl reactor, phosphate reactor and FW reservoir. The second photo shows the chiller and Bubble Magus dosing system. Also in the second picture are the control modules for the vortech return pump, the two MP 40s, the Aqua Logic dual stage temperature controller and the Vortech battery backup.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4627/...32cec8a5_b.jpgIMG_2448 by Kevin Kuykendall, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4611/...b44c9b22_b.jpgIMG_2449 by Kevin Kuykendall, on Flickr

Kevin

Nicely set

Vertex 180 skimmer I had the 150 Omega model, the 180 model is better balanced. I would not remove the impeller when cleaning it, the magnet is too strong and will cause the impeller to detach from the shaft, I would soak the whole pump in a solution of vinegar and water and then run it in the same solution, usually 50/50.

What happened the RS stand?

Thanks for the advice. Still trying to dial the skimmer in; haven't even contemplated cleaning it.



The LFS kept it and gave me $100 credit toward the rest of the stuff.

Kevin