Broadfield's Red Sea Reefer 450 Build

[Broadfield]

Can you please share your color channel percentages for 15k? I'm running 3 primes over my 34" 56g custom.

Here is my Dropfox file if you simply want to upload it to your lights and check it out... actually this is 14k. If you drop the whites about 8 % or so, you would be at 15k.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/or5nr4p6l51xonj/AI Setting Broadfield 11 Hour 14k.aip?dl=0



Broadfield AI Prime Settings by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

Broadfield AI Prime Peak % by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

 

[oldbones]

Thank you for that.

Interestingly enough, those numbers are very close to what I've arrived at after months of tweaking. The tank seems to be responding well so far for me.

Regarding PAR values though, I'm surprised at the numbers you were seeing with your meter. I borrowed a meter from my LFS and my numbers were considerably lower than yours, even with the entire fixture running 100%. I know you have 5 fixtures to my three, but I think mine might be a tad closer together, and as tight a pattern as they throw, I would expect our PAR values to actually be quite similar. Who knows, however, how accurate my borrowed meter was.

At any rate, great looking tank. I'll be watching!

 

[DrCooper]

This build is the nicest setup under the hood I have ever seen! Any advice for someone who just ordered the same tank?

 

[Broadfield]

This build is the nicest setup under the hood I have ever seen! Any advice for someone who just ordered the same tank?

Ditch the ATO setup, modify the filter sock holders for standard 4" socks and modify the return outlet to Y off the flow.

 

[DrCooper]

Tank arrived and boy is this thing solid! Can't wait. Thanks for the advice. Researching skimmer and lights now. Ecotech vs. Aquaillumintion for the LED

 

[DrCooper]

How do you like the Vectra M1? Also, do you think the 2 MP 10s are ideal for this tank? Researching for my own build.

 

[Broadfield]

How do you like the Vectra M1? Also, do you think the 2 MP 10s are ideal for this tank? Researching for my own build.

I have no complaints about the M1. It's dead silent and works... I guess that's really all I ask out of it lol.

As for the MP10's, the glass is too thick for them to couple on this tank. So you would have to do MP40's. If you have an Apex system, then the WAV is a no brainer.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

That's one clean setup,very well thought out.

 

[duberz]

What fittings did you use to tee off your return?

 

[Broadfield]

What fittings did you use to tee off your return?

I glued on a 3/4" Loc-Line Y adapter. From there it's whatever 1/2" Loc-Line stuff you want to use.

IMG_4301 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

 

[andrek787]

Broadfield. I wanted to get your opinion on this spectrum. Is this close to what you achieved with primes?

These are hybrid Hydra52s with 3 EU blue pucks and 1 US royal blue puck. The lights were EU spec but the blues were more of a turquoise then I expected so I decided to try doing a hybrid configuration. Bought a used US spec 52 to get royal blue pucks. This seems to have evened out the color away from green.

First picture is 80% blues, 50% white, 20% red\green. Second is everything even at 20%.

 

[Broadfield]

Broadfield. I wanted to get your opinion on this spectrum. Is this close to what you achieved with primes?

These are hybrid Hydra52s with 3 EU blue pucks and 1 US royal blue puck. The lights were EU spec but the blues were more of a turquoise then I expected so I decided to try doing a hybrid configuration. Bought a used US spec 52 to get royal blue pucks. This seems to have evened out the color away from green.

First picture is 80% blues, 50% white, 20% red\green. Second is everything even at 20%.

It's always tough to tell from pictures since we may not have the white balance correct etc. This is what mine looks like to the naked eye:

IMG_5682 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

And this video...

<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QN_d-SCZDoI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[DrCooper]

Love this build! Debating mp40's vs. wav as I may go with apex controller. Still researching skimmer as well.

 

[Broadfield]

Love this build! Debating mp40's vs. wav as I may go with apex controller. Still researching skimmer as well.

Keep in mind that the WAV is $200 cheaper than the MP40's... so that money could go towards the Apex

 

[DrCooper]

Keep in mind that the WAV is $200 cheaper than the MP40's... so that money could go towards the Apex

Great point. Does the M1 work with the apex?
I am likey doing 2 AI hydra52 HDs as I plan on just soft and lps corals

You mind if I PM you and pick your brain even more?

 

[Broadfield]

Great point. Does the M1 work with the apex?
I am likey doing 2 AI hydra52 HDs as I plan on just soft and lps corals

You mind if I PM you and pick your brain even more?

The M1 does not work with the Apex aside from power... however, I don't mind because I only use it in on or off mode. I don't use feed mode or any of the other features. Feel free to PM me. Heck, I have had a lot of members calling me lol.

 

[bryan06107]

I am also using an m1 with my 525 reefer and Apex. Great pump super quiet and just use it as off/on also. Spend the $ on the apex! I debated for month over spending the money. I would not have a tank w/o it now.

 

[DrCooper]

I am also using an m1 with my 525 reefer and Apex. Great pump super quiet and just use it as off/on also. Spend the $ on the apex! I debated for month over spending the money. I would not have a tank w/o it now.

Are you using a WAV or Vortechs?

 

[danny1496]

I am also using an m1 with my 525 reefer and Apex. Great pump super quiet and just use it as off/on also. Spend the $ on the apex! I debated for month over spending the money. I would not have a tank w/o it now.

How are you liking the m1 or should I buy the l1

 

[Ginu]

Thank you! I actually forgot to post pics of it all cleaned up behind the control panel. Also changed some of the items out on the control panel... I got rid of the Vortechs and picked up the WAV. Where the Vortech controllers were I mounted my Puratek level controller:

IMG_5424 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

IMG_5282 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

Very nice and clean setup. I have a RSM S500 at the office and love the craftsmanship of the tank/stand etc.. I wish I would have purchased the reefer instead(for customization), however it wasn't released yet.

I would like to point towards the power bar at the bottom of that cabinet, i would suggest to move that above and not directly on the cabinet incase you have any water spillages.
I had a flood at work and all my electronics survived with no issues however, everyone's computers are fried as they just stand on the floor.