Equipment suggestions for Red Sea Reefer 450

R

re76

New member
Hey everyone,

I just pulled the trigger on a Reefer 450 and I'm trying to decide what other equipment to get. Looking for some opinions and feedback.

Skimmer:
Nyos Quantum 360

Lighting:
2x Kessil A360we

Return Pump:
Ecotech Vectra M1

Powerheads:
No idea here, please suggest something. Maybe a Gyre?
For the powerheads my eventual goal is to get the Neptune WAV's but currently an Apex is not in my budget so I am looking for something that will get me by until I am ready to get an Apex.

ATO:
I plan on ditching the one that is included but not sure what to put in it's place. Leaning towards the Tunze Osmolator, but it is pretty expensive. Is it worth it over the one that comes with the tank?

I'm also considering what I might want to run in term of reactors. I think I want at least 2, but maybe 3? I am currently thinking biopellets and carbon, but I am really not sure about this. Definitely looking for recommendations here. I have also thought a bit about GFO but don't fully understand the pros and cons when compared to biopellets.

Am I missing any of the basics in terms of necessary hardware? Once I get all of the major components nailed down I want to start focusing on the tertiary pieces like test kits, salt mix, refractometers etc. So any suggestions you have in this area would also be really appreciated.
 
I have a gyre 150 on my tank and I really like it. It creates nice flow and looks nice and clean (Not bulky) in the tank . I think everyone will have varying opinions on reactors, and they're by no means necessary, especially if you aren't having problems that they target. Personally, I don't use gfo or carbon, just a refugium and biopellets and it works well for me.

IMO, If you want to invest in a good refractometer, get one of the milwaukee digital ones. Well worth the extra $$ over a regular one. Congrats on the new tank!
 
I recently set up a 450. I have the Nyos 160 skimmer and I love it. Pulls a lot and is very quiet. I think it's a great skimmer for this tank.

I also have the vectra M1, great pump. It might be overkill in terms of it's flexibility.
You can run a cheaper pump that is not controllable because you need a steady flow of return water to keep the overflow at a constant level. Just my 2 cents.

I am running an Aquamaxx GFO reactor and an Aquamaxx Biopellet reactor. They are doing their jobs nicely and I would recommend them. GFO removes phosphates, Biopellets reduce nitrates and remove a small amount of phosphates. I have 2 Chemipure elite bags in the chamber before the filter socks.

I tried an Eheim heater rated at 250 watts and felt it couldn't keep up. Replaced it with a 500 watt Finnex digital and it's working well.

I would highly recommend the Tunze osmolator. The top off needs to go in the far left return chamber, along with the return pump. It is not very big and doesn't hold a lot of water. I found that my tank was evaporating a lot of water and the stock ato ran dry in about a day and a half or two. If you want to cut down on maintenace, get the Tunze and a large reservoir to hold the top off water. I'm using the Tunze and an antique wine jug, called a carboy I think, that holds about 25 gallons. Works perfect and the huge wine jug looks cool next to the tank. The Tunze will be one of the best investments you will make in my opinion.

As far as water movement, if you are going to get the Neptune Wav eventually, buy used powerheads that move a lot of water. You can use them for your salt mixing after you get the wav. I personally use 2 Mp40QD's with the battery backup. When you lose power, you need to have a plan. Unless you have a generator or some other backup, you need to consider this and make a plan.

Get a good refractometer and calibrate frequently.

Good luck. Hope this helps.
 
Wait to get the new Apex and the new Neptune ATO sensor so you can save $100 on the WAV controller and save some on the osmolator.
 
GimpyFin said:
I have a gyre 150 on my tank and I really like it. It creates nice flow and looks nice and clean (Not bulky) in the tank . I think everyone will have varying opinions on reactors, and they're by no means necessary, especially if you aren't having problems that they target. Personally, I don't use gfo or carbon, just a refugium and biopellets and it works well for me.

IMO, If you want to invest in a good refractometer, get one of the milwaukee digital ones. Well worth the extra $$ over a regular one. Congrats on the new tank!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback on the Gyre. Definitely going to look into a digital refractometer.

rvlcf said:
I recently set up a 450. I have the Nyos 160 skimmer and I love it. Pulls a lot and is very quiet. I think it's a great skimmer for this tank.

I also have the vectra M1, great pump. It might be overkill in terms of it's flexibility.
You can run a cheaper pump that is not controllable because you need a steady flow of return water to keep the overflow at a constant level. Just my 2 cents.

I am running an Aquamaxx GFO reactor and an Aquamaxx Biopellet reactor. They are doing their jobs nicely and I would recommend them. GFO removes phosphates, Biopellets reduce nitrates and remove a small amount of phosphates. I have 2 Chemipure elite bags in the chamber before the filter socks.

I tried an Eheim heater rated at 250 watts and felt it couldn't keep up. Replaced it with a 500 watt Finnex digital and it's working well.

I would highly recommend the Tunze osmolator. The top off needs to go in the far left return chamber, along with the return pump. It is not very big and doesn't hold a lot of water. I found that my tank was evaporating a lot of water and the stock ato ran dry in about a day and a half or two. If you want to cut down on maintenace, get the Tunze and a large reservoir to hold the top off water. I'm using the Tunze and an antique wine jug, called a carboy I think, that holds about 25 gallons. Works perfect and the huge wine jug looks cool next to the tank. The Tunze will be one of the best investments you will make in my opinion.

As far as water movement, if you are going to get the Neptune Wav eventually, buy used powerheads that move a lot of water. You can use them for your salt mixing after you get the wav. I personally use 2 Mp40QD's with the battery backup. When you lose power, you need to have a plan. Unless you have a generator or some other backup, you need to consider this and make a plan.

Get a good refractometer and calibrate frequently.

Good luck. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Ok. You have sold me on the Osmolator. Hadn't thought about battery backup yet, but that is a very good point. Can I just use a standard UPS, that is sized accordingly? I'm thinking of the ones they sell at office depot or something.

roostertech said:
Wait to get the new Apex and the new Neptune ATO sensor so you can save $100 on the WAV controller and save some on the osmolator.
Click to expand...

Has it been stated anywhere when the new Apex is actually going to be released. I was definitely going to hold off for the new Apex. I also was not aware they were making an ATO sensor.
 
That's a 5' tank. Don't those lights have a 18" to 24" spread? Can that kelp the corals you want in the places you want?
 
Reef Frog said:
That's a 5' tank. Don't those lights have a 18" to 24" spread? Can that kelp the corals you want in the places you want?
Click to expand...

This is something I have been pondering. I'm leaning toward a minimal rockscape, with two "islands" with a light over each. Not positive this will work yet. My back up plan is to throw an a160 in between the two a360.
 
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