ktownhero's Red Sea Reefer 425XL build

[ktownhero]

Well, I've been eyeing up this dry bar in my house as a perfect spot for an aquarium since I bought it two years ago. I finally decided to make it happen. The plan, originally, was to knock the bar out (pics below) and put a hole on the other side and have a tank visible from both my living room and office. I was excited but also overwhelmed at the prospect of doing this.

...then a certain big site had a flash sale and the price on the Red Sea Reefer 425XL and AP700 was a no-brainer. It turns out that it is *exactly* the width of the existing frame, so no construction or deconstruction is needed. It's going to look great in that space. Here is the order for equipment that I made so far:

• Red Sea Reefer 425XL
• Kessil AP700
• Eheim 1262
• 2 x 200w Jager heaters

The tank and equipment is only freshly ordered, will arrive this week (tank next week). But I wanted to start this thread to catalog my time with the build as well as to get feedback -- feedback is always welcome! I have two specific areas that I would love to get feedback for: aquascape and external plumbing for water storage tanks. First, let me show the destruction that's currently in place:

Original bar:

Half down (yay asbestos tile!):

Down!

I opted to cut out some drywall to get rid of some of the mirrors that were shattering. Easier and safer to repair drywall than shattered mirrors! The plan now is to lay some extra laminate flooring that I have down, verify electrical circuit there and do rewiring if necessary, repair the drywall and paint the space a nice neutral gray. The top will remain open with the AP700 hanging down.

The tank is going to fit rather snuggly into that space with ~4" on each side and only about 2" in the back. I think that should be ok. There is a closet behind the wall to the left where I have plenty of room for water storage. I would like to plumb and create an access panel on that side. I would very much love getting any ideas or suggestions for doing that. It is about a 24" piece of wall with a stud in the middle of it (this can probably be removed safely since that part of the wall is running parallel to the joists above).

As I wait for my equipment to arrive, I am already playing with aquascaping in my mind. I want to create a medium-density aquascape that has a fair bit of space to create a 3D-like visual appeal. The tank will primarily be viewed from an angle to the left. This is the rough idea:

What I really want to make sure I create is a strong sense of depth. Since the tank can’t really be viewed from the right (wall!), I want the right side to be the high point -- but avoiding a standard “wall” look. Would love to know what you think!

The remaining equipment plans are as follows:

• Vortech MP40
• Reef Octopus SSS 150 (or is the 110 enough?)
• Some locline parts to split the output of the return
• Pukani rock
• Reef flakes
• ~10lbs live rock/sand to seed

Those will be ordered in the coming weeks as I begin to finalize everything. I also need to pick up some brute cans so I can properly cure the rock (though I don’t mind doing it in the tank, but would be nice to get it started early).

Speaking of rock… I am planning on going with Pukani because of the surface area. I’m a BIG fan of sticking to natural filtration and under stocking… But I’m also curious about the rock from ReefCleaners.com? It looks really nice and is priced well, do you think it would mix well with Pukani? I was thinking of going with 50lbs of each and mixing/matching.

Anyway, I know this was really long but I’m very excited about this build. And I am open to any and all input regarding the whole build, even if I didn’t specifically ask. I like to learn from others so please feel free to offer advice and/or criticism!

EDIT:

I should also clarify that this will be a lightly stocked mixed reef, I imagine mostly LPS with maybe an SPS or two. I prefer large colonies to many tiny ones, so I'd rather put in a small amount and let them grow over time. I'd love to get an anemone in there with a pair of clowns at some point. Fish stocking will be pretty standard, though I am considering the possibility of getting crazy and going with Maroon Clowns. They are my favorite, but I just read so many horror stories about their aggression.

 

[Ron Reefman]

If you are looking for any ideas or would like to see what others have done, there are 4 or 5 build threads of RS and CadLight tanks in this forum (including mine... see signature).

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=679

I love the build in the closet, pantry, whatever you call the hole in the wall. A Red Sea system will look good in there. I assume you have access to the back of that system through the wall from a room on the other side? I'd consider doing a removable panel or hatch door so you can access the wires and plumbing that may go behind the stand (assuming there will be some).

 

[ktownhero]

If you are looking for any ideas or would like to see what others have done, there are 4 or 5 build threads of RS and CadLight tanks in this forum (including mine... see signature).

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=679

I love the build in the closet, pantry, whatever you call the hole in the wall. A Red Sea system will look good in there. I assume you have access to the back of that system through the wall from a room on the other side? I'd consider doing a removable panel or hatch door so you can access the wires and plumbing that may go behind the stand (assuming there will be some).

Ron, thanks for the link, I'll be sure to put it to use!

So, behind that wall is my office and on the left side of the tank is a closet in my office. I do want to plumb RODI and SW storage tanks through that left side from the closet into the sump. I don't currently have an access panel in that rear wall, through I'm not opposed to it. I was thinking that maybe it isn't needed since everything will mostly be contained inside the stand and be plumbed to that closet... but I'm going to regret those words one day, aren't I?

Do you have any recommendations or references for how to build a nice access panel through a wall like that? I mean I can cut a hole between the studs and cover the side from my office, but I'm just not sure how to make it look nice from both sides. I don't want to just have a hole in the drywall behind the tank, if I can avoid it.

I guess the access panel in the back is the best way to go, because it can cover me in a lot of ways. I can just run plumbing through the wall on the left side of the tank and still be able to work with it reasonably from behind.

 

[ktownhero]

Ordered:

• Tropic Eden Reef Flakes (90lb)
• Kessil mounting arms
• AWI Typhoon III 5 stage RODI

It'll all come together soon!

BTW, I was ready to pull my hair out researching which RO/DI to buy. I was all for Spectrapure but then they want to charge almost $50 for shipping. BRS's options aren't really that great. They have either the 4 stage value or 6 stage absurd, nothing in-between! Then on Amazon there was LiquiGen which sounded too good to be true, so I stayed away. I liked Buckeye but they got priced out after just adding some basic options. Finally found AWI who had a perfect 5 stage system with excellent add-on options and whose shipping was much more reasonable. It really wasn't even close in terms of value. They seem to be well regarded around here, so I think I chose wisely!

I ordered the Reef Flakes now even though the tank probably won't get wet for another several weeks. It just seems like they go in and out of stock, so I wanted to be sure to get the order in while they are available

 

[Michael Hoaster]

Sounds like a cool idea! It also sounds like you are going about the process in a smart way. With it being placed in a recessed space, I would think you'd want all the access you can get, so I agree, more access panels is better. Having them look nice makes it that much sweeter! Would a cabinet door work? Got an IKEA nearby?

Best of luck on your build!

 

[ktownhero]

Well I have tons of equipment sitting around and the tank was delivered today! I am still finishing up that dry wall, have 1 more skim coat to put on then finish the corners, prime and paint! I found plastic access panels at home depot that fit between studs so 14"x14", one of those will be going on the back side of the tank. I'm not cutting it yet until I build the stand and can see the ideal location for it.

RO/DI unit is way bigger than I expected! These things are huge! I am gonna need to pick up some Brute trash cans and rock and start the curing process. I tried to get 2 on Saturday but the ones at my local HD were all beat up, covered in rain and the lids were impossible to find.

 

[ktownhero]

Some progress and equipment porn:

Drywall is almost ready to be primed and painted and the electrician comes to run a line on Thursday. Hopefully by next weekend it's up for a dry fit and leak test!

 

[Mark9]

Photos not found?

 

[ktownhero]

Photos not found?

Should be fixed now, please let me know if you still can't see them

 

[Mark9]

Should be fixed now, please let me know if you still can't see them

Fixed!

 

[ssick92]

Looks awesome!! Almost time to start the "hurry up and wait" that we all go through :headwally:

 

[ktownhero]

So I'm taking my good old time with the tank. I have 60lbs of Pukani curing in a brute trash can right now. I'm curious how I should go about seeding it? Should I get some good LR and put it into the curing batch or should i wait until I move to the display so the live rock gets light? I am most likely going to order 10-20lbs of the good stuff from TBS.

I'm new to dry rock, all of my prior tanks used 100% live.

 

[ktownhero]

The build is getting really close to coming together! My plan was to have the stand in the space this weekend but I was a little worried about leveling the stand since it will be very difficult to access the rear of it for shims. I decided to delay the placement of the stand so I can pull up the laminate I put down and pour a nice self-leveling cement pad. I intend to get that done this week and then have the tank up next weekend! Here's the list of progress made and some pics:

- Ran a low load 15a circuit to the left wall (so now I have 2 outlets on 2 circuits, one is basically dedicated).
- Finished resurfacing and painted the walls gray
- Replaced the recessed light with a nice LED retrofit, for when I need to work in the space
- Widened the frame by 1" to the right. You can't even tell thanks to the magic of Bondo. Pro-tip: don't use Bondo while your wife is trying to watch TV. She might hate you for stinking the house up.
- Secured my low voltage ethernet to the rear wall
- Built the stand (sans doors for now).
- Pulled up laminate floor in prep for pouring the self leveler

 

[mpderksen]

Just found your thread. Fun build!
Did you pick a skimmer yet? For reference, I have the Reef Octopus 110INT on my heavily stocked 75, and it's amazing. The one thing I don't like is that I have a DIY sump, and it sits on an eggcrate shelf that is less than stable. When I take the cup off for cleaning, it moves around. Doing it over, I would have designed that better. Maybe over the holiday I'll pull it out for an update.
Under the tank, have you considered some raceways? Every stand I see here that has them for cord management looks way better.

 

[ktownhero]

Just found your thread. Fun build!
Did you pick a skimmer yet? For reference, I have the Reef Octopus 110INT on my heavily stocked 75, and it's amazing. The one thing I don't like is that I have a DIY sump, and it sits on an eggcrate shelf that is less than stable. When I take the cup off for cleaning, it moves around. Doing it over, I would have designed that better. Maybe over the holiday I'll pull it out for an update.
Under the tank, have you considered some raceways? Every stand I see here that has them for cord management looks way better.

So I'm still up in the air on the skimmer, to be honest. My original intent was to do exactly what you have, but the space-saver version. Either the 110SSS or 150SSS. But then I decided to just take some time to talk to Jeff at Lifereef and those are interesting, but take up a fair bit of space. Then I discovered the Bubble Magus Curve 5 which seems like it is quite amazing and has a crazy small footprint. Honestly, all I want is a moderate skimmer that is maintenance free. I don't want to overskim and I don't want to have to worry about adjusting it constantly. I'm open to any input

My goal was to have a very small footprint skimmer and then make use of the rest of the space as a refugium, but now I'm starting to wonder if I'm not just better off going with something like a Lifereef and not having to worry about it again.

As for raceways, I'm absolutely open to that. I honestly have not even serious thought about the layout internally yet, I've just been focused on prepping the space and worrying about getting the stand/tank in there safely and level. I literally have like 3/8" on each side of leeway when putting them in there and it's not going to be easy! But once I have it set it's gonna be awesome.

 

[bizacon]

i did a lot of research on the top of the skimmer for my 425XL and ended up getting the Lifereef and so thankful I did. Yes it does take up some room, but it is room well used. It is nice set and forget and know that this skimmer has been proven time and time again to be effective.

So I'm still up in the air on the skimmer, to be honest. My original intent was to do exactly what you have, but the space-saver version. Either the 110SSS or 150SSS. But then I decided to just take some time to talk to Jeff at Lifereef and those are interesting, but take up a fair bit of space. Then I discovered the Bubble Magus Curve 5 which seems like it is quite amazing and has a crazy small footprint. Honestly, all I want is a moderate skimmer that is maintenance free. I don't want to overskim and I don't want to have to worry about adjusting it constantly. I'm open to any input

My goal was to have a very small footprint skimmer and then make use of the rest of the space as a refugium, but now I'm starting to wonder if I'm not just better off going with something like a Lifereef and not having to worry about it again.

As for raceways, I'm absolutely open to that. I honestly have not even serious thought about the layout internally yet, I've just been focused on prepping the space and worrying about getting the stand/tank in there safely and level. I literally have like 3/8" on each side of leeway when putting them in there and it's not going to be easy! But once I have it set it's gonna be awesome.

 

[Mark9]

Nice looking rock.

 

[moondoggy4]

Nice build Question if your door opens up will it strike your tank?

 

[ktownhero]

Nice build Question if your door opens up will it strike your tank?

Great question because I just discovered the other day that yes, it will. Fortunately I currently have an adjustable stop on the door so I can prevent how far it swings. And prior to this construction, it was obstructed by the bar that was there anyway, so we're used to it. I am looking into options for softening the knob just in case though. If you have any ideas I'm open to them

 

[mpderksen]

Drill a stop into the floor.

Not pretty, but 1,000x better that a broken tank if the wind gets a hold of the door.