RTMA's Reefer 450 Build

[RTMA]

Hi Guys, Its been a long time coming but I always wanted to set up a LPS Dominated tank. As much as I love Acros and my 180, I have a soft spot for tose ultra colored LPS corals that struggle from the blinding light (mega PAR) that the 180 has.

I started acquiring equipment (Black Friday deals!) for the build.

So in December I got this. A big thanks goes out to Mike (TheFuz) for helping me carry this bad boy in.

I also decided that this was going to be barebottom, so I purchased white HDPE from the Plastic Factory in Bridgeport. I then rounded over the edge using my router and a round over bit. I also picked up some 1/4" black Acrylic to mount behind the tank.

The equipment looks something like this...

 

[RTMA]

RTMA's Reefer 450 Build

The Reefer 450 comes with a sump and some nifty plumbing and filter socks.

I got a Skimz skimmer on Black Friday from BRS. I also added a GFO reactor.

I also ordered some Dry Pukani Rock from BRS. IMHO, it's the nicest rock for a reef. I also ordered some Eco rock just to see what it was about.

I set the rock to cure. Using Lanthium Chloride to help pull out the phosphates. Man did it leach PO3. It took about 2 weeks of LC dosing and quite a few water changes to bring it down to manageable levels. The difference between the Pukani and teh EcoRock is really night and day. The EcoRock is still nice but weighs at least double for the same size Pukani rock. When all told -dollar for dollar, the Pukani, despite its high PO3 levels, is still the better buy imho.

Also I wasn't enamored with the stock ATO, so I ordered a Tunze Osmolator to replace it.

 

[RTMA]

RTMA's Reefer 450 Build

I built a small manifold and plumbed everything.

I predrilled the rock and used 1/2" Acrylic rod to make stands for the rocks. Started playing with a scape. I knew I didnt want anything too tall, as with the LEDs, I didnt want too much shadowing.

I wired all the electronics into the side cabinet. Mounting what I could on a piece of PVC trim board (Azak) I had laying around.

 

[RTMA]

Once it had completed it cycle I started to slowly migrate some corals over. Of course changing the layout and picking up some more rock.

I'll have to take some better pictures, the AI Hydra's have some great colors, but they put out a ton of light. I really think I coudl have gotten away with just two of these, or maybe three Primes for the LPS. If I ever decide to go SPS in here, there is plenty of potential with these lights.

 

[Masedaddy]

Looks sick!!

 

[dudemeister]

Damn! Can't wait to see that one. Sweet!

 

[Maritimer]

That looks like a sweet setup!

What is the "glass tower" above the filter socks? I've seen it in photos before, and theorized that it might be for spray and salt creep reduction?

Your rock seems to be hovering above the bottom - kind of an "X-Files" look, but I think I like it!

~Bruce

 

[Bogue Chitto]

You have a real nice set up there. You should have fun getting that going like you want it. Good luck.

 

[sniper2be]

Looking good... Nice setup

 

[RTMA]

Thanks guys. It's coming along. The diatoms are just about gone now. An Achilles Tang rules the roost with a Kole Tang. I'll have to post some new pics, most corals are doing well. I'm hoping the vivid colors of my scoly come back. I had to turn down the lighting a lot. Something I am not used to growing SPS!

Bruce - the glass tank above the socks in the first picture is the stock ATO that comes with the Reefer 450. Its only about three gallons. I replaced it with a Tunze Osmolator as my top off.

The skimmer is pulling out a lot of dark skimmate, I really like the DC pump so far, the Ecotech M1 is so quiet. The whole tank is nearly silent. The only thing I am not liking is the ability to remove the skimmate cup from the Skimz skimmer. It so hard to remove, even with the coat of silicone grease on the o-ring. Also not that enamored with the Innovative Marine GFO reactor, but I probably have to play around with it more.

 

[rvlcf]

Following along. I'm looking into upgrading to this tank.
Congrats on the new tank!

 

[Paulywalnuts]

Wow buddy.i got to stop by and see this!! Looking great!

 

[BrettH]

love it. I really like the Redsea reefer tanks. looking good!

 

[thefuz]

Great job! Really clean setup. Can't wait to see it in action. No more moving it around!!!