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One of my Dream tank build ( RedSea Reefer 425 XL) (1 Viewer)

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Hey Guys,

So I've been very indecisive after selling my previous tank. Ever since the move which has been 3+ months now, I thought maybe being tankless would be some what satisfying to know my wallet is staying intact more lol . Which it has, but being tank less is very depressing, Wife gave me the green light and she picked out the Red Sea Reefer 425XL. Originally wanted to go with a fully custom planet aquarium tank but she liked the sleekness of the tank and stand together..

My tank will be shipped to me this Friday October 27th.
For my equipment so far I have :

2 Hydra 26 HD
New Apex Wifi Controller - Never thought I would ever get one!! But this tank I will try to go all out , as much as my wallet and wife allows :p

I don't really have much so far but this is in the plans next few days. Definitely need some insight .

2 mp40's Or maybe the apex wave pumps haven't decided yet. If you have input please
Haven't really thought about the protein skimmer much but definitely not wanting to spend to much here and also need a return pump that I am wanting to have full control of and also not wanting to spend all that much . My previous tank I used a Jebao 7000 which worked great, Never had an issue with it.
 

Keepin-On

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I've got the 450 and I like it a lot. Wish I had the extra depth of the XL. I find the overflow is finicky, but easier to tune at higher flow rates. I'm running a DCP 10000 on my return manifold and another on a lifereef 30' skimmer. I bought extra adapters from Red Sea to connect to their metric plumbing and install a 1" pvc manifold. Youll want to modify the sock holders to accept normal 4" socks. I also modified the return to take a locline "Y" to split the flow, otherwise you blow sand away from the front glass. Another mod was to build a nice control panel in the side cabinet. Let me know if you want to come take a look and I can save you some headache. Also google broadfields reefer 450 for some good ideas.

Btw, the wav pumps are nice but it's a long tank. Wish I would've spent the money on a gyre instead.
 

RR-MAN

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Great choice on tank!

If I were you I would spend the most on the skimmer especially if you are keeping the tank long term.
 
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johntdaballa
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I've got the 450 and I like it a lot. Wish I had the extra depth of the XL. I find the overflow is finicky, but easier to tune at higher flow rates. I'm running a DCP 10000 on my return manifold and another on a lifereef 30' skimmer. I bought extra adapters from Red Sea to connect to their metric plumbing and install a 1" pvc manifold. Youll want to modify the sock holders to accept normal 4" socks. I also modified the return to take a locline "Y" to split the flow, otherwise you blow sand away from the front glass. Another mod was to build a nice control panel in the side cabinet. Let me know if you want to come take a look and I can save you some headache. Also google broadfields reefer 450 for some good ideas.

Btw, the wav pumps are nice but it's a long tank. Wish I would've spent the money on a gyre instead.

How do you like your skimmer ? I've heard great things about lifereef skimmers and it's customizable. What wave pumps do you use? And lastly do you have a fuge set up?

Lol sorry for all the questions.

This time around I'm changing up my tank style. Looking to do more of a mix reef. My previous tank was softies and lost only. I will be adding a apex dos system.


Woah woah woah just looked up broadfield set up damn!!!! That's super clean , my wife would love my tank and even more if I can do that.


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Keepin-On

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The lifereef is a beast. The 30" fits under the stand with just enough room to remove the ginormous collection cup. I never have to worry if my skimmer is undersized again. In fact I'm having to overfeed and dose nitrates to keep them detectable. No fuge but a lot of people convert the little 3gal ato reservoir. I actually use mine with level switches and a apex Pmup to pump water from the garage. I have a new apex wav and a jebao wp60 that I've been running for years. Plenty of flow but I think it's too directional.
The reefer is a great tank, and I was blown away by the glass quality for the price.
 

dragon99

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I have MP40's on my reefer 350. I bought a WAV to try out, but it's a pretty narrow flow. I prefer the wider flow of the MP's.

+1 on splitting the return w/ locline
The included ATO is way to small. You will want to add an ATO to the ATO like Beau, or just replace it.
 
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johntdaballa
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I feel like a kid again I'm anxious . I can't wait to get this up and running . Hosting Christmas this year so I may need a boost start to have this presentable.


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johntdaballa
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Just picked this baby up from Dennis @ Fjw
01b432748e20f25db9dbb80fb77d3a2b.jpg

Vertex has always impressed me with packaging. I love opening well packaged boxes or crates . Now need to save up for powerheads.


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johntdaballa
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I have MP40's on my reefer 350. I bought a WAV to try out, but it's a pretty narrow flow. I prefer the wider flow of the MP's.

+1 on splitting the return w/ locline
The included ATO is way to small. You will want to add an ATO to the ATO like Beau, or just replace it.

I've always had the WQD mp10 does it make that big of a difference if i just get the regular version.
 

Cody

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It's Here!!!!!

48c902914c2cd89f52084de1c49bd46e.jpg



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I've never seen a brown tank that's not transparent, nor do I understand the plastic wrapped around it. Overall, it looks like a terrible purchase. I'd return it
 

Cody

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Eh it looks useless. It's made of cardboard. Also, if the Astros lose, it's because of the arrival of the tank. It shall be burned.
 
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johntdaballa
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Let's see who gets their apex online first lol

Hahaha I can't decide how I want to mount my apex system and all my techie stuff. Definitely want a nice set up .

Plan to have everything set up first and then decide later

Just venting and can't wait.
To much money put into it, and no water and livestock. My wallets crying from feeling so empty.




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