Dream Tank build ( RedSea Reefer 425 XL)

[johntdaballa]

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 deluxe. Originally wanted to go with a fully custom planet aquarium tank but she liked the sleekness of the tank and stand together..


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

Neptune Dos Doser

Vertex Omega 180i Skimmer

Went cheap on a few things. Works well for the price and gets the job done.
Jebao 4000 Return pump
2 Jebao PP-8

 

[johntdaballa]

 

[mjlash22]

Very nice startup!

Just throwing it out there, you may want to go bigger on the return pump. Max turnover on that pump at 0 head pressure is basically your tanks recommended flow rate. I would also recommend looking at the newer DCP line. I ran the DCT 4000 on my reefer 250 at about 75%, I have the DCP line on my new tank and they are much quiter.

 

[johntdaballa]

I plan to make a few upgrades later on . Quieter return for sure is #1 on my list. Did you hard plumb your return?

Wanting to go mix reef this time around. My previous 60 tank was Lps and softies only. With no water changes . I want to do the same but maybe hard if I want to keep some of the nicer acropora .

Plan to dos 2part b-ionic . Any suggestions. I'm new to the stick game.

Here's my rock work

 

[ncaldwell]

First upgrade. Put a splitter on the return . There is nothing you can do to stop it from pushing all the sand away on the bottom. Otherwise you're going to love it

 

[mjlash22]

First upgrade. Put a splitter on the return . There is nothing you can do to stop it from pushing all the sand away on the bottom. Otherwise you're going to love it

In my reefer 250 (where I had the DCT4000) I did not hard plumb. In my new tank with the DCP 10000, I did hard plumb.

 

[johntdaballa]

Trying to figure out how to mount all my controllers and keep wires looking disorganized. I plan to use a PVC board . Wanted grometts to match with orange tint of apex. Orange spray paint came out nicely.

During this build I was looking for ideas and came across broadfields build. Ideally I would like to get mine to look like that but realistically not possible with my limited DiY skills.

 

[Broadfield]

I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

 

[johntdaballa]

I've been thinking about my live stock lists for months and have been so indecisive. If you have any feedback let me know
Looking to get a school of mixed Anthias. Open to any suggestions


So far I have a pair of ultra black ice clowns
3 fire fish (plan to remove)
Diamond goby (plan to remove) has been aggressive

Must have:
Borbonius Blotched Anthias (dream fish)

Shopping list:
3 bimaculatus anthias
Fathead sunburst Anthias
Yellow tail Tamrind Wrasse
Pintail Fairy Wrasse
3 resplendent anthias
Midas blenny
Flame hawkfish
Red scooter Dragonett
Red Mandarin Goby
Blue dot jawfish (heard mixed reviews on this one, so not sure)
Chevron Tang
Purple Tang
Clown Tang

Any suggestions for gobies

 

[mjlash22]

Just my opinion but it looks like a lot of fish for that size tank. May be possible but your bio-load will be quite high.

 

[johntdaballa]

Sorry correction.
I don't plan to get everyone of those on the list. Those are just the ones that came to mind that I would like to have but Ideally i would only get a few of those.

 

[wowkingjames]

So far so good, following....

 

[johntdaballa]

This is what I have so far for my controller board . Thinking about spray painting board matte black or Vinyl.
I’m not very good with cable management so this should be fun !!

 

[johntdaballa]

Few more updates on control board ! Decided to wrap board with matte black vinyl. I didn’t do the best job on it had a few wrinkles and bubbles. Should of used a blow dryer. Oh wells controls will cover it all.
Wires are everywhere behind the board. Have a few cable management zipper sleeves but still not clean how I imagined. It’s hard to clean it all up with power supplies. Haven’t figured out where or how I would like to mount the control board. Just sitting loosely.

 

[Wbr46797]

Trying to figure out how to mount all my controllers and keep wires looking disorganized. I plan to use a PVC board . Wanted grometts to match with orange tint of apex. Orange spray paint came out nicely.

During this build I was looking for ideas and came across broadfields build. Ideally I would like to get mine to look like that but realistically not possible with my limited DiY skills.

 

[Wbr46797]

I used type 1 pvc, 3/8” thick

 

[Wbr46797]

Few more updates on control board ! Decided to wrap board with matte black vinyl. I didn’t do the best job on it had a few wrinkles and bubbles. Should of used a blow dryer. Oh wells controls will cover it all.
Wires are everywhere behind the board. Have a few cable management zipper sleeves but still not clean how I imagined. It’s hard to clean it all up with power supplies. Haven’t figured out where or how I would like to mount the control board. Just sitting loosely.

Like it

 

[915MANG]

Congrats, very clean so far. That Coral Wear Hat is cool! I want some socks

 

[Zizi]

Few more updates on control board ! Decided to wrap board with matte black vinyl. I didn’t do the best job on it had a few wrinkles and bubbles. Should of used a blow dryer. Oh wells controls will cover it all.
Wires are everywhere behind the board. Have a few cable management zipper sleeves but still not clean how I imagined. It’s hard to clean it all up with power supplies. Haven’t figured out where or how I would like to mount the control board. Just sitting loosely.

Look pretty good , well done