EVO Xll Mini Reef - Fluval 13.5 - RCP Build

[juanrmattos]

The time has come!

Following up on my Fluval EVO 5 which ended abruptly last December due to unexpected medical reasons, I’ve decided to go back to the original plan and give it a new try with its big brother the Fluval EVO Xll (Or 13.5 as we like to call it here in the States).

The main goal for this thread is to apply the experience obtained from the previous tank and to upgrade the reef to make it more efficient and stable (These being the hardest to accomplish for this size feef).

I’d also like to apologize in advance as I will have to rely on some additional help to post updates as we move along with it (Things that happen when all of the sudden your brain chooses to forget how to read and write).

So, THANK YOU ALL for tagging along, your comments and suggestions are truly appreciated!

 

[juanrmattos]

So, lets dive right in and start from scratch:

First mission was to assemble the stand (Finding one in the right color and size proved to be tall order itself); this one is probably the most accurate and fits perfectly!, not to mention being really affordable:

Initially, I wanted to place it close to the work station, but the chair is a bit too close for comfort and the window would soon become an issue, so ended up sliding it to the opposite side (Home faces to the East, direct sunlight wont be a factor over there).

Finally, as the objective is to improve it as much as possible, I have removed pretty much everything down to the bare bones

Moving along

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

Following along with some unsolicited advice! Some upgrades I made to mine... Plug the hole into chamber 2. Flow director into a media basket in chamber 1. I have my neotherm in chamber 1 as well. Return pump I use a Syncra Silent 1.0 and stock lighting. I printed some RFG for the loc-line and have no additional circulation. Have fun with it!

 

[juanrmattos]

Thanks @NeonRabbit221B , well received advice!, got the necessary items at hand

The lateral flow from chamber 1 into 2 is controlled (Restricted) by the InTank media basket. As far as pump I will be using the Eheim 1000; no heater required in my location.

 

[Mike Kearns]

Cool location. Can't wait to see it put together. I have had my Evo running for just over a year. I thought about taking it down now that I have a 100 gallon but everything is growing so well I just can't do it lol.

 

[juanrmattos]

Don't do it @Mike Kearns !!!, these are worth keeping even if you have a bigger reef.

Thanks for the props!!! ;Happy

 

[juanrmattos]

This time around I will be doing the full @Red Sea Reef Care Program, even though I’m a strong believer of the Aquaforest products, they proved to be a bit hard to dose appropriately on this size reef (Split a drop into 3.1 parts is a mission), therefore, the Red Sea products are a known line to me and feel more comfortable with their schedules.

Starting with the Reef Mature semi-modified (As I wont be using a Skimmer) by including a more specific water change program along with their custom made dosing created by them specifically for this reef

Also, due to my inability to read/write and the whole spread of cognitive disorders, I will put down the Hanna checker products and move to the Red Sea Test Kits that can be managed by colors (Only keeping the Salinity meter)

Lastly, combined with one of my favorite Media and a very minor inclusion of Reef Roids (Photo also shows the correct Flow Director heads as I had ordered the wrong size before)

Thank you for reading... Moving along

 

[juanrmattos]

Ah!!!... Custom made by Reef Tops UK

Do I have your attention yet???

 

[brett_schn]

Yes you have my attention! Following along!!

 

[juanrmattos]

Here is a breakdown of the equipment:

AI Prime 16HD with diffuser & bracket
Eheim Compact 1000
InTank media basket 1 & 2
Tunze Nanostream 6040
Tunze Care magnet

The garage (Being used as storage after the move) still packed full, need to track down track the rock and the sand.

I was planing on using this surge protector but is not a good fit for the stand

I ordered this one, same model I used to have in the IM Nuvo 30L

Makes me feel good the way is looking so far ;Happy

 

[juanrmattos]

.
Still a bit undecided about the sand between Fiji or reef; mainly because I wish to house a Yellow Coris Wrasse and the reef size may be to harsh.

Chores for this weekend include diving head on in the garage to dig out 40lbs of Reef Rock

Slowly moving along

 

[Peaceful]

Follows with great interest!

 

[Rezen0129]

What can't wait for the final product

 

[juanrmattos]

Thanks @Rezen0129 , we are a couple weeks from start, been meaning to begin aqua scaping, but is an outdoor project and has not stopped raining in South Florida.

Hang tight, is going to be fun!

 

[leighla wolf]

Ah!!!... Custom made by Reef Tops UK

Do I have your attention yet???

Can you send me a link as to where you ordered this lid? I love it!

 

[juanrmattos]

Can you send me a link as to where you ordered this lid? I love it!

You can find them in Facebook as ReefTops, I dont have a link but they reply quick via messenger it you write to them.

 

[leighla wolf]

You can find them in Facebook as ReefTops, I dont have a link but they reply quick via messenger it you write to them.

Do you remember the price? I don’t have Facebook so I’d have to make an account to contact them lol

 

[juanrmattos]

Do you remember the price? I don’t have Facebook so I’d have to make an account to contact them lol

It was $ 90 shipped to USA
They dont list any other contact information

 

[gabrielw94106]

Stunning I will be looking forward to seeing the tank set up

 

[juanrmattos]

.
Overdue update...

Still raining daily in South Florida, need a couple consecutive days of sun to attempt breaking the rock for aquascaping... Not looking good so far.

Finally got the Media Cover, it fits nice and snug