John’s Red Sea Reefer 250

[Pakman2]

Two years ago I dabbled in the hobby for a short period. Being new to the hobby, I decided to go the cheapest route possible as all of this was like a foreign language to me. I purchased a 75 gallon tank and stand at the large pet retail chain for $200. I purchased all of the other necessary equipment from a local fish store. Long story short, I did things that I shouldn’t have and didn’t do things that I should have. I encountered all sorts of algae. I threw band aids at it rather than investigating and correcting the root cause. I also had a case of ich which forced me to basically tear down the entire aquascape to catch the fish so I can quarantine them and run the display tank fallow for 76 days. Shortly there after, I threw the towel in and took all the fish back to the LFS and tore the entire system down.

Fast forward two years…..I’ve been watching and following you tube videos of experienced and knowledgeable reefers. I know so much more now than what I thought I knew two years ago. And I know there is still much much more to learn.

Two weeks ago I paid a visit to the LFS. On display was a brand new Red Sea Reefer 250. I ended up loading the SUV with the RSR 250 and brought it home. This being my second go around, my intention is to do things the correct way from the very beginning. My intention is to supply plenty of step by step pics of my entire journey that I will share with you. I’ve attached a picture of the tank and stand. Ignore the cardboard box inside the tank as it’s only holding the plumbing that came with the tank.

 

[Peace River]

Congratulations on the new adventure!!!

 

[Pakman2]

Congratulations on the new adventure!!!

Thanks @Peace River! I’m looking forward to bouncing suggestions and ideas from this community. I’ve read through lots of other build threads with the same tank and it has given me lots of ideas moving forward.

 

[Pakman2]

While I was at Menards doing some shopping, I picked up a industrial grade shelving unit for $54. Much cheaper than if I was to buy 2x4’s and build my own holding rack. The purpose of this shelf is to hold the QT tanks. When I dipped my toes in the hobby 2 years ago, I “dumped and prayed”. This time around I plan to QT anything and everything prior to introducing it into the tank including coral and inverts.

 

[Pakman2]

Shelving units are up. I must say that the quality is good on these shelving units. Ignore the surrounding mess. The basement is in the process of getting gutted and the cracks in the walls getting epoxy filled to prevent water from entering. Now it’s time to fill the tanks and start the cycle.

 

[powers2001]

@Pakman2 great to see someone with a Reefer 250 too. See my Reefer 250 build. I’m going to be following this one!

 

[Pakman2]

Two 20 gallon long tanks filled with all of the basic necessities for a proper QT. Ammonia added to start the cycle along with nitrifying bacteria. Once the ammonia and nitrite levels zero out, we will be in the LFS getting the first set of fish. Now it’s time to start focusing on the RSR250 and getting that put together.

 

[Pakman2]

While shopping at Costco, I came across this LED lighting strip. I decided to pick it up to install inside the cabinet while I’m working on the sump. I’m currently waiting on a handful of items to arrive from multiple stores so in the meantime I think I’ll start installing the light. Progress pics to follow.

 

[acanman]

Nice I have the same tank your gonna love it..

 

[Pakman2]

Nice I have the same tank your gonna love it..

I agree! The overall tank is an elegant piece and catches everyone’s eye when they walk into the house.

 

[Pakman2]

LED lights have been installed in the top of the cabinet area. This gives off plenty of light to help see everything while working in or around the sump area. The mood lighting is nice too if you’re trying to show off your tank when friends or family come over. The only thing left to do now is order a door switch or a motion sensor. The light came with a wireless remote and the lights are also controlled by a phone app. You can easily tell Alexa or Siri to turn the lights on if that’s the route anyone is interested in.

 

[Pakman2]

It seems that I can’t view the video I attached on the previous post. Can someone else let me know if they are having the same issue? Thanks!

 

[Renescence]

Congratulations! Super jealous! I was supposed to get a RSR 250 for my birthday 2 months ago, but it was brought to my attention that a tank bigger than 20g would break our apartment contract. UGH. (Time to move...I'm already looking lol)

Are you going to go with the RedSea lights for the main display?

 

[acanman]

Idk if he is or not but I did I paired my red sea 250 with the red sea 90s and they are bad butt to say the least lol

 

[Pakman2]

Congratulations! Super jealous! I was supposed to get a RSR 250 for my birthday 2 months ago, but it was brought to my attention that a tank bigger than 20g would break our apartment contract. UGH. (Time to move...I'm already looking lol)

Are you going to go with the RedSea lights for the main display?

@Renescence I have two Kessil 360’s that need to be dusted off that I intend on using with this build. I also have a par meter that I plan on using. I will take pictures and share the data with everyone once we get the aquascape in the tank and start the cycle.

 

[Pakman2]

Idk if he is or not but I did I paired my red sea 250 with the red sea 90s and they are bad butt to say the least lol

@acanman Can I ask what you do or don’t like about them? I’ve never seen them in person.

 

[acanman]

I put ******* guess it either auto corrected it or took off the butt lol

 

[acanman]

Bad butt*

 

[Renescence]

@acanman Can I ask what you do or don’t like about them? I’ve never seen them in person

My family uses the RedSea LEDs in our family reefer 525, and honestly I like them. I think they are great for bringing out the colors in our LPS, and we’ve gotten ridiculous amounts of growth. Our SPS are growing too, but some of the more muted colors have been more difficult to bring out in some of our stubborn acros like the Walt Disney.
Here’s a shot of our tank so you can see the colors.

This was taken using my iPhone 8+ and a filter off Amazon.

 

[acanman]

I like them also auto correct messed up my statement lol. I live them tbh I switch mine between the 18k and 23k week to week basis