Red Sea E170 max AIO mixed reef build - first reef tank

[kiswanson]

I have been keeping fresh water “high tech” planted aquariums (CO2), and thought I should try something really high tech and start my first reef tank.

I went with the Red Sea e170 max ($1744) since I liked the form factor and I liked the rear sump option.

45 G (37 G display 8 G sump)
24" L x 22.6" W x 56" H, including cabinet
Display tank 24” L x 22.6” W x 22”
Red Sea ReefLED 90 light - 90 W
MSK900 skimmer (3:1 water: air ratio)
Return pump 570 Gph = 12.7x/h

Set up the tank and equipment today and leak tested it.

I did add power heads VorTech MP10QD ($299.99 x 2) - Mobius Ready QuietDrive Propeller Pump - EcoTech Marine. Ran into trouble getting them to sync and the app keep stalling.
I have the battery back up for the vortech pumps as well ($173.25).

I also added a custom lid - clear view Pisces Exo Clear view with inserts for feeding ($177) https://www.clearviewlids.com/products/max-e170-clearview-lid which fits perfectly

200W Titanium Heater Element - BRS ($47.99) and HC-810M Digital Heater Controller - Finnex ($43.99)

Placed the central rock work using
LifeRock Dry Live Rock - CaribSea
($159.99 for 40 lbs). Used Aquastick epoxy putty (two little fishes) and super glue with the fast dry spray to make an arch. Used epoxy to attach it to the bare tank bottom. I will also have 2 or 3 additional small islands. Seemed to work pretty well.

Plan to add sand and saltwater tomorrow. Already way more work than a freshwater tank!

 

[kiswanson]

Added 30lbs sand (Fiji Pink Arag-Alive! Reef Sand - CaribSea $62.98)

Added Red Sea sea salt ($26.99 for bucket good for 55 gallon), blue bucket (35 ppm) - added 1/2 cup per gallon then used the Hanna salinity checker ( to get exactly 35. The checker is awesome and super easy to calibrate and use.

For RODI water I used BRS 4 stage value plus 75 GPD RO/DI system ($214.99) which unfortunately came with one of the connectors broken requiring a little dyi fix to get it operational.

Used the Sicce ultra zero utility pump ($99.99) to mix and move water. Really an awesome and easy to use pump. Used a small heater 100w preset heater (78) in the mixing bucket. Let the salt mix over night.

Used a colander and paper towels to minimize disruption of the sand bed and added the saltwater. Added the packets of magnetic clarifier as well.

I did order a better media rack, but it is not here I placed the rinsed activated charcoal, two bags of matrix bio media, and 100 g of purigen, topped with filter floss (not shown).

I will let the tank settle add get to 78 then start the Dr. Tim’s fishes cycle.

Lights will be off for the cycle, just in for photos

 

[kiswanson]

*fishless cycle

I’m also going to get some live rock from my LFS for islands and they also have marine pure balls that have been cycled and matured in a fishless system and I will add some of that to the sump.

 

[kiswanson]

Added live rock islands and added the Dr. Tim’s. I like how the set up turned out.

 

[kiswanson]

Stocking plan (added slowly obviously)

1. Standard clown fish x 2
2. Purple fire fish goby x 3
3. Banggai Cardinal x 2
4. Goby / Pistol shrimp pair
5. Royal gramma
6. Juvenile Bristletooth (flame fin) tomini tang
7. Wrasse - possibly six line
8. ? Maybe lawnmower blenny

 

[kiswanson]

Got the InTank media rack and replaced the standard rack. So much better built. I’m using the activated carbon, matrix bio media, purigen, and a filter floss pad

 

[kiswanson]

Completed the Dr Tim’s cycle, will add fish soon. Added coralline algae.

 

[kiswanson]

Completed the Dr Tim’s cycle, will add fish soon. Added coralline algae.

So ammonia and nitrites still non zero at day 9 of starting dr Tim’s so I’m holding off on fish and will be adding mycobacter 7, 10 ml a day, for 2 weeks

 

[kiswanson]

Ammonia between 6 and 8 ppm. I guess I won’t be adding fish this weekend!

 

[kiswanson]

Added a Tunze osmolator 3155 auto top off ($214.99) and a Crystal ATO 10 Gallon Reservoir - Trigger Systems ($156.99)

 

[Minnesota Reefer]

Thanks for the thread - I am in the process of hopefully purchasing the e170 max, so your info is helpful. Ill continue to check in to see how things are going.

Thanks again!!

 

[kiswanson]

Thanks for the thread - I am in the process of hopefully purchasing the e170 max, so your info is helpful. Ill continue to check in to see how things are going.

Thanks again!!

I’m new to this as well, but if you have any questions on the things I am using etc feel free to message me.

 

[Minnesota Reefer]

I’m new to this as well, but if you have any questions on the things I am using etc feel free to message me.

will do, thanks!

 

[thomascameron81]

Added a Tunze osmolator 3155 auto top off ($214.99) and a Crystal ATO 10 Gallon Reservoir - Trigger Systems ($156.99)

I like that tank where did you get it

mom also running an e170 max

 

[thomascameron81]

I like that tank where did you get it

mom also running an e170 max

I am also running an e170 max dang iPhone lol

 

[kiswanson]

I like that tank where did you get it

mom also running an e170 max

BRS

 

[kiswanson]

I like that tank where did you get it

mom also running an e170 max

It’s a little pricy for a plastic box, but it looks good, and works perfectly for the job. It has the large opening with a lid for refilling and then two small holes that fit a power cord for a pump and the tubing for the the ato. The whole system is working great now and my salinity is staying a rock solid 35.

 

[kiswanson]

Finally making progress with the ammonia. Definitely took longer than the 9 days that the Dr Tim’s has predicted. I’m not sure if it needed more time or if it was the 10ml of microbacter7 a day I started doing on day 10 of the cycle. I still have the lights off. Hoping to add the first fish this weekend if the ammonia continues its trajectory.

 

[kiswanson]

Ammonia finally to zero. Did first water change (20%). First corals in the reef tank. An octospawn euphyllia (green with blue tips) and a green toadstool leather. Dipped them both in coral RX. Also dipped the leather in freshwater. Overall, after just an hour there are already starting to open up and look ok. Planning on adding fish tomorrow.

 

[kiswanson]

Ordered some additional coral from coral anonymous (hammers, zoas, pulsing Xenia, and acans). I’m planning to start species species garden areas. Will start doing 8.5 ml/day Tropic Marin All for Reef (5ml per 100 L) once I have added those additional corals. I’m also going to start adding reef chili 3x week.