Red Sea Reefer 170 Build Thread

bigdan3489 · Nov 30, 2017

I’m starting my Red Sea Reefer 170 build shortly. I just ordered my Reefer 170 and I do not have it yet. This will be my 2nd setup. My first tank I set up a little less than 2 years ago, it was a 75 gallon setup with a 30 gallon sump. I then added a 40 breeder to the system about a year ago as a frag tank. Unfortunately a couple of weeks ago the 40 decided to empty on my hardwood floors ruining a lot. So right now I’m waiting on my floors to be redone before I set up this new system. I completely tore my old system down and sold off everything as I want to start over and do it better. This will be a mixed reef tank. So far my equipment list is as follows:
Kessil A360w
Reef Octopus Classic 110INT
Reef Octopus Varios 2 DC return pump
Ecotech MP10WQD
Reef Keeper Lite
I want to keep it clean and simple. I’m going with Caribsea black live sand and Reef Cleaners dry rock (50lb). Pics will be following

bigdan3489 · Nov 30, 2017

Oh and this is the white cabinet version.

Fizzicks · Nov 30, 2017

Thats almost a carbon copy of my recent RS 170 build!
I can say confidently your build will go well with those components!

bigdan3489 · Nov 30, 2017

Thank you very much! I wanted to go a little higher end this time

Fizzicks · Nov 30, 2017

Tell me about it, It was my first SW tank but I knew from looking at builds before starting mine that I wanted to go the red sea route based on their aesthetics.

bigdan3489 · Nov 30, 2017

Fizzicks said:
Tell me about it, It was my first SW tank but I knew from looking at builds before starting mine that I wanted to go the red sea route based on their aesthetics.

I should have started that way myself but, o course, I was impatient and didn’t want to save for the extra expense. I sure wish I would have as they are beautiful tanks.

Fizzicks · Nov 30, 2017

My only complaint about them is the ATO res lasts me about 2 days before I have to refill it.

That might be because I am in Las Vegas though and the air is a bit dry.

But I have one unoccupied manifold and im considering turning the RS ATO into a refugium. And then setting up a 10 gallon trigger/tunze when I do my apex upgrade I'm currently saving for.

bigdan3489 · Nov 30, 2017

Fizzicks said:
My only complaint about them is the ATO res lasts me about 2 days before I have to refill it.

That might be because I am in Las Vegas though and the air is a bit dry.

But I have one unoccupied manifold and im considering turning the RS ATO into a refugium. And then setting up a 10 gallon trigger/tunze when I do my apex upgrade I'm currently saving for.

I’m in Ohio so it is a lot cooler than Las Vegas but I was already thinking about doing that to the ATO and making it a refugium. I had a Smart ATO micro plumbed into my RODI on my last build and really liked that. I was thinking about doing the same on this new build but want to look at everything and get a feel for how much smaller its going to be in the stand than my previous setup. I want to hide everything inside the stand but still have the inside looking nice and organized.

Fizzicks · Nov 30, 2017

bigdan3489 said:
I want to hide everything inside the stand but still have the inside looking nice and organized.

Check out my build in my signature, You can fit a lot of stuff inside the cabinet if planned correctly. I ended up taking the door off because I liked how my sump looked after I was done.

bigdan3489 · Nov 30, 2017

I looked at yours a couple of weeks ago lol. I was really impressed with how you did your plumbing. I like the open sump look but I like that stand so much I’m not sure I could take the door off lol

AMEE · Dec 1, 2017

I started my Reefer 170 build about a year ago. Only thing I would say is definitely do a automated ato. I use a tunze ato with a innovative marine reservoir. Also if you can I would do the apex because you will want to upgrade to the apex down the road. I just upgraded my pump to the varios from a sicce and you are gonna love it. The varios control with the apex is great! I have the apex classic.

bigdan3489 · Dec 1, 2017

I’d love to have an Apex but I have the RKL from my previous build and am just going to use that for now till I can save the money for the Apex.

AMEE · Dec 2, 2017

bigdan3489 said:
I’d love to have an Apex but I have the RKL from my previous build and am just go Big to us that for now till I can save the money for the Apex.

Oh ok if you have it already then why spend extra money.

JaimeAdams · Dec 2, 2017

I have a reef 170 for my office tank. I love it, they are great tanks. I am sure that you will enjoy yours.

bigdan3489 · Dec 2, 2017

JaimeAdams said:
I have a reef 170 for my office tank. I love it, they are great tanks. I am sure that you will enjoy yours.

I just checked out your build thread and that is a very nice looking tank. I’d as well like to turn the ATO reservoir into a refugium and was wondering if there is anyone who had that done and would be willing to share their ideas.

JaimeAdams · Dec 2, 2017

bigdan3489 said:
I just checked out your build thread and that is a very nice looking tank. I’d as well like to turn the ATO reservoir into a refugium and was wondering if there is anyone who had that done and would be willing to share their ideas.

I can't name anyone specifically, but if you look in the build threads you will see them. Just pull the hose or take the valve off and put a small return pump with a hose into the ATO chamber. Then stick a small light over it with some cheato.

bigdan3489 · Dec 4, 2017

I got my tracking info on my new Reefer 170 and I will have it Thursday!! I can’t wait to start setting this up. I received my Kessil A360WE today. I will post some unboxing pics of the tank when I get it.