Red Sea REEFER 200XL G2+ Mixed Reef Build

[JustinP.]

Hey Reefers!

I've recently decided to pull the trigger on a Red Sea REEFER 200XL (I had to get this due to space restrictions), and I've also decided to document the entire journey. The ups, downs, good, and ugly.

I first started the hobby with a JBJ 20 gallon, then upgraded to a 110, and eventually downgraded to the 200XL after moving.

I've never kept a true "mixed reef," for the majority of my time in the hobby I've kept SPS dominant tanks, so this will be very interesting.

To start, I picked up about 60 pounds of marco rock and made some rubble pieces to make the aquascape.

I'd love to see some inspiration for a cube, since I am limited on space!

 

[Sdoutreefer]

Following along!!

 

[JustinP.]

Following along!!

Hey @Sdoutreefer, great to have you here!

 

[Sdoutreefer]

What are your stocking plans? I just started up this same system. I love it so far.

 

[JustinP.]

What are your stocking plans? I just started up this same system. I love it so far.

I really wanted to have more of a wrasse tank, ever since I bought my first melanrus wrasse when I just got started, they just grew on me. Plus I can't keep a tang in there lol, but here is a list of things that I would like to put in there (I wont be able to get them all due to the limited space haha):

- Blue Spot Jaw Fish
- Emperor Pistol Shrimp
- Melanarus Wrasse
- Blue Head Fairy Wrasse
- Diamond Tail Flasher Wrasse
- Rhomboid Wrasse
- Leopard Wrasse (I haven't decided which one)
- Blotchy Anthias

I think I can find some of the smaller guys and then be able to trade them out after they start to get bigger.

How about your tank? Any livestock plans?

 

[JustinP.]

Update 9/29/2024:

As of now I have the tank setup and in position! I was able to add the Hydros Launch and XP8 for control, and my Sicce SDC 3.0 return pump. I do need to figure out if I'm going to use 2 mp10s or an mp10 and an orbit 2 + nero 3 combination.

For the rock structure I decided to make 2 islands. 1 would be a mini island infront of the main scape, and the main scape which helps fill the back side of the tank! It only took 2 days to figure out how to build it lol, but the mini island is finished, and the main structure is about 60% done.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

Aquascape is sick. Nice job.

 

[Monad]

Watched. This is going to be good.

 

[Peair]

Update 9/29/2024:

As of now I have the tank setup and in position! I was able to add the Hydros Launch and XP8 for control, and my Sicce SDC 3.0 return pump. I do need to figure out if I'm going to use 2 mp10s or an mp10 and an orbit 2 + nero 3 combination.

For the rock structure I decided to make 2 islands. 1 would be a mini island infront of the main scape, and the main scape which helps fill the back side of the tank! It only took 2 days to figure out how to build it lol, but the mini island is finished, and the main structure is about 60% done.

All you need now is a roller filter, protein skimmer, and Inkbird 2 heaters controller, and you will be all set for some time, let the XP8 control the Inkbird, that’s what I do.

 

[JustinP.]

Aquascape is sick. Nice job.

Thank you!

 

[JustinP.]

All you need now is a roller filter, protein skimmer, and Inkbird 2 heaters controller, and you will be all set for some time, let the XP8 control the Inkbird, that’s what I do.

Yeah I was going to get the reefmat 500 for now to see how it performs since I like to feed heavy. Then later on if nutrients keep creeping up and pH is low, I can go get a skimmer.

 

[JustinP.]

Update 9/30/2024: Aquascape

(Please disregard the mess in the background lol its been a journey fighting with the scape haha)

I believe that I'm at the 90% mark with this scape. I can't really imagine any other branches or pieces of rock for this scape.

I really liked how both islands came together and I'm excited to see what they look like together in the sand. They were made to create a nice valley between them for the fish to swim through and have more of an open feel to it.

Once I get the final pieces of equipment and do wire management then I can finally add sand and water to kick off the cycle.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

Update 9/30/2024: Aquascape

(Please disregard the mess in the background lol its been a journey fighting with the scape haha)

I believe that I'm at the 90% mark with this scape. I can't really imagine any other branches or pieces of rock for this scape.

I really liked how both islands came together and I'm excited to see what they look like together in the sand. They were made to create a nice valley between them for the fish to swim through and have more of an open feel to it.

Once I get the final pieces of equipment and do wire management then I can finally add sand and water to kick off the cycle.

That’s really sick. Was initially wanting to go with something along those lines, but ended up with something else. I wish I could re-do my scape… ugh.

 

[JustinP.]

That’s really sick. Was initially wanting to go with something along those lines, but ended up with something else. I wish I could re-do my scape… ugh.

Thank you! I honestly wouldn't worry too much about the scape. You probably won't even see it in a year from now. I do wish I could change a few pieces around, but for the most part, I have more than enough space for sps that I'd like to add and also more than enough space for the LPS that I want to add.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

Thank you! I honestly wouldn't worry too much about the scape. You probably won't even see it in a year from now. I do wish I could change a few pieces around, but for the most part, I have more than enough space for sps that I'd like to add and also more than enough space for the LPS that I want to add.

I know, it does change a lot, and rather quickly. There are just some spots that rock is in the way of flow, or my rock is too close to the glass and I can't get a scraper in there. I just wanted something less "full". I liked the layout initially but then I went to put it in the tank and my scape was way too big. Guess I screwed up on my cm to inches conversion

Your scape is going to grow out pretty awesome tho.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Update 9/30/2024: Aquascape

(Please disregard the mess in the background lol its been a journey fighting with the scape haha)

I believe that I'm at the 90% mark with this scape. I can't really imagine any other branches or pieces of rock for this scape.

I really liked how both islands came together and I'm excited to see what they look like together in the sand. They were made to create a nice valley between them for the fish to swim through and have more of an open feel to it.

Once I get the final pieces of equipment and do wire management then I can finally add sand and water to kick off the cycle.

Very nice looking aquascape!

 

[JustinP.]

Update 10/1/2024: Finished Aquascape

After working on this scape for days, it's finally complete. It came out perfectly (which is hard for me to say). I spent time ensuring room for swim throughs, areas for specific coral placement, and branches for that fuller look.

Overall im proud of how it came out, and it was my first true aquascape.

Seeing it in the tank allowed me to envision what I wanted in there, exactly where I wanted it to be.

I also tried to hide the glue as much as possible to ensure that it could properly be covered in coralline.

Now onto the final part of the build before we fill it with water: cable management and flow.

 

[JustinP.]

Very nice looking aquascape!

Thank you!

 

[JustinP.]

I know, it does change a lot, and rather quickly. There are just some spots that rock is in the way of flow, or my rock is too close to the glass and I can't get a scraper in there. I just wanted something less "full". I liked the layout initially but then I went to put it in the tank and my scape was way too big. Guess I screwed up on my cm to inches conversion

Your scape is going to grow out pretty awesome tho.

I hear you, I made this mistake with my first tank. However, you could try to shift/rotate the scape to better fit it and create some room.

I did this with my current scape. It needed to be rotated ever so slightly to get the right look and once it was in place, it was where I wanted it to be.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

I hear you, I made this mistake with my first tank. However, you could try to shift/rotate the scape to better fit it and create some room.

I did this with my current scape. It needed to be rotated ever so slightly to get the right look and once it was in place, it was where I wanted it to be.

I thought I learned from my previous tank but I guess not… actually my previous tank had a pretty cool scape.

I’ve thought about trying to shift and move, but my rock work is basically one big rock unfortunately. It’s either glued or grouted together. Im just going to live with it. I’m sure it will grow on me once it starts filling out!