New Redsea Reefer XL 525 108 Gallon Setup and Updates

[PlanB]

Have you looked at the HMS mounts?

Yeah, but the HMS mounts have that mounting bolt that sticks out too far.

 

[jsker]

Yeah, but the HMS mounts have that mounting bolt that sticks out too far.

Just a suggestion you could alway DIY shorter screws.

 

[Elias Kalogiros]

Great, I plan on following the ZeoVit to the T. I have heard great things. Your link is very detailed and will be very helpful.

Good question on the plumbing, that's because I was typing too fast and didn't proof read. LOL. The plumbing is 3/4", I corrected it above. Thank you!

After the tank cycles (14 days) what is the base Zeovit program schedule? Where does ZEOfood 7 come into play?

 

[ksfulk]

After the 14 day cycle, then I would follow the recommendations in the ZeoGuide (where it says "Subsequently") (found here)

ZeoBak

ZeoStart:

SpongePower: Per the directions on the bottle.

Here's my schedule, if that helps:
Every day: 1mL ZeoStart, 8 drops of SpongePower, Pump reactor 8-13 times
Twice a week (Wed & Sun): As above, and 8 drops of ZeoBak
Once a week (Sun): 10-20% water change
Once a month: Change Carbon
Every 6-8 weeks: Change ZeoLites (I think the first change is at week4, then every 6-8 after that)

There's lots of other products you can use, but I havent found it necessary to do so. Your tank will obviously be different

 

[Elias Kalogiros]

After the 14 day cycle, then I would follow the recommendations in the ZeoGuide (where it says "Subsequently") (found here)

ZeoBak

ZeoStart:

SpongePower: Per the directions on the bottle.

Here's my schedule, if that helps:
Every day: 1mL ZeoStart, 8 drops of SpongePower, Pump reactor 8-13 times
Twice a week (Wed & Sun): As above, and 8 drops of ZeoBak
Once a week (Sun): 10-20% water change
Once a month: Change Carbon
Every 6-8 weeks: Change ZeoLites (I think the first change is at week4, then every 6-8 after that)

There's lots of other products you can use, but I havent found it necessary to do so. Your tank will obviously be different

Thanks for the help. Just getting a little overwhelmed, with information overload.

 

[ksfulk]

No problem... there isnt a lot of literature out there, and it feels like new people are kinda left out to blaze their own trail. I dont know that how I did it is the "right"way, but it worked. Follow the 14 day guide until you're done with it, then fall back to what the guide says (which is similar to the directions on each of the bottles) and just run with it. You can use ZeoFood, but its largely been replaced by SpongePower. I still have the original bottle of ZeoFood I got with the bundle last year. I've used it maybe 6-7 times and each time I got a lot of film algae the next day. If I dont use it, then I have to clean the glass every 3-4 days. That seems to be in line with what several others have experienced.

 

[Elias Kalogiros]

No problem... there isnt a lot of literature out there, and it feels like new people are kinda left out to blaze their own trail. I dont know that how I did it is the "right"way, but it worked. Follow the 14 day guide until you're done with it, then fall back to what the guide says (which is similar to the directions on each of the bottles) and just run with it. You can use ZeoFood, but its largely been replaced by SpongePower. I still have the original bottle of ZeoFood I got with the bundle last year. I've used it maybe 6-7 times and each time I got a lot of film algae the next day. If I dont use it, then I have to clean the glass every 3-4 days. That seems to be in line with what several others have experienced.

Great, Thank you for your help.

 

[Elias Kalogiros]

OK so got some work done today. Took down the APEX Controller from my existing system and Mounted all of the modules in the new cabinet. I decided to mount the main controller on the wall above the aquarium for quick access of stats. Let me know what you think.
I had to redo the manifold because I screwed it up... It was my first plumbing job. It is taped and painted drying in the garage, hope it looks OK when it's done.

 

[Elias Kalogiros]

Today I mounted the manifold, I think it came out pretty good. Can't wait to start the tank up but I'm still waiting on a bunch of equipment.

 

[Elias Kalogiros]

If anyone has the Reefer 525. Can you let me know how many lbs. Of sandebed did you use when setting up the tank?

 

[ksfulk]

I used 80lbs of Tropic Eden MesoFlakes to get a solid 1" - 1.5" sand bed - once all of the rock was put down on the glass.

 

[Elias Kalogiros]

I used 80lbs of Tropic Eden MesoFlakes to get a solid 1" - 1.5" sand bed - once all of the rock was put down on the glass.

Perfect I have 90 Lbs. of the same stuff at my house just wanted to make sure it was enough. I am also copying your purple barnacle idea, they look amazing!!!
Where did you get the return nozzle?

 

[ksfulk]

I originally used a taped up threaded adapter, as many people do in the Red Sea Reefer thread here on Reef2Reef, but I have since picked up a printed adapter from Vivid Creative Aquatics and a 1/2" splitter to a couple segements of 1/2" locline and then ending with the Random Flow Generators from VCA. They have the entire setup available now as well in either 1/2" or 3/4" locline (here). They are really nice and durable. I dont know if the RFG makes a huge difference, but it adds a bit of turbulence to the top of the tank.

 

[Elias Kalogiros]

I originally used a taped up threaded adapter, as many people do in the Red Sea Reefer thread here on Reef2Reef, but I have since picked up a printed adapter from Vivid Creative Aquatics and a 1/2" splitter to a couple segements of 1/2" locline and then ending with the Random Flow Generators from VCA. They have the entire setup available now as well in either 1/2" or 3/4" locline (here). They are really nice and durable. I dont know if the RFG makes a huge difference, but it adds a bit of turbulence to the top of the tank.

Thanks so much for the help!! I just ordered the kit.

 

[Reefer1978]

Nice build. Welcome!!! I have a 425xl and love it!!!

 

[Elias Kalogiros]

Need advise please.. it is my first large aquascape and I don't know where to start. Should I glue them or not. Should I build the structure in the tank or outside and then move it? If I glue them outside how do I move them I to the tank? Would like to hear how you guys handle it.

 

[Elias Kalogiros]

So after about 5 hours I think I'm happy with the aquascape. It is a pain in the butt! Not my favorite part of the build. The return pump has been installed and the manifold connections are done. I'm still waiting on 2 pieces of equipment, the skimmer and the Ziovit reactor.

 

[Elias Kalogiros]

Finally got the last 2 pieces I was waiting for, almost ready for the startup hopefully this week.

 

[Elias Kalogiros]

Tank is getting filled today, so far so good. I'm super excited.

 

[Elias Kalogiros]

Ok, the tank is full and everything is running but I have a problem I just can not figure out. I can not get the ATO tank into its spot, it does not fit because of the return plumbing behind it. Can anyone help please?