Just add water Red Sea 425 XL / WrasseTasic

[SPR1968]

Well I have RODI stored in my garage in plastic containers for months! Lol

So I would say provided it’s out of direct sunlight (algae growth potential) you will be fine whilst you fill the beast.

 

[Crabby48]

And it was this moment I realized how silly of a question that was. Haha

 

[Crabby48]

So change of plans on a very slow build. I will have time to be patient once the build is done.
I got a vittles outback food grade water container that’s sold for dog food that will be used for top off. It’s is not certified so I hope it won’t leach anything. It holds 8 1/2 gallons and has a very big opening so I don’t spill as much water when filling.
I drilled holes for the pmup wires and water hose and used rubber grommets to seal up the hole.

I had white vinyl so I wrapped three sides of the sump along with the bottom. I felt like I would have a seizure looking at it before the wrap with the reflections.
I also hard plumbed everything in 1”. I kept the return simple intill I see what I may want or need to add to install like reactors, or uv and such.
Installed a gate valve on the overflow to adjust the flow.
I have the Neptune ATK float and sensors behind the return pump.

I’m aware orange pvc will not make corals grow or my fish immune to disease but it does look good with the blue on the echTech return pump.

 

[Katrina71]

That looks good!

 

[Crabby48]

Here is a picture of sump and dry side

And one of the whole thing

Sorry if photos are not the greatest I only have an iPhone

 

[mmw64]

these are older pictures so I’ll slowly update in till I catch up
Stand is built

Tank is on the stand and lights installed. I used composite shims to level stand. The stand is on carpet so I may have to adjust as weight is added.

3 days after this I changed my mind on how I am doing the electronics side and will have to take stand back apart then level it again. I had the original tank on stand before I saw the scratch so I’m pretty good at moving the tank.

I lost the pictures of the box I built for the electronics. It was a box built out of MDF and sealed with Plasti-dip. It fits snug in my dry side. I did this so I didn’t have to screw into Red Sea cabinet.
Here it is installed

From what I can see you are handy so this should make this hobby a lot easier. I have a Red Sea 350 and agree that ATO needs to be replaced a.s.a.p. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Crabby48]

@Katrina71 thank you. I had great people guiding me along. I removed the paper fish for the pictures so everyone wouldn’t laugh at me.

@mmw64 I’m handy with a lot of stuff but wood work. Now that I said that I’m sure my plumbing will leak everywhere.
Half the reason for getting in this hobby was for the setup of the equipment I love to do projects.
I think I may have seen 2 people who didn’t complain or have an issue with Red Sea top off so that was a priority.
Thank you for stoping by my thread. Do you have a thread or pictures of your tank?

 

[Crabby48]

Here is the Vivid Creative Aquatics RFG and VCA adaptor for Red Sea stock plumbing. The adapter seems to fit lose and I’ll be surprised if pressure Doesn’t blow it off. If one slipped out, out of spec not a big deal I’m sure they will take care of it.
Here is a picture of it installed.

Still cementing rock together with E-Marco 400 cement. It works really good but I guess the real test is how it holds up in water after a couple years. I think it will be fine.
I find it easier if you have multiple pieces to be cemented to one piece to do one at a time and give it almost 24 hrs to dry.

While that dries i have been wiring the back of the controller panel and mounting power supplies.

 

[SPR1968]

Here is a picture of sump and dry side

And one of the whole thing

Sorry if photos are not the greatest I only have an iPhone

The system looks very smart, and also very clean you’ve done a fantastic job so far. It’s all very neat and tidy.

Now for the fill........

And hurry up we’re waiting! Lol

 

[Katrina71]

I know you have been dealing with an injury. If you post your location, maybe we can get ya hooked up with some free coral. It never hurts to ask.

 

[Crabby48]

SPR1968 thank you for the kind words.
I’m trying to get it filled. I won’t be able to finish setting up my RO/DI for a long time so I have to drive 1hr each way to buy water. It will take 3-4 trips.
That’s dedication

 

[Crabby48]

@Katrina71 i am in NJ I thought I did have it listed. I will have to look into it.
It will be awhile for coral, remember take it slow, nothing good comes for hurrying hahaha

 

[jonnyeatworld]

Looking good! As a fellow new reefer owner i am following along

 

[Katrina71]

@Katrina71 i am in NJ I thought I did have it listed. I will have to look into it.
It will be awhile for coral, remember take it slow, nothing good comes for hurrying hahaha

Well that's obvious from your accent

 

[Katrina71]

What part of NJ?

 

[Crabby48]

Looking good! As a fellow new reefer owner i am following along

Thank you I found your build thread and will be following along. Haven’t had a chance to read it yet

 

[Crabby48]

Well that's obvious from your accent

I haven’t used the Fword so not sure how that’s possible.

What part of NJ?

Hunterdon county I’m close to PA. Small state can drive anywhere in 30 minutes or 1 hour at most.

 

[Crabby48]

@Katrina
I belong to NJRC and there is a lot of great people and they have meeting at LFS that give great discounts. I am greatful I have about 12 very good LFS with in hour drive of me also. There is a lot more LFS around but there are 12 great ones that are amazing.

 

[fabutahoun]

Looking great and organized ! Nicely Done !

 

[Crabby48]

Looking great and organized ! Nicely Done !

Thank you for the compliment. I try