What happens next? Will the BRS160 still be BRStv's lab rat? | 52 Weeks of Reefing

What does the future hold for the iconic BRS160? Will we keep testing new reefing methods with the tank or will we finally leave it alone? This is your final update in our three part BRS160 Update series! Find out where this tank is going next.
#BRStv #BRS160
Start the BRS160 Journey from the beginning, right here!
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[@epicnas12342]

I think we all wish we had an extra 4 inches

[@MrShishi]

LMAO

[@joehuggan9213]

Id love if Ryan and Randy would do a seminar at California Reefapalozza, 160 fail and wins is a perfect topic

[@firebird5288]

I wish I could show you guys the 10 gallon nano mixed reef I used to have back in 2007 to 2010. I used well water heavy with lime right from my kitchen faucet, and I used a hang on back filter. Was such a stunning tank. There was coraline algae everywhere and the corals were thriving. In late 07 my wife brought home a fungia plate coral that was the size of a quarter, in one and a half years, it grew to the size of a dessert plate. Was my very first saltwater tank too.

[@madrox4132]

My masterflex was a total game changer. I'm really glad to see affordable options becoming available.

[@atfinthehouse8631]

Have been using continuum line of products also, on a 29 gallon frag tank with an aquaclear 70 HOB. Working great.

[@bryant026]

I would love to see BRS do an all aquaforest aquarium

[@SkyHigghReef]

Bryant Carr or just some AF testing

[@jammiesmith3226]

Very beautiful tank. I love it.

[@gbj6581]

That Raja is look awsome! Maybe add a yellow tang. I find dark fish in a reef tank dont stand out as much for me personally.

[@Blackbookproduct10ns]

Can you explain what you mean by “pegging the ph” with the calcium rector?

[@CrustaceonsReef]

Mattyice They probably drove down the ph in the reactor as far as they could without turning the media to mush (makes the solution in the reactor as potent as possible) and used the peristaltic pump to meter in the solution. Some people run a higher numerical ph in their reactors and pump more effluent into the tank in order to reduce the risk of clogging the effluent line. Either way, you’re limited by the “melting point” of the media used and some reactors, especially smaller ones can’t put out enough effluent to prevent clogs while simultaneously keeping ph in the reactor low enough without wasting excessive Co2 from the bottle in the process. IME, calcium reactors are far from “set and forget” and in my case, 2-part is just way easier and just as affordable.

[@BRStv]

Basically what we mean by that is keeping the pH within the calcium reactor at a set and steady level and adjusting the flow rate to increase/decrease your alkalinity/calcium dosing.

[@brandonarnold3101]

What about a group of 3 or 4 pyramid butterfly fish. Great cleaners, coral friendly, very vibrant in color, and by adding in a group they will stand a better chance with such territorial fish. I believe you said in a previous episode that it was hard to add new fish due to how long the fish had been in there. Thanks again for all you do!

[@tristanrogers1780]

Those borbonius anthias get me every time

[@TheJonnyyyy]

How long you guys gonna keep your tang in the acclimation box? At what point does the restricted size affect health?

[@BRStv]

In this case, it was for about a week. Unfortunately the Purple Tangs didn't get along with him very well, so it's onto plan B.

[@tmrvstyle]

For the stand, I like what I did with spar varnish but if I had it to do again I think I would have used an epoxy finish, like stonecoat countertops stuff so I'm really interested to see what you do with the cabinet. This is the area I think matters for a show tank I've ignored caring about what's inside more.

[@EricJohnson-dc2ej]

What's wrong with how the UV is plumbed? Sure some of the water goes through twice, so what?

[@BRStv]

It's probably not a huge issue the way it is currently set up, but we're just after a little more efficiency/control.

[@brandongordon2546]

I like the plan for the fish and coral!

[@Val_Halla777]

+1 for adding back sand bottom (coarse).

[@videosurfer7401]

I must have missed some videos, don't see any reason why BRS wouldn't keep the roller mat if wanted it.

[@John_Benson]

Just keep that beautiful raja rampage chalice as a centerpiece!

[@o0iamdb0o]

Digging the videos! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@mnelson10000]

Maybe it's the camera, but the color looks off to me. Between that and the algae, I'm guessing the no3 and po4 is higher than what you think the refugium is maintaining it at.

[@Reef_Ninja]

Keep up the great work guys!!

[@adambahe9309]

The Versa dosing pumps leak. Major manufacturing issue with the valves on them. Also they're much, much louder than the Kamoers.

[@1MartinWaite]

I'm looking to add a school of Royal Grammas nice flash off colour and possibly breed in your tank.

[@PrestigePoolandPatioFrisco]

You mentioned “fix some of the plumbing”, can you elaborate. I’m just starting a full plumbing setup on my 150 DT and would love to know your thoughts before doing so.

[@BRStv]

The main thing that we'd like to change is to run two return pumps. One as a dedicated return with the other as a feed pump for the UV. Since we have 2 returns, we feel that this is the best way to not only provide redundancy to the system, but also properly set up the UV. We'll also likely get rid of a few manifold ports that we're not using.

[@markmckinnell2204]

Bare bottoms are for stag nights and sandy bottoms are for reef tanks in my humble opinion 🥴

[@mattrussell2580]

Great video guys

[@arodmacias4990]

Another great video like always... Hit that thumbs up button everyone...

[@AJ-bi6ns]

Can’t remember but wasn’t this tank Triton for awhile? Seems like the Triton method has come and gone?

[@Multra]

I wouldn't scrape the bottom if it's a plastic sheet as the floor, could throw up a lot of plastic shavings and harm the fish and equipment.

[@maokinus]

Hey is that Ulva in the front part of the refugium at 6:45? Was that always the case? Why was it never mentioned?

[@BRStv]

It's something that we tried as a part of the Triton method. They suggest more than one type of algae in the refugium. Unfortunately, we're back to chaeto only as it's taken over the whole fuge.

[@maokinus]

@@BRStv thanks for the clarification. I struggled with GHA and chaeto alone and Triton. I have since moved to chaeto, ulva and red ogo. So far so good.

[@jimporter]

If the UV can be set up differently to serve two different purposes then why not use two of them each set up for the differing purposes.

[@BRStv]

That would absolutely work, but then you're also doubling the start up cost and maintenance cost of the UV.

[@jimporter]

Bulk Reef Supply yes but at the same time you are discussing a system which covers all bases while slightly ignoring cost, hence the intention to add a second expensive return pump in order to reduce risk and by using two UVs for two different purposes you are reducing risk.

[@laurens6267]

great ideas for the future of this tank ! maybe instead of the chromis some blue eyed cardinals, they are a beautifull schooling fish that stay in sticks.

[@cubanreefer1582]

Can the coral booster be together in the same container with flat worm stopper to be dose?

[@BRStv]

We'd suggest dosing them separately to ensure that you're dosing the correct amount of each component.

[@cubanreefer1582]

Bulk Reef Supply Thank you! Guys as usual good and fast response

[@derrickward7687]

Concerning the various additives for the corals like the blue bottles, etc., are they good for Soft Corals, or are these additives only beneficial for LPS & SPS?

[@BRStv]

While most of the KZ products are formulated specifically for LPS or SPS, they do have a general coral system that includes trace elements. For those not running the Zeovit system, this is a solid option to replenish trace elements.

[@anchor4346]

Wouldn't scraping off the existing Coraline from the bottom have a similar effect to removing the sand?

[@BRStv]

Potentially. More than anything, it's seemed to affect calcium and alkalinity consumption.

[@thereefaholic]

Great Info.

[@archetyx]

Before you add more fish, why not give us a list of what fish you have in there now?

[@ryankattner9966]

I must have missed something. I thought removing the sand was going to make things easier as well as enable greater flow at the bottom. What made you regret taking it out?

[@BRStv]

If we're talking about a new setup, bare bottom will definitely allow you to crank up the flow and keep detritus suspended in the water column. However in this case, the BRS160 had been established for multiple years and removing it caused a de-stabilization event which brought more challenges than benefits. Almost a year later, we're now seeing the tank stabilize again and come back around.

[@hypnoticsnake4698]

@@BRStv sorry for the late reply but what if you removed it slowly over time?

[@tomgiddens3833]

I would like to see a big clam in the 360

[@tomgiddens3833]

160

[@atfinthehouse8631]

How do you like Orion LED lights?

[@BRStv]

We brought them in for testing a while back, but decided not to carry them. They're decent lights, but just didn't fit into our current good, better, best product lineup.

[@donward2466]

Would really appreciate your advice on the best way to plumb the UV into a tank that the tank was not drilled predrilled for. I bought the 50w HO and am now wondering how to plumb it.

[@Matt-dc8lp]

Hang on UV sterilizer like this? www.bulkreefsupply.com/15-watt-advantage-2000-uv-sterilizer-with-hanger-spout-aqua-ultraviolet.html Put a power head or small pump in the tank (size based on flow needed for the sterilizer), plumb it with flex or hard PVC to the sterilizer. I'd probably put both a gate valve to control the flow and a union to easily separate the pump from the sterilizer for maintenance.

[@tonyhight6724]

Curious on this myself. With that UV, putting a pump in the tank isn't the best solution for the flow you would need. I hope they update how they intend to plumb this in soon.

[@donward2466]

I bought the 50Watt HO from BRS. The tank is 300 Gallons so 15 watts wouldn't work and the power head wouldn't push enough flow to work properly, at least not according to the manufacture and the BRS videos, But Thanks a bunch for the idea.

[@donward2466]

Was actually plumbing a new 300G this weekend, not sure what to do now. I will be anxiously waiting as I cannot find anything on it, even at the Pentair web site. The only thing I can think to do is maybe feed it from the manifold with a flow sensor and plumb the other end into the return. If I think or find anything I will let you know. Good luck to the both of us, lol

[@MrMushroomish]

Why does the tank look so dark tho? Kind of a boring look

[@muffemod]

Can the UV be used submersed ???

[@BRStv]

These particular sterilizers are not designed to be submerged.

[@grounds28]

BRS do you guys have any recommendation on any good books for someone who is looking to get into reefing

[@petesreef1891]

Hi Grounds check out the BRS videos they show how to set up a reef tank from start to finish . I think it's called 52 weeks of reefing it's a great series. Loads of up to date information on the Internet , check out reef to reef website, ultimate reef in the Uk. Great books I have read are Julian Sprungs The Reef Aquarium vol 1, 2 and 3 also the Modern Coral Reef Aquarium by Nilsen and Fossa volumes 1-4. These are getting older now but are still fantastic books for knowledge and inspiration. The BRS videos are up to date and have tons of information and the guys have tried and tested lots of equipment that you may want to use .Join your local reef club , the websites I mentioned earlier will have info where they are. Best of luck on setting up and you will soon be like most of us addicted to this hobby. I have put a video of my own tank on you tube you can see it probably by clicking on my ' P' icon , I'm grateful to Ryan and Randy for all the help they have gave to this hobby of ours well done BRS 👍👍👍

[@tmrvstyle]

Martin A Moe

[@grounds28]

Thank you mr. Elliot I appreciate it

[@CrabApples13]

When are you guys gonna review the new AI Primes?

[@BRStv]

It's on the to-do list. We're going to feature each new model individually, so you'll see a separate episode for the Hydra 64, 32, and Prime

[@kernpierre5103]

Wish my tank could look like that....awesome job...maybe some pulsing zinas?

[@Emmanuel-rs7eu]

RIP BRS 160

[@smedspets695]

Sticks on barebottom?...

[@sethrester8505]

Add some flag tails

[@jesseguarino4173]

anybody else catch the aiptasia keeping that sump angel company? 16:33... come on brs lol you look like my lfs....

[@BRStv]

We're definitely not trying to hide that we've struggled with aiptasia in the BRS160. If you check out our BRS160 fails video, Ryan and Randy discuss this more in depth.

[@jesseguarino4173]

@@BRStv just busting your barnacles lol, aiptasia is the devils sea weed....

[@trureef2319]

Sell me the old kamorel I asked first.

[@tomahawkmissile241]

This channel sounds like a bunch of beginners even with a 5 year period.

[@tomahawkmissile241]

Always use the bacteria even with a gold fish. Circulation is the single best tool that we have in conjunction with the skimmer which takes the load off the whole system in return. Good to note to turn on the Uv light on for time periods. What would of been helpful is to explain: How long you needed to cycle the Uv light. Than back up the fact if you plumbed it to the intake it could run a lot less - instead of where you had it. Please respond for some real knowledge to the hobbyist watching.

[@tomahawkmissile241]

Also if you add in more the skimmer will just remove it. So why not use the uv and refrigium on a cycle!!!! If your having issues. The skimmer removes proteins to remove it before it starts the cycle.

[@tomahawkmissile241]

The sand needs the bacteria but put the scrubber on a cycle with ur to help keep food in for the live bacteria.

[@tomahawkmissile241]

Leave the ph and let your materials adjust the ph based on substrates and calcium levels needed.

[@tomahawkmissile241]

Auto top off are dangerous. Go ahead add some open water that help cycle the water and improve fishes to swim with more confidence.

[@bretolroyd2952]

Please stop referring to SPS as sticks and stick heads, it's embarrassing.

[@cubanreefer1582]

Can the coral booster be together in the same container with flat worm stopper to be dose?

[@BRStv]

If you're talking about using it on a dosing pump, you'll want to keep them separated to ensure that you're dosing the correct amount of each individual liquid solution.