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REEF-FRAME Operation Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Red Sea REEF-FRAME reef system.

Red Sea’s REEF-FRAME Systems provide advanced hobbyists with a solid foundation for building a fully featured reef or marine aquarium. The REEF-FRAME Series combines a contemporary, ultra-clear glass aquarium with a stylish cabinet and a comprehensive water management system, including a professional sump with Red Sea’s unique silent down-flow system.

The REEF-FRAME series is designed for ease of operation while enabling hobbyists to install an unlimited choice of lighting, filtration, circulation and controllers to create a uniquely customized system.

This manual complements the graphic assembly manuals and contains installation and operational instructions for all of the REEF-FRAME series aquariums.

We hope that you enjoy your REEF-FRAME and your reef.

The Red Sea Team

Location

The first step in setting up the REEF-FRAME is to choose a suitable location.

Weight
The flooring directly below the system must be rated to support the following weight:

Approximate total weight of system including water

REEF-FRAME Model

170

250

350

500

Weight

270kg/
596lb

374kg/
825lb

547kg/
1205lb

772kg/
1703lb

Room temperature
Site selection is important for correct temperature maintenance. We recommended that you keep the ambient room temperature a comfortable and stable 22°C / 72°F. Avoid placing the tank in front of an air conditioner, heating vents or direct sunlight. A well ventilated room with moderate light is the best place to position the aquarium.

Accessibility
Ensure that there is at least 10cm / 4” of clearance behind the REEF-FRAME to allow easy access for installing/removing cables from the sump as well as sufficient air circulation for a chiller (larger models only). It is recommended to leave approximately 60cm/24” between one of the sides of the aquarium and any adjacent walls or furniture for access to the rear of the tank.

General considerations
Ensure that the area surrounding the aquarium is waterproof and consider moving away anything that water might damage or may be corroded by the salt.

Note:

The REEF-FRAME system should not be moved when full of water.

Assembly

The following information complements the graphic manuals.

WARNING: If you are not experienced in the construction of self-assembly furniture or the installation of aquarium systems, seek suitably qualified assistance.

ATTENTION: The top board of the cabinet (Part C) and some other parts of the cabinet (in certain models) are packed under the aquarium. In order to retrieve these parts, remove the aquarium from its packaging. Make sure to avoid contact between the Bulkheads on the bottom of the tank and the floor, by placing the glass aquarium on Styrofoam parts that are used in the package.

The REEF-FRAME includes the following main components:

• Glass aquarium
• Cabinet (self-assembly)
• ReefMat Ready glass sump with optional Refugium chamber
• Internal Piping kit with outlet nozzle

Detailed instructions for the complete assembly of the REEF-FRAME can be found in the accompanying graphic manuals.

Complete the assembly of the cabinet including the doors as shown in the graphic assembly manual and place in the final operating position (see location above).

Note:

It is important to assemble the REEF-FRAME in the order indicated.

WARNING:

Read before lifting the glass aquarium onto the cabinet.

The top of the cabinet is approximately 86cm/34” from the floor.
The table shows the approximate weights of the different models of the REEF-FRAME aquarium glass.

Approximate total weight of Aquarium Glass

REEF-FRAME Model

170

250

350

500

Weight

41kg / 90lb

59kg / 129lb

97kg / 214lb

133kg / 293lb

Ensure that you have the correct number of people to lift the aquarium according to its weight and size.
Ensure that anyone lifting the aquarium is physically suitable for such an operation and has been instructed in the correct methods of lifting heavy objects.

Once the aquarium is correctly aligned with the cabinet, check that the cabinet has not moved. If necessary readjust the position of the cabinet.
For units with adjustable legs: Using a spirit level on the top surface of the glass tank, adjust the height of the legs to level the aquarium. Make sure that all legs are touching the floor.

Before placing the glass sump in the cabinet make sure that the cabinet doors are correctly aligned (see instructions in the cabinet assembly manual). With the doors properly aligned, rotate the front section of the push opener to the correct extension so that the doors will pop open when pushed.

Overflow box pipes: Make sure that that the O-rings are in position on the threaded connectors before assembly. To ensure correct assembly, firmly hold the threaded connectors from inside the cabinet and tighten well by hand. Do not use tools. Avoid unscrewing the pipes from the overflow box once assembled as the locking mechanism that prevents counter-rotation will be less effective.

Sump pipes: Make sure that the O-rings are in position on the connectors before assembly. After assembly check that the securing nut is holding the pipe in position. Do not use tools and do not overtighten.

Overflow Box Cover: The overflow box cover reduces noise from the water fall of the surface skimmer. If you wish to use the rear wall of the overflow box for mounting equipment such as lighting, break out the section of the cover as shown in the graphic manual. After breaking out the removable section, smooth the remaining edge with a file or sandpaper.

Overview of the REEF-FRAME water management system

Surface Skimmer / Overflow Box

Surface water from the aquarium flows via the removable comb sections of the surface skimmer into the overflow box that houses the dual intakes of the silent-flow downpipe system and the outlet nozzle of the sump return pump. The silent-flow downpipe system includes a flow-regulated main downpipe and a secondary overflow bypass pipe. An external pipe is placed over the main downpipe to ensure positive water motion throughout the entire height of the overflow box.
The fine adjustment gate valve on the main downpipe enables the water level in the overflow box to be maintained at a constant height between the intakes of the main and bypass pipes, which ensures positive surface skimming while eliminating all noise from the water flow to the sump. An incorrect setting of the flow valve will be accompanied by the sound of the water returning to the sump and is an indication that the flow valve needs adjusting.

Important note:

To ensure quiet operation an Automatic Top Off (ATO) should added to the sump to maintain a stable volume of water in the system. This will also maintain a stable salinity.

Sump

Water from the flow-regulated main downpipe and the secondary overflow bypass pipe enter a compact reception chamber in the sump.
Care should be taken in the choice of any filter media placed in the reception chamber as the turbulent flow conditions from the downpipe could cause a constant discharge of fine media particles.
The water then flows through the 225 micron filter bags or cups before entering the constant-height main reactor or skimmer chamber. If the filter bags are not cleaned frequently enough and become blocked, the water will bypass the filter bags without affecting the overall operation of the sump.
To install a ReefMat or other roller filter, remove the filter-bag tray and slide out the removable divider wall.
The optional refugium wall divides the sump chamber into 2 sections. The water level in the front (refugium) section is set by the combs at the top of the wall. The water level in the rear (skimmer) section is set by the height of the pump chamber inlet gate that should be set according to the requirements of your skimmer.
A bubble trap labyrinth with coarse sponge, at the inlet of the pump compartment, will prevent bubbles from the skimmer being returned to the aquarium.
Any loss of water due to evaporation will cause a drop in the water level in the pump compartment of the sump. Maintaining a constant water height in the pump compartment is essential for the stability of the entire water management system by ensuring a constant head pressure on the intake of the main pump.

Recommended Return Pump (not included):

Aquarium Model

REEF-FRAME 170 / 250

1x ReefRun G2 4000 (2000-4000 lph / 530-1060 gph)

Aquarium Model

REEF-FRAME 350

1x ReefRun G2 6000 (3600-6500 lph / 950-1700 gph)

Aquarium Model

REEF-FRAME 500

1x ReefRun G2 8000 (4100-8300 lph / 1080-2200 gph)

Operation

Initial Fill

Check that all pipes are properly assembled and that any flexible tubes are suitably secured in position.
Install any equipment that will take up water volume in the sump before starting to fill the system
Open the main flow valve (rotate anti-clockwise) to maximum.
Add approximately 15cm/6” of water to the overflow box to make sure that all the pipe joins are watertight. Check for leaks inside the cabinet.
Add water to the main tank and once it is full, monitor the water level in the sump as it begins to fill.
As soon as there is approximately 15cm/6” of water in the main pump compartment, switch on the pump and stop adding water.
Switch on skimmers or other filters that will affect the water level in the sump and add more water as required to maintain the 15cm/6” of water in the main pump compartment.
Allow the system to run for a few minutes and adjust the flow valve (as described below) so that the water level in the overflow box is at the correct level.
Add/remove water to/from the system and adjust the flow valve until the water levels in the system stabilise.

WARNING:

Overfilling the sump with equipment or water may cause a flood in the event of an interruption of electric power.

Main downpipe gate-valve adjustment

To raise the water level in the overflow box, rotate the valve clockwise.To lower the water level in the overflow box, rotate the valve counter clockwise.
The main downpipe flow valve provides a very fine control of the flow rate however after making adjustments it takes the system a few minutes to stabilize at the new setting.
Once you have established the approximate setting for the valve make very small adjustments and wait for a few minutes each time. It may take a number of occasional adjustments to reach a stable level. When set properly this system removes all of the noise of water flowing down to the sump.

Power-out test

After completing the initial set up and after adding any new equipment to the sump, make any adjustments necessary to the main valve to stabilise the system and perform a “power-out” test to check that water does not rise above the rim of the sump.

Maintenance

For continuous smooth operation of the water management system make regular checks of the following:
• Water level in the overflow box – adjust the flow valve as required
• Micron Filter Bags – check that water is flowing through the bags and clean/replace as required
• Surface skimmer combs – remove any deposits that reduce water flow
• Pump outlet nozzle – check for blockages and build-up of algae

Micron Filter bags

It is recommended to have at least 3 sets of filter bags.
There are a few options for cleaning the filter bags:
Quick and effective – Spray the outside of the bags with a powerful water jet such as a garden hose to back-flush the detritus from the Polyester bag.
More thorough – soak the bags in bleach or diluted vinegar for 24 hours prior to spraying as above. Rinse well to remove all chemicals before returning to sump.
The filter bags can also be put in a cold wash in a washing machine with regular detergent or with vinegar (may require approval from a higher authority).

Warranty

Red Sea Aquarium Systems Limited Warranty.

Thank you for purchasing a Red Sea Aquarium System consisting of an aquarium, sump, pipework, and cabinet (hereinafter “the Aquarium System”).
This limited warranty does not cover any additional Red Sea products purchased together with the Aquarium System as part of a REEF-FRAME Max offering, all such additional products are provided with their own individual warranty.
Red Sea Aquatics (UK) Ltd. (hereinafter “Red Sea”) warrants the Aquarium System against manufacturer’s defects in material and workmanship for 36 months from the date on which the Aquarium System was originally purchased by the original purchaser (hereinafter “the Original Purchase Date”), as further detailed below.
The warranty provided by Red Sea is NOT TRANSFERABLE AND IS LIMITED TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER. If the Aquarium System is eligible under this warranty, Red Sea will either repair the Aquarium System free of charge (not including shipping costs) with new or refurbished parts or replace the Aquarium System with a new or refurbished Aquarium System at Red Sea’s sole discretion.
This limited warranty DOES NOT COVER normal wear and tear, or items that have a limited natural life or are consumable, such as, but not limited to impellers, sponges, filter socks, and “O” rings. It also DOES NOT COVER damage which occurs in shipment and/or failures or defects resulting from use outside normal conditions and/or natural disasters, accidents, power line surges, neglect, improper installation, operation or maintenance, and/or servicing of the Aquarium System or tampering with the Aquarium System by anyone other than an authorized Red Sea service center, or failure to use or assemble the Aquarium System in accordance with any instructions provided (in the Aquarium System manual or otherwise including on Red Sea’s website) or the technical and/or safety standards of the country in which the Aquarium System is used. Additionally, any modification of the Aquarium System other than by an authorized Red Sea service center will invalidate this warranty.
In order to effect this warranty, please contact your local service center. For your convenience, details of authorized service centers can be found on Red Sea’s website. Proof of purchase will be required before warranty performance is rendered.
The sole and exclusive remedy against Red Sea shall be for the repair or replacement of the Aquarium System as provided above. NO OTHER REMEDY (including but not limited to, incidental or consequential damages or damages for lost profits, lost sales, or any other incidental or consequential loss or damage) shall be provided under this warranty. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damage, so the above limitation may not apply to you. To the full extent allowed by applicable law, in no event shall Red Sea be liable for any loss or damage to aquatic life, and/or damage to other property and/or individuals (including but not limited to the original purchaser) resulting from the use of the Aquarium System or arising out of any breach of this warranty. All implied warranties (including but not limited to the warranty of merchantability of the Aquarium System or that the Aquarium System is fit for a particular purpose) are excluded to the full extent allowed by applicable law, and to the extent that they may not be excluded, are limited for the duration of the applicable warranty period set forth above. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty or condition lasts, so this limitation may not apply to you. The express warranties made in this limited warranty are the sole and exclusive warranties provided to the original purchaser and may not be altered, enlarged, or changed by any distributor, dealer, or other person, whatsoever.
SPECIAL TERMS APPLICABLE TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER’S OPTION TO OBTAIN AN EXTENDED 24-MONTH WARRANTY.
The original purchaser and only the ORIGINAL PURCHASER may obtain an extended warranty (hereinafter “the Extended Warranty”) covering the structural integrity of the glass aquarium and cabinet (but not on any other components of the Aquarium System or other products provided with or purchased together with the Aquarium System) without charge, by registering the Aquarium System within 90 days of the Original Purchase Date on Red Sea’s website at www.redseafish.com and uploading the proof of purchase.
By registering the Aquarium System and exercising the option to obtain the Extended Warranty, you acknowledge that you have carefully read and understood the terms and conditions that apply to the Extended Warranty, which are set forth below, and that you fully agree to such terms and conditions.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EXTENDED WARRANTY
The Extended Warranty is NOT TRANSFERABLE AND IS LIMITED TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER.
The Extended Warranty is available only for REEF-FRAME purchased in one of the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Taiwan, UK and USA.
The Extended Warranty may only be obtained within 90 days from the Original Purchase Date.
The Extended Warranty shall apply for the duration of a consecutive 24-month period commencing on the expiry date of the 36 months from the Original Purchase Date.
The Extended Warranty only covers the structural integrity of the glass aquarium and cabinet (hereinafter “the Covered Components”).
If the Covered Components are eligible to be serviced under the Extended Warranty, Red Sea will either repair the Covered Components free of charge (not including shipping costs) with new or refurbished parts or replace the Covered Components with new or refurbished Covered Components, as Red Sea may determine in its sole discretion.
This Extended Warranty DOES NOT COVER normal wear and tear, or items that have a limited natural life or are consumable, such as, but not limited to; “O” rings. This Extended Warranty also DOES NOT COVER damage which occurs in shipment and/or failures or defects resulting from use outside normal conditions and/or natural disasters, accidents, power line surges, neglect, improper installation, operation or maintenance and/or servicing of the Covered Components or tampering with the Covered Components by anyone other than an authorized Red Sea service center, or failure to use or assemble the Covered Components in accordance with any instructions provided (in the Aquarium System manual or otherwise including on Red Sea’s website) or the technical and/or safety standards of the country in which the Aquarium System is used. Additionally, any modification of the Covered Components other than by an authorized Red Sea service center will invalidate the Extended Warranty.
Except as specifically modified herein the terms and conditions of the Red Sea warranty provided upon the original purchase of the Aquarium System shall also apply to the Extended Warranty.