My IM build

[ichthyoid]

So here is the beginning to my 50 gal IM build. After months of planning, acquisition & delay it’s finally moving forward.

First, is the display & APS aluminum stand -

 

[ichthyoid]

Here is the Bubble Magus skimmer inside the Trigger Triton 26 sump. I initially bought a Curve 5 model, but ended up with a Curve 7 also, just to be sure on size. The other will be a spare.

 

[ichthyoid]

After buying an Eheim Compacton 2100 AC pump, I changed my mind and upgraded to a Varios DC pump. The added efficiency, reliability, controllability & direct battery backup made the choice an easy one. I got both a Varios 2 & 4, just to be sure on sizing. One will serve as a backup.

 

[ichthyoid]

Installing an AquaUV sterilizer was decided. The question was what size? After a lot of analysis & thought, I settled on a 25 watt. The initial system volume is about 90 gals. It will not likely be run at night, as that is when the pods & plankton are active & corals feed. I don’t want to wipe them out. So, I’ll have the UV on an Apex outlet for programmability & run it when lights are on, once the system is cycled.

 

[ichthyoid]

Part of the planning phase has been a manic focus on low maintenance & stability. I’ve gone from filter socks, to cups, to now a filter roller. This AquaMaxx fit the bill & sits inside the available sump opening -

 

[ichthyoid]

A side by side comparison of the BM Curve 5 vs Curve 7, shows considerable difference in size. The Curve 7 will sit on the bottom of the Triton sump & the cup drain still clears the sump edge. Since I want to use a skimmate bucket for lower maintenance, it appears the Curve 7 is at an advantage. The Curve 5 could be used with a skimmer stand. Testing will confirm which one to use. I have spare motors for both, as experience has shown they often fail at the least convenient time! A DC skimmer may be used in the future, same reasons as for using DC pumps above.

 

[scottw]

Part of the planning phase has been a manic focus on low maintenance & stability. I’ve gone from filter socks, to cups, to now a filter roller. This AquaMaxx fit the bill & sits inside the available sump opening -

Have you ever ran filter rollers before? If not, welcome to the new age of reefing!!! I don't know if I could run a tank without one. I am trying to see what I need to cut out of my red sea sump to install one.

 

[ichthyoid]

A custom made acrylic tray is installed inside the bottom of the stand, for the sump to sit in. This will provide an added layer of backup should there be an overflow . There will also be a Neptune liquid sensor in the tray, with appropriate Apex programming.

Oops on hardwood floors makes for a bad day on the reef

 

[scottw]

A custom made acrylic tray is installed inside the bottom of the stand, for the sump to sit in. This will provide an added layer of backup should there be an overflow . There will also be a Neptune liquid sensor in the tray, with appropriate Apex programming.

Oops on hardwood floors makes for a bad day on the reef

Where did one get such a thing made? That is very cool

 

[ichthyoid]

I had it custom made & it fits like a glove.

 

[ichthyoid]

This build thread would not be complete without a controller to tie it all together, monitor and automate everything. Enough to make any grown boy smile!

I would love a Trident to go with it (hint, hint

 

[ichthyoid]

On a coral reef, everything depends on light. From algae to zooxanthellae. So here is my artificial sun. An Aquatic Life Hybrid T5/LED fixture, with a pair of Noopsyche K7 II’s. In the next posts, you will see why I chose them -

 

[ichthyoid]

After several iterations I chose these mounts, which will be cantilevered off of a pair of vertical 2 inch square black aluminum tubings, mounted to the back of the APS stand -

 

[ichthyoid]

This is the look I am going for. I hope that you like it as much as I do! An ultramodern floating fixture, over rimless Starfire glass aquaria…yes, there will be more than 1

 

[ichthyoid]

Since the IM 50 will be a display reef, I decided to add an Innovative Marine 25 EXT next to the display as a frag tank. Both being plumbed into the Trigger sump will allow for seamless transfers back & forth. The biggest differences are that the frag tank will be bare bottomed & will have a pair of AI Prime LED’s in an Aquatic Life hybrid fixture.

 

[Trizzino]

Let’s get some water into these Bill! Excited to see another 50 lagoon up and running.

 

[ichthyoid]

Thanks Austin. The stand for the 25 is still underway, so the 25 itself is in a safe place. The going wet phase will be done in stages. My plan is to do a dark fishless cycle, but with a full nutrient profile, by way of some surrogate additives.

 

[ichthyoid]

Yes, they will all be used, eventually!

 

[york1]

That seems like alot of light for that tank

 

[ichthyoid]

It’s a modular system, to be built in stages.
The IM 50 is first, and then the 25 frag tank.
More later