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Innovative Marine Micro Fusion 30L Review ---Owners please read this


ReviloM

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Hello,

 

As most of you know, I had issues with my Fusion 30L. Some of the fan boys denied it and called blasphemy but I am here to tell you everything about this tank and about my interaction with IM during this process. First, off as I stated many times, IM releases rushed tanks that aren't thought through and properly tested to avoid issues.

 

The first issue I encountered was improper flow to through the media racks. Instead the flow would go before it and around. I made a video and sent it to IM and "they pretty much indirectly called me a noob" and said your media rack doesn't have any media in it. I informed them the intent of not having media in the rack to show the flow. It doesn't have that much. Here is the video I sent them and they one they sent back to me:

 

My clip

http://youtu.be/s8m3RvuTqKw

 

 

Their Clip:

http://youtu.be/tCY9ulSA-34

 

As you can see barely any flow to/through mine and lots through theirs.

 

 

The next issue I noticed when I lost both my helfrichi firefish. The media net is 1/2 short. The rep informed me it is that short to ensure cords can come out the display for pumps or anything else. So I said I would send him images. These are the original images I sent:

 

14975344922_a66e570cc9_c.jpg

14789013260_4d4885bb86_c.jpg

14789088348_5aeb104d54_c.jpg

 

As you can see there is bowing but Brian H. at IM said that wasn't enough. So I took another set of images from up top:

 

14962792381_c33c6df0f1_c.jpg

14965890975_260cacd217_c.jpg

14779351397_190a017b0f_c.jpg

 

Guess what he also said those aren't good enough. He stated that he printed out the images and used a straight edged ruler and didnt see a bow........

Look at the image below. The mesh net is a perfect 180 degrees. As you can see the mesh net is flushed again the glass but there is a space, the bow. I have circled it. The next thing is the bow in the false wall bending which can be seen below as well. Either the rep is completely in denial about their product or the rep is very incompetent.

 

14972667751_7d65dd02f0_c.jpg

14975419242_26310bb007_c.jpg

 

 

So, I called and got a new rep that was suppose to call me back the same day and never called back. So I called today and the rep stated that the warranty department will contact me. So I received an email stating that I need to ship the tank to them and they will not cover the charges and if found not to bow, I will again have to pay shipping for the tank to be returned. WTF!!! So lets calculate how much money I am losing right now:

 

Bowing tank - $475

Media Racks - $80

2 Helfrichi Firefish - $150

Shipping Tank to IM - ~$150+

 

Total: $855

 

 

 

In the email I stated that I want a REPLACEMENT tank and that I would need a shipping kit of some sort shipped to me to ensure that the tank arrives safely and they responded with its up to me to get the tank their and to just get insurance.

 

So IM 30L, if you tank have even the slightest bow, its going to start to progress and bow like mine because those tanks are cheap and rushed. I am basically at the point where I have to dish out more cash just for them to fix a mistake on their part.

 

I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS TANK TO ANYONE!!!!! I won't even sell this crap to anyone.

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First off , I'm not here to argue with you so hear me out.

 

  1. I agree that the flow through your filtration is rather weak, and yes there's really isn't any better. (what pump did they put in the 30 ?)
  2. All rimless tanks that I have ever had (other than pico size) have had some bowing to the glass, but the bow in the false wall is troubling.

 

While I agree that the false wall should be repaired by IM at no cost to you (shipping included) I feel that the flow issue is something easily fixed by just upgrading the pump, or running a single pump for each return. Most people usually upgrade the pump in every AIO released anyway. Me personally , I generally run a very slow flow through my filtration, and then use powerheads to generate the flow in the display.

 

Did the place you bought the tank from tell you to go through IM ? IM generally doesn't require you to go through them for warranty, you can usually go back to where you bought it if it was local. I used to work wholesale, and the LFS's would bring the product to us and we would deal with JBJ / IM / etc.

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I don't have a fusion tank, I have a nuvo 16, but I sympathize with you loosing two fish after they jumped through the gap in the top. One of my clown fish jumped through the gap of my nuvo's glass cover yesterday. Luckily I was sitting at my desk at the time and I was able to push him back in. Now I have the area taped up until I can make another top without a gap.

 

From what I've been hearing around the forums IM's customer service leaves a lot to be desired. If my tank ever cracked, like so many others have, I would not replace it with another IM product.

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First off , I'm not here to argue with you so hear me out.

 

  • I agree that the flow through your filtration is rather weak, and yes there's really isn't any better. (what pump did they put in the 30 ?)
  • All rimless tanks that I have ever had (other than pico size) have had some bowing to the glass, but the bow in the false wall is troubling.

While I agree that the false wall should be repaired by IM at no cost to you (shipping included) I feel that the flow issue is something easily fixed by just upgrading the pump, or running a single pump for each return. Most people usually upgrade the pump in every AIO released anyway. Me personally , I generally run a very slow flow through my filtration, and then use powerheads to generate the flow in the display.

 

Did the place you bought the tank from tell you to go through IM ? IM generally doesn't require you to go through them for warranty, you can usually go back to where you bought it if it was local. I used to work wholesale, and the LFS's would bring the product to us and we would deal with JBJ / IM / etc.

It's the stock pump. This is my first rimless to every bow. That is an indication that the wrong glass size for build. As for the system, it is a plug in play system. It should be working at peak performance for the price tag it carries. If a consumer, wants to upgrade items then that's up to the consumer but it shouldn't be a must do once you get the tank. In that case, the tank should come without a pump, mesh net, media rack, and a lower price tag. The issue is that all of the water isn't going through the media rack. Majority is going in front of the rack which is why you don't see much movement in the rack in the video.

 

The fish store I bought it from is 2 hours from my home. I purchased this tank during my move to my current location. I was gather supplies and saw it. I called IM directly.

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I dunno if you want a true AIO that is perfect out of the box, you need to go with something like an ELOS or Red Sea Max. AKA something very pricey.

 

I always considered IM to be a more affordable AIO that is a step up from a biocube.

 

I just have a Nuvo 8 and I freaking love it. The Media basket is a bit useless, I may just take it out since I don't think it's really needed. This is my 3rd AIO and I'm really happy with it. I think the Ecoxotic was my favorite but the don't make those any more :( The Im Nuvo is up there though. It's way nicer than my Biocube I started with.

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I dunno if you want a true AIO that is perfect out of the box, you need to go with something like an ELOS or Red Sea Max. AKA something very pricey.

 

I always considered IM to be a more affordable AIO that is a step up from a biocube.

 

I just have a Nuvo 8 and I freaking love it. The Media basket is a bit useless, I may just take it out since I don't think it's really needed. This is my 3rd AIO and I'm really happy with it. I think the Ecoxotic was my favorite but the don't make those any more :( The Im Nuvo is up there though. It's way nicer than my Biocube I started with.

For the price at $500, it should be functional. When I spend money, I expect no issues. If I go cheap, then the expectations are less. For. 30G tank, $500 is steep when there are larger tanks available for the same pricing. I get that it comes in an AIO system. The issue is that it has defects not cause be me but by the manufacturer and they want me to lose more money just for them to fix their error. I've had my tank since June 27ish. It started bowing not shortly after but I disregarded it. It has now gotten worse to the point where I lost fish which I might add aren't cheap. If I made a net, there would still be an area for the fish to jump out because of the bow.

 

Also, consider that your tank should be the most defective free piece of equipment you have. If it's not you will lose money in livestock and damage to your home.

  • Like 2
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And I spent $200 on the 8 gallon. Of course it did come with a light but still it's a lot. That's the way it is with AIO. While everything works, I will most likely replace the light and media basket. An AIO is generally the bare bones to get you going. Things usually need to be upgraded depending on what you want to do with a tank.

 

It seems like your tank does function. It's not busted. From what I understand all rimless tanks bow. My 25 gallon ecoxotic did but it was never an issue.

  • Like 1
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The pump included is actually rated higher than necessary for flow in this tank and I and others have replaced it with a less powerful pump due to the fact that the included pump was raising temps in the tank.

 

I don't see the same intake issues you have. The stock filter basket is way to small IMHO, but the CustomCaddy functions well. I have one for a fugue and one for filter media.

 

I agree about the mesh top, its a POS period. I don't have fish in the tank yet so I don't even have it on. Nothing you can do about the gap, they all have this. The mesh is shit and others have replaced it and I plan to follow suit.

 

I don't have any bowing in my tank and really really like it.

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And I spent $200 on the 8 gallon. Of course it did come with a light but still it's a lot. That's the way it is with AIO. While everything works, I will most likely replace the light and media basket. An AIO is generally the bare bones to get you going. Things usually need to be upgraded depending on what you want to do with a tank.

 

It seems like your tank does function. It's not busted. From what I understand all rimless tanks bow. My 25 gallon ecoxotic did but it was never an issue.

No one mentioned a light. Correct it functions but how long before it bows further. Nuvo 8 is a small tank in comparison to this one. You tank breaks or becomes defective then your lost is minimal compared to mine. As you can see above the total cost in regards to this tank. It appears you see it from the point of view that I should just be happy with my tank and leave it alone.

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The pump included is actually rated higher than necessary for flow in this tank and I and others have replaced it with a less powerful pump due to the fact that the included pump was raising temps in the tank.

 

I don't see the same intake issues you have. The stock filter basket is way to small IMHO, but the CustomCaddy functions well. I have one for a fugue and one for filter media.

 

I agree about the mesh top, its a POS period. I don't have fish in the tank yet so I don't even have it on. Nothing you can do about the gap, they all have this. The mesh is shit and others have replaced it and I plan to follow suit.

 

I don't have any bowing in my tank and really really like it.

The issue is with the media rack is jot caused by the pump. The issue is that the media rack is too far away from the ramp so water doesn't travel over or it. It bounces off the front and goes down with out being filtered, if that makes sense.

 

 

To seal the the gap I would have to make a new mesh screen and bend to the form of the gap which a hassle that I shouldn't be doing in the first place.

 

If it was just the mesh screen issue to solve, I would just make a mesh screen but the bowing, that's a defect in the structure of the tank.

 

Mine doesn't bow. Certainly not enough to make a gap like that if there is any.

This is my first tank to ever bow. It's either cheap glass, wrong size, or both.

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Question : does your tank have a smaller glass wall behind the false wall ? Based on the bow I'm assuming no. On the 20 that I just got there is a (what appears and feels to be) glass wall behind the false wall . I'm wondering if maybe you got one that they forgot to put the secondary wall or brace in and that is what is letting it bow like it is.

 

Just a thought.

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No I just wonder if you are expecting too much from the product.

 

 

I was just giving an example on the light. I also hate the top it came with and I will be making my own.

 

 

I guess I was wrong amount the bowing. I have a 65 gallon but it is not rimless so I can't comment on that. There has been an issue with IM tanks breaking though I'm not sure if I have heard of a fusion breaking. You were right to contact them. I just don't agree that everything should be perfect. Nothing is perfect.

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Question : does your tank have a smaller glass wall behind the false wall ? Based on the bow I'm assuming no. On the 20 that I just got there is a (what appears and feels to be) glass wall behind the false wall . I'm wondering if maybe you got one that they forgot to put the secondary wall or brace in and that is what is letting it bow like it is. Just a thought.

I'm not sure. I'll take a look when I get home from work.

 

No I just wonder if you are expecting too much from the product.

 

 

I was just giving an example on the light. I also hate the top it came with and I will be making my own.

 

 

I guess I was wrong amount the bowing. I have a 65 gallon but it is not rimless so I can't comment on that. There has been an issue with IM tanks breaking though I'm not sure if I have heard of a fusion breaking. You were right to contact them. I just don't agree that everything should be perfect. Nothing is perfect.

I am expecting a quality product as you should when anything you purchase. A small issue today is a big issue later if left unchecked especially in this hobby.

 

These tanks are mass produced there will be defective units in the number. It is the company's job to fix that issue. I didn't ask for money for anything not even the fish loss. I simply asked for a replacement tank.

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I think you should get your money back and get a different tank. The bow in the false wall is troubling. I hope things work out for you.

I don't want a refund. I just want them to replace or fix the issue. I purchased the tank and accept that. I just expect it to not have an issue.

  • Like 1
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I spoke with the store I bought from and they can't do anything about since I have contacted IM already for warranty. IM refuses to budge on me not having to pay for the tank return to them. My biggest concern was the tank shattering during shipping to them & saying its not their problem and actually paying for shipping because of their pre-exisiting issue.

 

Oh well lesson learned.

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Thank you for posting your experience. I agree that IM dropped the ball on this transaction. They should replace your tank for free or maybe just charge you shipping for a replacement. If I see my tank bow like that, I would be furious. It is possible this is an isolated flaw with the bowing. But the cheap media rack and screen speak a lot to their lack of product quality. Looks like they haven't learned much from all those cracking Nuvos in the past. If they made this tank with the mindset that people SHOULD upgrade the media racks and screens and pump, that's really shady of them. Imagine buying a car with the expectation that the engine and brakes are should be replaced right away....

 

I am glad I paid the extra money for a PicO tank from Chris. Just the other day, I read how he replaced a leaking tank purchased 2 years ago. Now that's customer service. And the media rack and screen from Chris are top notch.

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Question : does your tank have a smaller glass wall behind the false wall ? Based on the bow I'm assuming no. On the 20 that I just got there is a (what appears and feels to be) glass wall behind the false wall . I'm wondering if maybe you got one that they forgot to put the secondary wall or brace in and that is what is letting it bow like it is. Just a thought.

I checked earlier and it does have the glass which explains why it hasn't bowed completely over. It still sucks that it started to bow. it probably could have been avoided if they made the glass about 1in or less below the false wall height. I will call IM once more to reason with them. If they don't then I will just remove the false wall since the tank is a loss anyway and drill it but it will still have that bow on the front panel which could be a future issue. Also, the tank hasn't been modded in any way or form.

 

 

Cadlights build quality> All

Are you stoned right now?

 

 

Thank you for posting your experience. I agree that IM dropped the ball on this transaction. They should replace your tank for free or maybe just charge you shipping for a replacement. If I see my tank bow like that, I would be furious. It is possible this is an isolated flaw with the bowing. But the cheap media rack and screen speak a lot to their lack of product quality. Looks like they haven't learned much from all those cracking Nuvos in the past. If they made this tank with the mindset that people SHOULD upgrade the media racks and screens and pump, that's really shady of them. Imagine buying a car with the expectation that the engine and brakes are should be replaced right away....

 

I am glad I paid the extra money for a PicO tank from Chris. Just the other day, I read how he replaced a leaking tank purchased 2 years ago. Now that's customer service. And the media rack and screen from Chris are top notch.

My thoughts exactly. Now i wish I should have gone elsewhere for my tank.

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 2 months later...

I noticed that my tank has some slight bowing going on as well.

 

I can see the black silicone seems weak too near the top of the false well.

 

This isn't good I assume? I don't even know how to proceed...hmmm

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