Yet another IM 40 setup. Please critique before I order

[skripo]

Hello all,

 

After some time out of the hobby I am coming back in. I have decided to get an Innovative Marine Fusion mini 40. What a mouthful! I am not keen on spending a ton of money and have thought pretty hard about what I want to buy and come up with the list below. Am I missing anything?

 

Innovative Marine Mini Fusion 40

Innovative Marine medium Ghost Skimmer

Innovative Marine Spinstream (2X)

Kessil Tuna blue 360WE

Kessil Spectrum light controller

Autoaqua Smart ETO

Eheim Ebo Jaeger 100 Watt

inTank Media Baskets (2X)

 

I have left over equipment for testing and RO filtering already.

 

I have consciously decided not to get an MP10 or aqua controller for now. Frankly, with the ATO and Kessil light controller I don't feel much need for an aqua controller. Want is another matter. I am planning to use floss carbon and chemipure in one compartment and use the other basket for floss and a fuge.

 

I have yet to see the actual tank as I have to order so maybe some of you owners can tell me if i am on the right track before I buy any more.

 

I am planning to use Seachem Stability to start the tank. What I need help with is selecting the type and quantity sand to use. I am also unclear as to why people are using synthetic rock to aquascape instead of live rock.

 

All help appreciated.

[StrainedSky]

What are you planning for flow ? I had Spin streams and wasn't that impressed, I'd use those funds towards an power head.

[specore]

Looks like a nice start. IME a controller is one of the better investments you can make. They can give you a little piece of mind, and for all the time and money we invest in these tanks that is important. My Apex has alerted me to problems when I am asleep or on vacation, which has prevented at least one tank crash.

 

If it were me I would save the money you are spending on the Kessil controller and just put that towards a quality controller capable of monitoring your entire system.

[skripo]

What are you planning for flow ? I had Spin streams and wasn't that impressed, I'd use those funds towards an power head.

 

Sounds like a good idea. What would recommend?

 

Looks like a nice start. IME a controller is one of the better investments you can make. They can give you a little piece of mind, and for all the time and money we invest in these tanks that is important. My Apex has alerted me to problems when I am asleep or on vacation, which has prevented at least one tank crash.

 

If it were me I would save the money you are spending on the Kessil controller and just put that towards a quality controller capable of monitoring your entire system.

 

I was looking at the Apex Junior. Does it have the same level of control over the Kessil? I don't mind a controller just don't see much use for it other than ph and other readings.

 

Can you give me some examples of what you use it for?

[StrainedSky]

I personally use 2 MP10's but it seems a lot of people like Jebao's.

[specore]

Sounds like a good idea. What would recommend?

 

 

I was looking at the Apex Junior. Does it have the same level of control over the Kessil? I don't mind a controller just don't see much use for it other than ph and other readings.

 

Can you give me some examples of what you use it for?

 

For me temp is the main thing. Heater failures are the most frequent cause of tank crashes and my Apex creates redundancies with my heaters. I set the heater dial at 80 degrees or so and program the Apex to kick it on when the temp hits 77.8 and off at 78.0. I also have a second heater programmed to kick on if the temp drops to 77.3.

 

If the main heater fails and is stuck on the Apex will cut it off before it cooks the tank. If it fails to come on the Apex will activate the second heater and send me a text alert so I know there is potentially an issue with my primary heater. On the other hand, if the Apex fails to turn the heater off (not likely, but possible in theory) the heater will kick itself off at its set temp of 80 and my Apex will once again alert me that the temp has gone higher than my set parameters.

 

That's just temp, but the ways a good controller can be programmed are endless. They can be wired with float switches to alert you to potential issues with your ATO, leak detectors to to detect leaks before they become disasters, etc.

 

The time that mine saved my tank I was vacationing with the kids at Disney. When we left we had daytime temps in the 50's, however while we were gone the weather got significantly warmer and the house got hot as the outside temp went into the 80's. I got a text letting me know the tank was getting hot and was able to have my brother swing by the house and kick the air on. A $400 piece of equipment saved probably twice that much in livestock.

 

And I believe you would need either the full Apex or to add the VDM module (the full version has the variable dimming ports built in) to control the Kessils. Someone, I believe Marine Depot, used to have a chart comparing the different models and what is standard on each.

[skripo]

I personally use 2 MP10's but it seems a lot of people like Jebao's.

 

Although I hate the aesthetics of them, you convinced me to get at least one. Why do I need 2 and do both need separate controllers?

 

I also find them incredibly pricey so I will try to get them light used if possible. A lot of people seem to be selling them, is there any reason for this?

[skripo]

On the subject of the controller, I feel like the Apex gets expensive fast if I want to control lighting. Does it control a Kessil and it's spectrum as well as the Kessil spectrum controller? I understand that its not a hardware limitation, I am just wondering if Apex got there yet.

 

I also saw that the Apex controls Tunze pumps. Does it control the Vortechs also?

 

While I agree that remote monitoring is a really nice feature I am not sure it is worth the investment because I could always do that with my home automation system. If I where to eschew the controller that only thing I would be missing that I might like is:

 

1) PH monitor

2) Salinity Monitor

3) Remote and centralized information

4) Feeding mode

 

Keep in mind that I would be using the Kessil and Vortech controllers for their respective hardware control. My HA system would monitor temp.

 

I do value PH and salinity readings, although with an ATO salinity should be pretty stable.

 

Finally, when I configured the Apex to do what I wanted, I was paying a lot for what I felt was excess unused functionality. Is there another controller that might include proper Kessil light control, PH, and internet network connectivity out of the box without having to buy modules?

 

Thanks again.

[StrainedSky]

Although I hate the aesthetics of them, you convinced me to get at least one. Why do I need 2 and do both need separate controllers?

 

I also find them incredibly pricey so I will try to get them light used if possible. A lot of people seem to be selling them, is there any reason for this?

I use two so I don't have to run one full power, I also use WXM on the Apex to control them so Im able to have alternating and random flow. Im also very interested in the 35w Gyre and will probably give that a go once it releases.

[StrainedSky]

On the subject of the controller, I feel like the Apex gets expensive fast if I want to control lighting. Does it control a Kessil and it's spectrum as well as the Kessil spectrum controller? I understand that its not a hardware limitation, I am just wondering if Apex got there yet.

 

I also saw that the Apex controls Tunze pumps. Does it control the Vortechs also?

 

While I agree that remote monitoring is a really nice feature I am not sure it is worth the investment because I could always do that with my home automation system. If I where to eschew the controller that only thing I would be missing that I might like is:

 

1) PH monitor

2) Salinity Monitor

3) Remote and centralized information

4) Feeding mode

 

Keep in mind that I would be using the Kessil and Vortech controllers for their respective hardware control. My HA system would monitor temp.

 

I do value PH and salinity readings, although with an ATO salinity should be pretty stable.

 

Finally, when I configured the Apex to do what I wanted, I was paying a lot for what I felt was excess unused functionality. Is there another controller that might include proper Kessil light control, PH, and internet network connectivity out of the box without having to buy modules?

 

Thanks again.

I don't run Kessils so i can't comment on that but I can comment on the Apex and Vortech. You would need the Apex plus the WXM module which controls Vortech and Radions. Im pro controller because you its one interface and a real life saver. You can program in life savers for heaters and ATO's if they happen to stick or malfunction and it will send you a text / email. I also love being able to program feed cycles / water changes to slow my vortices, kill the return, skimmer, reactors then after the feed cycle / water change cycle is over it will bring the return online and delay my skimmer a couple minutes so it doesn't over flow. Theres just tons of thins you can do with it. It really is amazing what people do with it, take a read over at http://forum.neptunesystems.com/forum.php.

[Eisernes]

If you use the apex to control the kessil you would need a vdm module.

 

People sell their MP10's because they reduce the number or size of their tanks or they replaced them with a gyre. They function wonderfully.

[skripo]

..they replaced them with a gyre. They function wonderfully.

 

I was all set to get some MP10s the I saw the Gyre. I really don't like the look of this MP10 type pumps and the Gyre might be a real option. Do you think it's appropriate for a 40 gallon or overkill?

[specore]

If you use the apex to control the kessil you would need a vdm module.

 

Only the VDM if you have the Apex Jr, the full version has the variable speed ports on the base unit.

[StrainedSky]

I was all set to get some MP10s the I saw the Gyre. I really don't like the look of this MP10 type pumps and the Gyre might be a real option. Do you think it's appropriate for a 40 gallon or overkill?

I would wait on the 35w version.

[skripo]

So I have decided to go with the Kessil light controller for better control. I plan on buying the Archon when Digital Aquatics releases it.

 

When and if they support the Kessil fully I will sell the light controller. DA claims their new software will be open source and if that's true, then I think we will see support for all our favorite devices, courtesy of users and manufacturers.

 

I would wait on the 35w version.

My LFS told me he spoke to the max spect rep and was told the other 2 versions were cancelled. Don't know if its true or not do time will tell.

[drice6900]

A Maxspect rep on their fb page yesterday confirmed the 35W would be released in January.

[snowflake_clown]

I have your exact tank, and have to say I couldn't be more happy with it. Here is my coniguraiton:

 

Innovative Marine Fusion 40 Tank and Stand
Innovative Marine HydroFill ATO Pump System
Innovative Marine HydroFill ATO Controller System
Innovative Marine Ghost Protein Skimmer - Midsize
EcoTech Marine VorTech MP10ES
Kessil A360WE w/ Kessil Spectral Controller and Kessil Gooseneck Adaptor
JBJ True Temp Digital Controller w/ Heater - 150W (mounted horizontally along bottom of sump next to return pump)
(2) Innovative Marine Custom Caddy Media Basket's

 

I purchased the spin stream nozzles and didn't like them at all. They were not completely silent, and in the 40, they stick out above the water line more than I cared for. Returned them for a MP10, and it's working great. Actually may be adding another one to the other side of the tank here pretty soon.

 

In the media basket's I use the following:

Top Chambers:

Mechanical Sponges (Eschopps LSF sponges cut to size)

Filter floss directly underneath the sponge still in the top chamber

 

Middle Chambers:

Left side: Seachem Matrix 100ml packet

Right side: Seachem Phosgaurd in nylon mesh bag

 

Bottom Chambers:

Seachem Purigen 100ml on both left and right side

 

I use Aqua Vitro's Salinity salt mix, and I was having issues with it being a bit cloudy. Called their support and they were the ones who recommended adding in the filter floss. Worked like a charm.

 

You can view my build thread for a photo of their stand with how I have it set up.

[snowflake_clown]

I am planning to use Seachem Stability to start the tank. What I need help with is selecting the type and quantity sand to use. I am also unclear as to why people are using synthetic rock to aquascape instead of live rock.

I used MarcoRocks Key Largo dry rock and Tropic Eden Reefflakes Aragonite Sand mixed with their miniflakes so that I would not be starting the tank with any unwanted hitchhikers from live rock at some LFS. I ended up using about 40lbs of dry rock, along with 30lbs of sand. I used dry rock because it gave me more time to aquascape in my garage and it will become live rock once your tank has cycled and it is housing the necessary bacteria. I dosed with Seachem's stability as recommended on the bottle, but you will still need something introduce ammonia into your tank. I used Dr. Tim's Ammonium Chloride so that I could measure out exactly 2ppm of ammonia. If you go that route, do not go by their guidelines on how much to dose. I had to triple their recommended dosage to get my tank to 2ppm. Still had plenty left over though, so all you need is one little bottle of it.

 

There is a great series on youtube from a guy who sets up a tank from scratch similar to ours and he explains all the differences on the different types of rocks and sand out there.

[skripo]

I would wait on the 35w version.

 

You are right. Now that I know they are definitely coming out, I will wait.

[skripo]

So after all the comments here is my final list. Items in bold have already been purchased.

 

• Innovative Marine Mini Fusion 40
• Maxspect Gyre XF130 - Waiting for release, thanks for the advice StrainedSky and the heads up drice6900!
• Innovative Marine medium Ghost Skimmer - Thanks for the super deal StrainedSky!
• Innovative Marine Media reactor
• inTank Media Baskets (2X)
• Eheim Ebo Jaeger 150 Watt
• Kessil A360WE Tuna Blue light
• Kessil Spectrum light controller
• Digital Aquatics Archon - Preordered, will use Kessil controller until Archon can control it
• Vertex Sensor-Mag Titanium Probe Holder
• Autoaqua Smart ATO
• MarcoRocks Key Largo dry rock 19 LBS - Thanks for the tip snowflake_clown!
• ​CaribSea Pink Sand 15LB Bag
• Instant Ocean 200 GAL box
• Custom Cabinet built by me

Misc:

• All-In-One Biopellets (hope they work as advertised)
• Evolution Aqua Pure Marine bacteria (unbelievable so far)
• CerMedia Marine Pure biomedia

 

Thank you all so much for your help. Don't hesitate to keep critiquing the list!