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IM Fusion 30L, now rimless + sumped - AIO = awesome 4/11/15


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Current FTS:

694DEBB6-2F47-46FD-973E-144E7C8CF84B_zps

 

Hey everyone,

 

Figured I start up the build thread for the tank I ordered from MD on cyber Monday. I was searching for a 40 breeder to do a traditional display/sump setup, but when I saw the $200 off deal, I couldn't resist.

 

Equipment list:

IM Nuvo 30L

Vortech MP10

Aquamaxx HOB-1

IM Minimax reactor x1

ACjr

Avast Marine ATO

Spinstream x2

 

Lighting:

4x39 watt ATI T-5 Dimmable. ATI coral+ x2 ATI Blue+ x2

 

Testing:

Hanna - P04

Salifert - N03

Redsea - Mg

Redsea - KH

Redsea - CA

 

Live stock:

1 Clown (I believe hes a true perc)

2 Masked Gobies

1 Poison Fang Striped Blenny

1 Elongate Dottyback

1 Skunk Cleaner

1 Emerald Crab

1 Pom pom crab

1 Conch

1 Green/Purple rock anemone

Bunch of hermits and snails

 

Corals:

Multi colored acro (1/27/15)

Green Birdsnest (1/18/15)

Red Monti cap (1/3/15)

Gold Monti cap (12/15/14 - gift from a friend, transferred from another tank)

Red Digi (12/15/14 - gift from a friend, transferred from another tank)

GSP (12/15/14 - gift from a friend, transferred from another tank)

Cloves polyps (12/15/14 - gift from a friend, transferred from another tank)

Button polyps (12/15/14 - gift from a friend, transferred from another tank)

 

Feeding:

Rod's Food reef mix

Cyclopeze

Roti Feast

Oyster Feast

 

Losses:

1 Bangai Cardinal (committed suicide via MP10)

1 Masked Gobies

1 Skunk Cleaner

Timeline:

12/1 - Ordered Tank cyber monday deal

12/10 - Tank arrived. Stand build in progress.

12/11 - Started stand build

12/17 - Stand finished

12/18 - Tank filled and livestock moved

1/2 - Elongate Dottyback, pom pom crab, emerald crab, bangai cardinal

1/3 - Rock nem, red monti frag

1/18 - Green Birdsnest frag

 

Previous FTS

 

 

2/25/2015

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1/16/2015

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1/5/2015

IMG_5178_zps47c7a5dd.jpg

 

 

 

Previous tanks:

Current tank: 10 gal AIO that used to be a sump

 

 

IMG_5067_zps02bf238a.jpg

 

IMG_5086_zpsd594c210.jpg

 

IMG_5087_zps294fa45a.jpg

 

Its a bit ghetto, but its been working great for the last 6 months or so. very stable. 2 gal water change each week.

 

 

 

9 gal shallow acrylic rimless cube with built in overflow and 10 gal sump (2012)

 

 

Also had a display fuge. I built the stand with many design flaws. I also scratched the hell out of the acrylic and swore to never own another acrylic tank or topless tank - waaay to much work. I did think the setup was pretty cool though for a while:

photo_1498.jpg

 

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Link to build thread on reefcentral

 

 

 

20 long custom AIO (2010)

 

 

IMG_3356_zps7300697d.jpg

 

IMG_3355_zps2c925066.jpg

 

IMG_3358_zpsdeb6f2be.jpg

 

 

 

37 gallon tall reef (2008)

 

 

This was my first tank ever. It was a wild ride of trial and error. Originally it was sumpless, then I experiemented with an ATS, then a traditional sump fuge. 3 different types of lighting. What a mess

IMG_3072.jpg

I have a lot of pics of this tank. Its was a heavy DIY project. if there is any interest, I can post more.

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed. Very excited to receive my new tank in the mail. Planning to build a custom stand and hood for the tank - never attempted this, so we'll see how it goes!

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reach a decision on lighting yet? Would the nano/illumilux be enough for a 30 long?

 

I did actually. The vertex illumilux is not going to cut it. No where near as bright as the AI nano. AI is coming out with some new lights - the AI prime. It looks like a full spectrum nano - I think ill be going after these once they are released early 2015.

 

That said, I think I am just going to pick up another AI nano to light this tank in the mean time. The mounting arm looks pretty decent and its more than enough light for the depth of this tank. Anyone selling one? hit me up.

 

sorry for the crappy iphone pics....im still rocking a 4 (non s). Hopefully santa will bring me a 6+

 

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5133_zps4b7ace84.jpg.html'>IMG_5133_zps4b7ace84.jpg

 

Stand build - never built anything like this before. Its going to be incredibly overbuilt, but I think its going to look really good, and for sure cost less than IM's stand.

 

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5135_zpscf2e193c.jpg.html'>IMG_5135_zpscf2e193c.jpg

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This was easier than I thought, but a lot more time consuming. 10 - 12 hours in already, heres where im at:

 

IMG_5148_zps67f785ba.jpg

 

IMG_5149_zpsbbc90db9.jpg

 

Im really happy with how its turning out. This is my first ever woodworking project. Still need to prime the interior, finish sealing the interior, maybe make a shelf, sand any of the exterior rough parts, stain, and probably a few other things I havnt even thought of yet ;)

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dig the sliding door, looks great!. Are you gonna use a sump, or is that just for misc. storage? will be interested to see how well it muffles noise

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I did actually. The vertex illumilux is not going to cut it. No where near as bright as the AI nano. AI is coming out with some new lights - the AI prime. It looks like a full spectrum nano - I think ill be going after these once they are released early 2015.

 

That said, I think I am just going to pick up another AI nano to light this tank in the mean time. The mounting arm looks pretty decent and its more than enough light for the depth of this tank. Anyone selling one? hit me up.

 

sorry for the crappy iphone pics....im still rocking a 4 (non s). Hopefully santa will bring me a 6+

 

IMG_5133_zps4b7ace84.jpg

 

Stand build - never built anything like this before. Its going to be incredibly overbuilt, but I think its going to look really good, and for sure cost less than IM's stand.

 

IMG_5135_zpscf2e193c.jpg

Dude there's a fox in your garage

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Dude there's a fox in your garage

 

ScreenShot2014-12-15at94450AM_zpsbf8ed65

 

Love that guy.

 

 

dig the sliding door, looks great!. Are you gonna use a sump, or is that just for misc. storage? will be interested to see how well it muffles noise

Thanks! No sump plans as of right now for this build. I have many ideas for whats going to go down there, but set in stone is a couple 5 gal drums for top off and water changes.

 

Got most of the exterior staining done yesterday (12/14). Touch ups and hardware today. Then were going to move this beast into its final resting spot $$

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Stand is done...for now

 

IMG_5154_zps6830b28c.jpg

 

IMG_5155_zps4ad45f77.jpg

 

Decided not to paint the interior. I may in the future, but ready to put water in this thing...

 

For interior shelving, I figured I wouldn't be putting anything too heavy down there, so I went with this industrial type adjustable shelving:

 

ab09f0f7-a85c-4a25-b8fc-e0ad3294a176_400

 

The ones I bought are rated to hold 275 lbs. I dont plan on getting anywhere near that in there, so should be good. I can also get additional shelves if need be. This is still a work in progress, so no pics yet.

 

Fish store after work today for saltwater, and I'll be transferring the existing livestock from the 10g aio later tonight. Wish me luck!

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This build is starting to take off. Can you give some details on your stand how you built it the color looks cool and the doors are sick

 

Thanks man, really proud of it for my first woodworking project.

 

Here are the plans I used:

IMG_5126_zps2526ec9a.jpg

I got the plans from reefcentral.com. Basically its all 2x4's - pressure treated, $3-4 for an 8' board at home depot. I printed out this model, measured all the dimensions I wanted, and had home depot do all the cuts for me. If you go this route, I would go to the store and try to find an employee who actually cares to help or is interested in what you are building - this way the cuts will be a lot more accurate. I went there a few times before I found a guy who I felt I could trust to do a decent job. I used cheap 1/2" pressure treated plywood for the top and bottom platforms as well.

 

I used Kreg joints for all the 2x4 connections as well as wood glue.

 

Here it is without the skin:

IMG_5137_zps1b3a270b.jpg

 

The skin was 1/2" Birch ply, $42 for 4'x8'. This was also cut by Home depot. Kreg jointed and wood glued to the frame. Very easy.

 

The doors are held on by basic soft close drawer slides. They still arnt perfectly lined up, but they're working. The handles were also from home depot.

 

There are 3 coats of the stain on the doors and sides of the stand, and 5 or 6 coats on the rim and platform that the tank sits on for some contrast. The stain I bought was a stain and seal in one. Semi gloss finish.

 

The whole thing has to weigh 100lbs.

 

I just added up all my home depot transactions, and it came to a lot more than I thought haha. $322.08 - this includes all tools as well though, and a $20 shelf + $10 board that I still need to return to home depot. Oh and all the cuts home depot did for me were free.

 

Here is a list of everything I bought:

Kreg kit

Kreg screws

Wood glue

Liquid nails

2 Hand clamps

8 Pressure treated 2x4

1 4'x8' Pressure treated plywood

1 4'x8' Birch plywood

2 1x3 Oak boards for the rim

Weathered gray stain + paint brush

2 sets of soft close drawer slides

2 drawer handles

Shelving setup (not installed yet)

 

In addition to the above you would need:

Power drill

Level

Hand saw (for anything that doesnt perfectly line up)

Sand paper

 

Happy to answer any questions about it ;) Overall it was fun, but not sure if I'll do it again - not enough patience haha.

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Did a little work on the stand on my lunch break today:

 

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5157_zpsd9b53ef0.jpg.html'>IMG_5157_zpsd9b53ef0.jpg

 

My wife donated the little wicker box thing to hide all the electrical stuff...hopefully shes cool with it when she finds out later ;)

 

Here is the shelving system im using:

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5158_zpsf0f5e96f.jpg.html'>IMG_5158_zpsf0f5e96f.jpg

 

Its rated to hold 275lbs. The shelf is 1/2" thick generic hardwood ply. I plan to keep all 3 5 gallon jugs down there. One for top off water, and the other 2 I would like to use to experiment with an automatic water change system - That will be down the road though. I wanted to make the shelving adjustable just in case I decide to run a sump in the future.

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I have the same tank and love it. Love your stand btw! I could be wrong but aren't the primes rated for 12x12 ? If that's the case I would look at the Radion XR30w so you don't have to use 3 primes.

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I have the same tank and love it. Love your stand btw! I could be wrong but aren't the primes rated for 12x12 ? If that's the case I would look at the Radion XR30w so you don't have to use 3 primes.

 

Thank you! I love the tank so far as well.

 

The primes are said to be 18x18 or 24x24.

 

This is the photo from MACNA that shows 2 primes on the IM 30L with great coverage. Im thinking 2 should be enough, but even 3 will be reasonably priced once compared to anything ecotech. Also, they are rated at 45 watts each, full spectrum. 3 would be comparable to 1 ecotech fixture in terms of wattage, but spread would be much better for our tank with the primes.

AI-Prime.jpg

 

I think im going to wait to see what the Primes can do. The built in wifi control is also a big selling factor for me. Adding an apex controller or wifi expansion for the ecotech really takes the xr30 off the table as an option in terms of price for the features you get.

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Filled the tank last night:

 

IMG_5160_zpsb5e33b6f.jpg

 

Everything went pretty smooth. All coral accounted for (there were maybe 5 pieces all frag sized), and all but 1 fish (masked goby) have been accounted for as well. Hopefully he turns up soon.

 

Also added 2x spinstreams :)

 

Looks like im going to have to break out the old point and shoot for this...the iphone photo quality is terrible.

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  • 3 weeks later...
Chief Reefer

Good day for a pic dump

 

New purchases:

Bangai Cardinal:

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5168_zps7cf5097f.jpg.html'>IMG_5168_zps7cf5097f.jpg

 

One of the largest pom pom crabs I have seen:

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5169_zpsa21831ce.jpg.html'>IMG_5169_zpsa21831ce.jpg

 

Emerald crab to help with some bubble algae that transferred from the old tank:

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5170_zpsf3507a43.jpg.html'>IMG_5170_zpsf3507a43.jpg

 

Elongate Dottyback $$$:

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5171_zps71b389d7.jpg.html'>IMG_5171_zps71b389d7.jpg

 

New scape - the 4 islands:

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5178_zps47c7a5dd.jpg.html'>IMG_5178_zps47c7a5dd.jpg

 

Island 1: Currently inhabited by the Pom pom crab, GSP, and a very small gold colored monti frag.

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5179_zps62645d86.jpg.html'>IMG_5179_zps62645d86.jpg

 

Island 2: This will be an SPS only rock.

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5180_zps6cfc7370.jpg.html'>IMG_5180_zps6cfc7370.jpg

 

Island 3: Softy island - some cloves and star polyps on there.

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5181_zpsa43052f8.jpg.html'>IMG_5181_zpsa43052f8.jpg

 

Island 4: Mixed island. Not sure what the orange spike is called atm. Red monti and some button polyps on there too.

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5182_zpsfb9830a2.jpg.html'>IMG_5182_zpsfb9830a2.jpg

 

Side view:

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5183_zps31641e94.jpg.html'>IMG_5183_zps31641e94.jpg

 

Added a light to the bottom of the stand. Also moved some wiring around to get more shelf space. Considering adding a second shelf.

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5184_zpsffcada0f.jpg.html'>IMG_5184_zpsffcada0f.jpg

 

Full tank and stand shot <3

http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jauld2/media/IMG_5185_zps158742b1.jpg.html'>IMG_5185_zps158742b1.jpg

 

Now all I need is for AI to come out with the Prime's so I can get a permanent lighting solution in place. Holding off buying anything light demanding until I have that nailed down. Hopefully the release will happen sooner than later - its going to be tough to wait...

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  • 2 weeks later...

Now all I need is for AI to come out with the Prime's so I can get a permanent lighting solution in place. Holding off buying anything light demanding until I have that nailed down. Hopefully the release will happen sooner than later - its going to be tough to wait...

 

I was right, it was a tough wait...a little too tough...new light arrives tomorrow. Gonna be kickin it old school. Pics tomorrow!

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Which minimax reactor did you use on your tank, the desktop or mid sized? I have a Fusion 30L as well and I can't decide which size reactor to buy for GFO.

Its the minimax i believe. I cant imagine it getting any smaller than this one, so I assume (bought it used, will check dimms of it when I have some time).

 

the new light came 2 days ago. Hanging it was a fun little diy. New challenge though is going to be getting accurate pictures and I am a newb when it comes to photography:

 

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Couple of coral shots where you can see my extreme lack of photo skills:

 

100_7622_zps87a4da1b.jpg

 

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Its a 4x39w ATI T-5 dimmable (Front C+, B+, C+, B+ Back). Hung it on some bent conduit painted gloss black. Fun DIY and it came out great - not perfect, but what is?

 

any tips on how to capture the actual color im seeing in person would be greatly appreciated.

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Its the minimax i believe. I cant imagine it getting any smaller than this one, so I assume (bought it used, will check dimms of it when I have some time).

Yeah there's three sizes under the name, Minimax desktop, minimax mid-sized, and minimax full sized :) I'm assuming you chose that one simply because of the used discount then? How much GFO are you using

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Yeah there's three sizes under the name, Minimax desktop, minimax mid-sized, and minimax full sized :) I'm assuming you chose that one simply because of the used discount then? How much GFO are you using

Sorry lol, its the desktop - meant to write that above. its about half full of carbon

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