Kijho Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 Finally upgraded! After maintaining my Fluval Spec V (5 Gal) nano tank over the past two years, I really wanted to upgrade to a bigger AIO tank. When the IM Fusion 20 was released last year, I was instantly drawn to it and really wanted it. The only problem? I live in Canada, and the CAD vs USD exchange rate is, well, reflective of our crashing oil prices and economic turmoil. Last week however I had this great idea. Why don't I call around to the various LFS's and see if they can order me in the tank from IM without the Sky LED's! I mean, IM sells the "tank only" on their website for significantly cheaper than the kit - and really, I don't think those LED's would be as good as my Par38 LED (which might also not even be sufficient enough for this bigger tank.. but we'll see how it goes.) To my surprise.. the LFS was willing to un-box and "part out" the tank only from one of their kits! To add to this, I had $100 in store credit and a $100 gift card from Christmas to this LFS.. I ended up paying out of pocket $108 for the Fusion 20 (Which is equal to $77 USD!) So it begins.. My new reef build. I'm very excited, but planning carefully and being patient. I've learned alot from my Spec V, and will be implementing everything I now know moving forward with this new tank. The current plan is to finish my rock scape, cycle the tank using Dr. Tim's, and then slowly transition my livestock from my Spec V over to my Fusion 20. I will also be pulling out an old 240gph powerhead from my Spec V and giving it an extremely well needed vinegar + toothbrush scrub (to avoid any pest algae in the slightest). I'll be investing in an ATO this time, as well as a proper temperature controller. (No plans for a skimmer at this time, as this is a bedroom tank!) 9 Quote Link to comment
Kijho Posted January 30, 2016 Author Share Posted January 30, 2016 Starting from the beginning... Loading the Fusion 20 box into my '16 WRX, didn't fit in the boot so I had it in the back seat! Getting this paper sticker off the back was annoying.. Some goodies from Amazon. TDS meter + 100w Jager Eheim heater. I always used cheaper brands from my LFS for heater (they didn't have Jager's or Cobalts) So I'm happy to have a "good quality" heater for the first time. The dial on the top is already much better.. TDS meter because I also bought a second hand RODI unit! Breaking up the dry rocks. I may have too much, probably won't use it all. This was one of my biggest points when starting this tank - was to start with dry rock instead of the live rock from the LFS. That stuff is infested with pests.. aiptasias, bubble algae, etc.. Rubber mat beneath the tank. Another learning item, because vibrations and this is in my bedroom! Carefully chose my sand. I initially picked up some 'crushed coral' sand, but then took it back the next day. This is the 'special grade' sand, and I am waaaaaaaaaay happier with how this looks versus the dusty / very fine grade sand I have in the Spec V.. Removed this sticker.. So much more coarse compared to the Spec V. I think I might be more willing to add another pistol shrimp with this sand, as he'll actually be able to dig and burrow for him and my watchman goby.. Finishing rock scape, then getting wet real soon! 11 Quote Link to comment
vlangel Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 Sounds like a good plan! And having the extra 15 gallons of volume will probably make this tank a bit easier in a lot of ways. 2 Quote Link to comment
pgrVII Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 These tanks are really cool, I thought about it before I bought the goon. Can't wait to see this come together. 2 Quote Link to comment
spectra Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 Welcome to the 20 club! They are nice little tanks. One thing I would recommend is to upgrade the pump as the IM pumps are noisy and the flow is not so good. 1 Quote Link to comment
Droy008 Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 I loved your last tank thread, I can only imagine this will be just as exciting! 1 Quote Link to comment
Kijho Posted January 30, 2016 Author Share Posted January 30, 2016 Welcome to the 20 club! They are nice little tanks. One thing I would recommend is to upgrade the pump as the IM pumps are noisy and the flow is not so good. I've been reading a little about this, actually. Do you have any suggestions for pump(s) hopefully my LFS has some options or I could just order online and wait while it cycles with the OE pump. I loved your last tank thread, I can only imagine this will be just as exciting! Thank you! These tanks are really cool, I thought about it before I bought the goon. Can't wait to see this come together. Thanks man, I've been going thru your thread and it's very impressive. Inspiration - I need to go get my scape done hahaha... Sounds like a good plan! And having the extra 15 gallons of volume will probably make this tank a bit easier in a lot of ways. Soooo much more room for activities!! 2 Quote Link to comment
spectra Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 I have the Sicce 1.5 and love the flow from it. People also run a Cobalt 1200 in them also. I am setting up a Fusion 20 tomorrow and will be using a 1200 in it so will let you know what I think once it is running. That pump is cheaper than the Sicce and probably easier to find. 1 Quote Link to comment
Kijho Posted January 30, 2016 Author Share Posted January 30, 2016 Thoughts on the first scape? .. I bought too much rock, have a ton leftover lol... 11 Quote Link to comment
spectra Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 That looks good. Ah never to much rock I have some left over also after doing 2 tanks....... 2 Quote Link to comment
Kijho Posted January 30, 2016 Author Share Posted January 30, 2016 That looks good. Ah never to much rock I have some left over also after doing 2 tanks....... I like the little cave on the right side too 2 Quote Link to comment
muntzor Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Scape looks good. Kinda wishing i went with one big island scape rather than 2 smaller islands. Though i would suggest not having the two highest points in the middle. In terms of pumps, im running 2 sicce syncra 1.5's. I split the return from the Y and have 2 separate ones running. Hopefully enough room for Tunze skimmer down the line. Going to cycle with Dr Tim's? Still waiting for ammonia, not highly available in Australia! Time to get some water in it! 2 Quote Link to comment
Kijho Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 Scape looks good. Kinda wishing i went with one big island scape rather than 2 smaller islands. Though i would suggest not having the two highest points in the middle. In terms of pumps, im running 2 sicce syncra 1.5's. I split the return from the Y and have 2 separate ones running. Hopefully enough room for Tunze skimmer down the line. Going to cycle with Dr Tim's? Still waiting for ammonia, not highly available in Australia! Time to get some water in it! Thank you I've changed it around slightly, and leveled the top out a bit after thinking more about coral placement, I don't think any corals would be happy in that "crevice" at the top. I found both the Sicce's and Cobal pumps, $99Cdn for the Sicce 1.5 at my LFS which is insane!! Damn!! I might do that in the future though, later on haha... When I have a bit more cash to spend Couldn't find Tim's today, might go check somewhere else soon! I got my RODI up and running however, currently filling up a 5G of RODI water!!! 2 Quote Link to comment
teenyreef Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Looks good - I like the scape! 2 Quote Link to comment
Kijho Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 Made some changes... Really love the depth this side has, with the cave and valley kinda thing goin on.. 2 Quote Link to comment
HarryPotter Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Made some changes... Really love the depth this side has, with the cave and valley kinda thing goin on.. How stable is that? Might want to add some epoxy to hold it together! Looks great though 2 Quote Link to comment
vlangel Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 I also like the scape! You are getting there. 1 Quote Link to comment
Kijho Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 How stable is that? Might want to add some epoxy to hold it together. Haha, look on the left just beside the tank my friend, I got the tube of epoxy there ready!!!! :P Hahaha oh yeah this is like a JENGA balanced stack of rocks at the moment .. just one big vibration and it'll all tumble down!!! :lol: I can just picture the panic you're having right now thinking I'd leave it this way, but you're being polite in your suggestion. 1 Quote Link to comment
HarryPotter Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Haha, look on the left just beside the tank my friend, I got the tube of epoxy there ready!!!! :P Hahaha oh yeah this is like a JENGA balanced stack of rocks at the moment .. just one big vibration and it'll all tumble down!!! :lol: I can just picture the panic you're having right now thinking I'd leave it this way, but you're being polite in your suggestion. I didn't see that! I also added "Looks great" to my post while you were typing TBH I have a big 'ol rock on top of my scape that rocks with EVERY pulse of my wave maker! 1 Quote Link to comment
Kijho Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 TBH I have a big 'ol rock on top of my scape that rocks with EVERY pulse of my wave maker! That actually sounds pretty awesome haha.. Quote Link to comment
spectra Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 99 for the Sicce is about right up north. I think down here I paid 70 on ebay for one. They are not cheap but a nice pump. Remember nothing in this hobby is cheap They get you with a cheap tank then it all snowballs from there..... 1 Quote Link to comment
muntzor Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Wow, thats pricey for sicce. I paid $65 for 2 plus shipping, though it was from a wholesaler who sometimes deals direct. The sicce's are remarkably quiet. I have my 20 setup in my bedroom, about 5m from my bed and can not hear them at all. They were even strong enough to start small water funnels in the tank. 1 Quote Link to comment
Kijho Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 Epoxy is some nasty stuff to get off fingers/ fingernails damn 1 Quote Link to comment
ninjamyst Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 so excited for you! your rock wall looks a bit flat at the moment though. have you consider coral placement and the shadows created? if you put monti caps or big corals on top, it may shade the lower part of the wall, depending on your light placement. of course, it may just be the angle of the photo and in real life it's has more depth like you said. 1 Quote Link to comment
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