JZ'S IM 200 EXT MIXED REEF BUILD

[Tangy Reefer]

Here are a couple pieces of my aquascape. I’m working on a couple more pieces and will update, but I’m happy so far……

 

[Tangy Reefer]

I found these magnetic led strip lights with motion sensors on Amazon for my sump. You just take them off and charge them. I currently have some live rock in my sump and poured some bacteria in the tank to start the cycle.

 

[fishybizzness]

Morning. I've started asking around about spacing between the tank and wall. How much space do you think is needed between the back of the tank and wall to be able to install the plumbing without too much trouble? Thanks.

 

[X-37B]

Id say 6" but some have done less.
I went with 12" and its easy to work on. The 8020 fixture behind the system worked out well.

 

[fishybizzness]

Id say 6" but some have done less.
I went with 12" and its easy to work on. The 8020 fixture behind the system worked out well.

Looks great! I may leave it at 6-8. As long as I can squeeze behind I should be good.

 

[fishybizzness]

I don't know if I asked before but what is the specific type of tslot connector you used to attach to the frame? Where did you buy them? Would something like this work?

 

[fishybizzness]

I've never used tslot and I'm kinda clueless when it comes to it. Lol

 

[BubblesandSqueak]

Id say 6" but some have done less.
I went with 12" and its easy to work on. The 8020 fixture behind the system worked out well.

More is always better. I did 8" which gives me 3" to wall from the pipes. the pipes stick out 5" from the tank. I didn't check but the valves might have another 1/2" sticking out when turned off.

 

[X-37B]

I got all mine at Tnutz. They will cut the 8020. You then put it together with the nut that slides into the 8020 channel. I used 15 series.
I did not attatch it to the IM frame as its stand alone. You can do it though.
I am not home or I would show you how to attatch to frame. If your interested pm me and I will do it tomorrow.
Basically you use a 15 series nut and sliding bolt.

 

[fishybizzness]

Thanks for the reply. My plan is to put some of those nuts in each slot on the stand when I'm assembling it in case I want to attach anything in the future to the stand. Just trying to be proactive.

 

[fishybizzness]

It's probably going to be a few months but I'm just trying to get everything I need from now.

 

[Tangy Reefer]

Morning. I've started asking around about spacing between the tank and wall. How much space do you think is needed between the back of the tank and wall to be able to install the plumbing without too much trouble? Thanks.

I would agree 6 inches is a good space on a Large tank from the wall. Especially if you plan to have the UV plumbed in the back.

 

[Summitwynds2]

Looking at an IM 200EXT. Can you get away with setting it up 10” from a wall on the left?

 

[BubblesandSqueak]

Looking at an IM 200EXT. Can you get away with setting it up 10” from a wall on the left?

you will just not have access to the lower left door. might be hard to see the glass for cleaning but you will still have access on the other side and front.

 

[Summitwynds2]

Thank you. Just wanted to be sure there wasn’t any plumbing valves that I wouldn’t be able to access if close to the wall on the left.

you will just not have access to the lower left door. might be hard to see the glass for cleaning but you will still have access on the other side and front.

 

[Mikeltee]

Looking at an IM 200EXT. Can you get away with setting it up 10” from a wall on the left?

Get the new 240

 

[Summitwynds2]

Get the new 240

Ive highly considered it. I just cant justify the $2K+ additional price for 12”

 

[BubblesandSqueak]

Thank you. Just wanted to be sure there wasn’t any plumbing valves that I wouldn’t be able to access if close to the wall on the left.

There are valves and filter socks on that side that would be easier to access from the side. You just need to reach them from the front. The side doors make it More convenient. There’s a shutoff to the left return on the back but I’ve never needed it. I believe it would just make a magnetic scraper harder to use.

 

[Mikeltee]

Ive highly considered it. I just cant justify the $2K+ additional price for 12”

I didn't realize the jump was so significant. You made a good choice. They are the best value in the game. I wish I had known about them 15 years ago.

 

[Summitwynds2]

Haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Looking at all IM options. Space is 90 x 39