50 gallon EXT Lagoon build

[Intheflesh]

Hey all. I currently have a reefer 350, and downsizing to a IM Nuvo 50 EXT Lagoon. It has been up set up since Oct 2017, but the tank is just a little too big for the living room. We decided that the 50 lagoon would be better dimensions.

Still at the planning stages right now. Most of my equipment from the RSR350 will sold off; I'm gong to reuse what I can but most of the equipment is a bit oversized (both physically and in rated capacity). Simplicity is going to be the name of the game here; I would really like to cut down my equipment such that I only need (1) Neptune EB832.

Lights: XR30 g5 pro ( I have 2 currently, probably going to use 1, or sell both and get a pair of xr15s since they are on sale right now)
Circulation: mp40 (similarly, I have a pair. I could use both and turn them way down, or sell them and get a pair of MP10s).
Return: Jebao dc6500 (already have this. considering selling and getting a cor-15. This would free up an outlet on my apex, as I can use the 24VDC connections)
Skimmer: Currently using a Vertex omega 150, but it wont fit in the sump. I have three replacements at three price points: Deltec 600ix, Aquamaxx FC80 or Skimz Kone SK181 (older model, on sale at BRS)
Currently running a vertex 3L Zeovit reactor, this definitely will not fit in the new sump. Currently looking for a second hand Vertex 1.5L (discontinued model)
Sump: Reefer 270 v3 is what I used in my models. May substitute this for another 18" cube sump.


Space is going to be at a premium under a 30" wide tank. I created some sketchup models just to see how everything will fit. These models are more for "proof of concept". This weekend I will make a more finished model, and try to include plumbing, a "dry" section for electronics, and a finished cabinet. I will be DIY'ing the stand. Pine 3x1's for the main structure, and then skinned with oak. I may build the main structure of the stand to 32" wide to give a couple extra inches of space. that's all for now

o

 

[TheWB]

I have the AIO version of the Lagoon 50 but at some point I want to swap it out for the EXT version so I can use the same stand and add a sump. Following along for progress and ideas.

 

[Intheflesh]

Update: Tank was delivered last week, but was damaged in transport. Bummer. Getting a new one shipped out this week. But this one they are sending me has the overflow and return on opposite sides when compared to standard.

Stand design has changed a bit. Going with a gusseted steel frame, and some "beauty boards" that will be held on with french cleats and magnets. Ordered my skimmer, new zeo reactor, and sump. Stand should be done in about 2 weeks,

Equipment list has changed a bit, and everything has been ordered:
Lights: XR30 g5 pro ( I have 2 currently, probably going to use 1, or sell both and get a pair of xr15s since they are on sale right now)
Circulation: mp40 (similarly, I have a pair. I could use both and turn them way down, or sell them and get a pair of MP10s).
Return: Jebao dc6500 (already have)- might not fit in new sump, might need to downsize to 4500
Skimmer: Really wanted the Skimz Kone SK181 for the price (there was only 1 left on BRS), but missed out on it. Ended up going with Aquamaxx FC120.
Zeovit reactor - Aquamaxx 1L reactor
Sump: 16" cube from Advanced Acrylics, along with a matching narrow ATO.

I think I am going to stick to my old apex "classic" for now as I am a bit over budget.

Here a few more renderings. Just realized my floor pan is missing some cutouts, and plumbing is far from complete. But it is more for proof of concept and to verify that components will fit.

 

[Intheflesh]

Update (Sorry, still no build pics):

- skimmer and Zeo reactor delivered
- New tank finally shipped on 9/23
- ended up sizing up my sump to the 18" square model
- material for stand has been ordered

Marine depot sent me a "thank you" by means of 15% off coupon. I still need to order a few more items, and this incentive might be the push to get a new "2016" model Apex lol

 

[SavAqua20]

The new Apex is awesome. You won’t regret investing in it.

 

[Silent]

So are you going the zeovit method? That is a very hands on method but I read you stated "Simplicity is going to be the name of the game here". Are you only using the zeolites or are you going to be dosing also?

 

[infinite0180]

Following along! I like the ext model tanks from IM alot!

 

[count krunk]

Yeah I wouldn't say zeovit is simple haha.

Simple to me is two part dosing and regular water changes

 

[Intheflesh]

So are you going the zeovit method? That is a very hands on method but I read you stated "Simplicity is going to be the name of the game here". Are you only using the zeolites or are you going to be dosing also?

Zeovit isn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be. I am running it currently in my RSR350, and ran it on a previous 80 gallon shallow. Requires less than 2 minutes of hands on per day. And maybe 10 minutes in weekly maintenance.

My dog wakes me up at 5:30a on the dot every morning to feed her. While she's eating, I do my morning zeo routine: shake stones 12 times, .3ml Zeo start (daily), 3 drops Sponge power (daily), 3 drops zeo bac, zeofood, lougols solution (2-3 times weekly).
In the evening when I get home from work or gym: shake stones 12 times, .3ml of Zeo start. Knead media bag (running carbon inactively in a media bag, rather than a reactor).

Once/week: 5-10% water change. This takes less than 1 "Feed Cycle" on my apex. Especially on the new 50 gallon, that will only be a single 5 gallon bucket. I mix my salt water in 30 gallon batches and store it in 5 gallon totes and HD buckets.

By "simplicity" I guess I mean i'm trying to minimize the equipment I am using down to the bare essentials.

 

[Silent]

Cool. Sounds like a good routine. I like zeo also, just wasn't sure if you were already into it. Definitely not simple or less maintenance although not hard or time consuming. Just wanted to make sure you were going in the right direction of what you were wanting. I see you are.

 

[Intheflesh]

Lets talk about stocking for a second. I have the finished product envisioned in my head, but I know its going to be a long road to get there. Mixed reef - 80% SPS dominant with a handful of Zoas, a few acan colonies., and maybe a scoly or two.

I recently received a Battlebox for my 350. These will all be transferred over. The Efflo didn't make it, but everythign else is looking great.

BC Efflo 2.0 - didn't make it
"Sunrise" Monti
BC "Old Blue" Stag
Toxic anacropora
ORA Birds of Paradise
BC June Ruby
Orange tipped Albrolhosensis
Bubble Gum Digi
Soft Pink Mille
R.O.A.B. Digi
Rainbow stylo

I think I have room for about 10-12more frags. I want a couple of "designer" pieces (WR, WD, Bill Murray, etc), a couple "classics" (palmers blue mille, pink lemonade, pearl berry, strawberry shortcake, Purple Monster, Romels watermellon, Shades of fall, garf bonsai, red planet, etc) Having a really hard time trying to narrow down the list.

Not sure what happened to my zoanthids, but they closed up about a year ago, and somehow in the last week decided they wanted to come out an play. Not really well versed in zoas. What are some must haves? Currently have a frag of people eaters, bam-bams, tangerines, and some random palys. What do you guys recommend?

 

[Intheflesh]

My new tank arrived yesterday, luckily in one piece.
I am a little disappointed at the transport company. IM was smart, and placed and shrink wrapped an empty box on top of the tank, and marked it "DO NOT STACK". The box was crushed, so obviously something was stacked on top of the tank during the shipping process.

Both tank appear to be built well. The seems are better on the replacement tank. But the caulking and film on the new tank are extremely sloppy.

Old Tank:

(here you can see part of the damage to the first tank)

 

[Intheflesh]

Replacement:

Seams are better on the replacement:

But the over flow box is really sloppy:

 

[Intheflesh]

Not much to update. Tank is in the garage getting water tested. Sump, and ATO reservoir arrived last night. Need to water test the sump. I have not fully unwrapped it, but it appears to be great quality, and was packed really well. Thanks to Advanced Acrylics. Its and 18" cube with 7" sock holder. In retrospect, I wish i went with dual 4" sock holders.

 

[infinite0180]

Curious as to why the overflow is on the other side with the replacement tank?

 

[Intheflesh]

Curious as to why the overflow is on the other side with the replacement tank?

Excellent question... No idea lol.

They called me and said, "hey, we can send out a replacement tank, but the overflow and return are on opposite sides"

Didn't bother me at all, so I took it.

 

[Intheflesh]

I haven't updated this thread in a while I just realized. I work for a company that does fab work, so I had them build the stand for me. Came out pretty good.

Here it is with panels in place:

And preview of the plumbing:

We're in the process of moving right now, so this project took a bit of a back seat. I hope to have it up and running by next weekend.

So I will be re-using a lot of the equipment from my reefer 350. I have at my disposal (2) MP40QDs, and (2) Radion XR30 Pro gen 4. Do I really need 2 radions and 2 mp40s for this? This is going to be an SPS dominant grow out tank for the most part, so I'm going to want some flow and light. But the position of the return and yuge overflow box is going to make it hard to position all of the equipment I think.

 

[Intheflesh]

Oh yeah . Sump is from Advanced Acrylics. Can't remember if I ordered the 16" or 18" cube model. Skimmer is an FC80 from aquamax, and zeovit reactor is also Aquamax. Return pump will be a jebao dct 4000. That should be arriving today.

 

[Intheflesh]

Preview! Need to make some more water. The beginnings of my electronics cabinet is on the right. Also going to strip the paint and stain the doors.

 

[Intheflesh]

I had a very busy weekend. Saturday we moved 90% of the stuff at our old house. Sunday I moved the contents of my Reefer 350 to the new house to the 50.

Start of the break down:

Car all loaded up for the journey: