Edsbeaker’s Build-Dedicated To The Lazy Reefer

edsbeaker

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Hi to all my fellow reefers, and thank you for taking a look.

I will be getting a new IM EXT 170 gallon reef system delivered in a couple of weeks. This will be replacing my IM EXT 75 that I’ve only had set up for about 7 months. I was longing for a couple of larger fish that just wouldn’t work in my present tank, so decided to upgrade.

The title of this thread came because when I decided to upgrade my tank I knew I wanted to be as hands off as possible with the maintenance. I am a lazy reefer and a bit “older” than most of you, so decided to go with it to inspire others that are, well, lazy! So I dedicate my build to the other lazy reefers amongst us who enjoy this hobby with as much automation as he/she can think to do, and not being at all ashamed of that!
 
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edsbeaker

edsbeaker

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Tank dimensions are
60”L X 30”W X 21”H

EQUIPMENT LIST
Skimmer- Reef Octopus Classic 200

Return Pump- IM Mighty Jet XL DC Pump
Powerheads- Four Jecod DMP-40’s
Lights- 3 Radion XR15, hung from the ceiling
Controller- Apex EL with 2 Energy Bar 832’s, and 1 EB4
Water Testing- Apex Trident
Auto Water Change- Apex DOS
Dosers- Three BRS dosers for Alk, Calc and Mag.
ATO- Tunze Osmolator
RODI- BRS 5 stage RODI system upgraded to 150 GPD

Auto Feeder- Avast Marine Plank

The new 170 gallon will be in the same spot as the 75 gallon is now, so I’ve tried to think through the process and have a plan that works best. I’ve decided to do the transfer in two separate steps a few days apart so it’s not rushed or too overwhelming.

When the tank and stand are delivered, I will build the stand first. Then it is time to get the strong arms from my LFS to come in and do the heavy work. The first thing will be to transfer the rocks and most of the water from the 75 gallon into totes and move the 75 gallon over about 6 feet and then put everything back in. The second step is for them to place the 170 on the stand.

I will be doing the rest of the setup from that point, including hooking up the plumbing then filling and leak testing the tank. If everything checks out I will move the tank to its final position and add new sand.


We have a vacation coming up in 3 weeks, and have decided that this tank will stay empty until we get back. Even though I will have leak checked it, I’m still not comfortable letting it sit filled while not at home.
 
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edsbeaker

edsbeaker

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My reef system has arrived, and these crates are huge! IM certainly packages these beasts well. The sump was in the top crate, stand crate below, and tank on the bottom.


IMG_0549.jpeg


The only negative to the great packaging is what do you do with all this garbage after everything is unpacked? :zany-face:


IMG_0559.jpeg


I got the stand built. My IM 75 had a white stand, and I am so happy I got the black one this time. It has more of a matt finish, whereas the white was shiny and not as elegant looking IMO.
IMG_0557.jpeg
 
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edsbeaker

edsbeaker

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The tank will be in the garage for about a week. My LFS is coming to carry it in and placing it on the stand.

IMG_0558.jpeg
The new tank came with a pretty nice mesh lid that I will put a little pull on so it is a bit easier to lift up.

IMG_0560.jpeg

It doesn’t have any cutouts, so I will have to figure out a way to cut into it to place my Avast Plank feeder and cord from my heater. My powerheads have exterior cables so I will only have the heater cable in the tank.
 
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edsbeaker

edsbeaker

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The following was in the build thread that this tank replaces, but still applies to this new tank.

I am very fortunate to live in a house that is laid out in such a way that equipment can be connected to this tank from a closet directly behind the tank, AND that closet is back to back with a large laundry room with a sink, so I have lots of space to spread out. I also have a husband that doesn’t mind me taking over parts of the house for my personal use, and he can’t complain since he has an entire 20 x 24’ loft for his own use too.

This all makes the storage of everything, including a 32 Gallon Brute for ATO, two 55 Gallon Ace Roto-Mold containers for mixing and storing saltwater, my BRS RODI system, my DOS for auto water changes, a sink to drain the old water from the tank and waste water from the RODI system, dosing pumps, trident, apex and all the tubing and electric cables that goes with it, quite easy.

Here are some photos.


IMG_0562.jpeg
IMG_0563.jpeg
IMG_0564.jpeg


With the help of two 4” access holes between the three rooms this is all possible.

IMG_0565.jpeg
IMG_0566.jpeg
 
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edsbeaker

edsbeaker

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With some help from my local LFS the tank is in position! I added some additional rocks that I fused together using Marco rock powder and thin viscosity super glue. It creates a chemical reaction that gets super hot and cements the rocks together instantly. I will be bringing over the existing rocks and all the inhabitants from the 75 gallon in a couple of weeks.

My husband and I will be vacationing, and I didn’t want to risk leaving a fully set up tank with livestock on its own for a week. I’ve had too many mishaps with connections a bit lose, or programming, etc. I will fill it up and run the return pump and heater, but that’s all.

IMG_0956.jpeg
 
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edsbeaker

edsbeaker

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I am up and running. The transfer over to the new tank went very smoothly. I used new sand, and 100% new tank water, matched temp, salinity, alkalinity, calcium and pH, and pretty much just threw everything from the old 75 gallon into the 170 gallon. All the fish and coral barely noticed.

The tank will look a bit strange for the next few months until the coraline, and just the normal maturity of rocks take over the Marco dry rocks that I have added.
 

SerialHobbiest

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Following along. I was originally considering a similar IM, but my LFS talked me into the Planet Aquariums 180 instead. But those IMs look super sweet, and it’s impressive to me your LFS was willing to help with moving it into place.
 
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edsbeaker

edsbeaker

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Following along. I was originally considering a similar IM, but my LFS talked me into the Planet Aquariums 180 instead. But those IMs look super sweet, and it’s impressive to me your LFS was willing to help with moving it into place.
Welcome to Reef 2 Reef!
I actually ordered directly from IM and paid my LFS to move the tank. Nothing for free in this hobby!!! ;)
How do you like your planet aquarium? Is it a 6’ tank? If so you can have your choice of larger tangs than I can, so I think the foot print is better. I would have gone with a 6’ tank, but I’m limited on space.
 

SerialHobbiest

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Welcome to Reef 2 Reef!
I actually ordered directly from IM and paid my LFS to move the tank. Nothing for free in this hobby!!! ;)
How do you like your planet aquarium? Is it a 6’ tank? If so you can have your choice of larger tangs than I can, so I think the foot print is better. I would have gone with a 6’ tank, but I’m limited on space.
Yes, I got the 6’ which has always been my dream size. I had the perfect wall to put it along in our new house. Can’t wait to get some of the larger tangs, but I also love fairy wrasses. And I’m hoping I can eventually find a pair of blue jaw triggers.
 

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