First Build Feedback and Advice, IM Fusion 40

[kntclew]

Hello! Finally decided to take the plunge and purchased an IM Fusion Pro 2, 40 gal (not the long) AIO with APS pedestal. I used to keep cichlids decades ago but have been away from the aquarium hobby for some time. My vision/goal for this tank is a garden of BTA's with a pair of ocellaris clowns (not expecting/caring if they host). That's it, not really interested in anything else in terms of livestock. Have always been fascinated with anemones. Hoping this will be a relatively low bio load and not super maintenance intensive once established. Doing some research, I'm finding anemones like stability so was planning on running this tank as essentially a FOWLR with the clowns for the first 6 months before introducing some BTA's (rose). Was hoping to get some feedback, recommendations on my setup and plans. Would also welcome anyone pointing out any blind spots, important things I'm missing. Thank you!!!

Water: RO/DI via BRS filter

Sand: CaribSea special grade arag-alive

Rock: CaribSea life rock

Starter bacteria: Dr. Tim's one and only, fishless cycle with ammonia chloride

Salt: Tropic marin, Red Sea pro worth it?

Light: AI prime 16 enough or do I really need a Hydra? Also looking at nicrew hypereef gen 2 - 100 watt. Radions and other high ends are out of my budget for now.

Circulation: jecod dmp-20 worth a try? Ai Nero better? not wanting to break the bank with an ecotech, open to other suggestions that would also be easy to find a 3d printed nem guard for

Heater, temp controller: open to suggestions

ATO: open to suggestions

Testing kit: open to suggestions

Appreciate any and all recommendations, guidance!

 

[Tahoe61]

Hi and Welcome to R2R,

Congratulations on your new system.

I up graded the return pump to a SICCE 3.0 714 gph. I have had the AI Prime and did not like them. If I had a choice it would be the nicrew.

The Tunze Comline Doc 9001 fits and works well in this tank. The Tunze ATO works well. Tunze makes a good product.

For salt Instant Ocean or Reef Crystals get the job done. BTAs are really hardy anemones, you definitely don't need an expensive salt mix.

Get the AI Nero. Anything Ecotech is very over priced.

 

[kntclew]

Hi and Welcome to R2R,

Congratulations on your new system.

I up graded the return pump to a SICCE 3.0 714 gph. I have had the AI Prime and did not like them. If I had a choice it would be the nicrew.

The Tunze Comline Doc 9001 fits and works well in this tank. The Tunze ATO works well. Tunze makes a good product.

For salt Instant Ocean or Reef Crystals get the job done. BTAs are really hardy anemones, you definitely don't need an expensive salt mix.

Get the AI Nero. Anything Ecotech is very over priced.

Thanks so much for your advice! Just out of curiosity, what about the AI Prime did you not like?

 

[Tahoe61]

Thanks so much for your advice! Just out of curiosity, what about the AI Prime did you not like?

I thought it had a disco ball look with a lot of shading. It's not a cheap LED, for the money you can get better coverage.
I am however looking at the AI Blades for a IM 14 gallon peninsula.

 

[phillyb614]

ATO, get a Tunze. Very reliable

Testing, go with Hanna checkers

Good call waiting 6 months to add the nems. Sounds like you’ve done your research.

 

[kntclew]

I thought it had a disco ball look with a lot of shading. It's not a cheap LED, for the money you can get better coverage.
I am however looking at the AI Blades for a IM 14 gallon peninsula.

Gotcha. Thanks!

 

[kntclew]

ATO, get a Tunze. Very reliable

Testing, go with Hanna checkers

Good call waiting 6 months to add the nems. Sounds like you’ve done your research.

Tunze seems like the play. The Hannas seem pretty nifty. Appreciate the insights!