IM 100 EXT. I'm back after a break since 2005

[Tradam Yaks]

Well, I said when I realized I needed to focus elsewhere from reef keeping when I was 21 that I will be back someday. Some day when I have the means and stability to sustain a high quality reef. Now is that time.

With the hobby seeing so many changes and advancements it feels almost brand new, yet with a comforting familiarity. So many things are easier and some harder now. My only tank I've ever kept was a 75 cycled with live rock and sand, which basically gave me the biome to run it practically problem free. The cycle went quickly, and afterwards, there was little to no ugly phase. Though I was youthfully blind to many aspects. Primarily, I was blind to the long term.

So, I ordered an Innovative Marine 100 gallon EXT system with included sump. I wanted to build a sump from a 40b but this deal was too good to pass up and I can always consider that option down the road. Plus the sump is super spacious and affords the luxury of plumbing in another tank if I want. The tank should arrive by December or January according to the site. Gives me time to fully consider the entire build.

My goals for the tank are:

• To start a solid cycle with some dry rock and add maricultured live from TBS immediately after cycle with probably a couple of clowns or fishless. Run it as FOWLR for a few months to get a nice rythm and feel for the system going. Slowly adding fish.
• Add softies and LPS and let the system mature to about its first birthday or so.
• Add some SPS. This would be new territory for me as my only experience has been with soft and LPS.

System details:

• Tank: Innovative Marine 100 EXT, 100 gallons, dimensions: 47.2"x23.6"x19.7". Overflow comes with bean animal 1"
• Sump: Innovative Marine RFS39. 57 gallon running filter socks. Will come stock with fiber ball media which I'll see how that goes for a bit before switching. Eventually I may retrofit in a roller. UPDATE: Likely going to go with Nature Dimensions N-clear M Fleece roller with 1 extension and the other sock hole blocked.
  • Skimmer: Current thought is an Aquaforest All-In-Skim 150.
    • The CO2 scrub built in seems very useful. Plus, it's ozone ready.
  • Refugium with rubble, rock, sand, and chaeto.
  • Heater: Helio 700 watt (2x 350w) PTC smart heater
  • Return pump: MightyJet XL DC. I will be getting something for backup by the time the tank arrives. I haven't decided what yet.
  • UV Sterilizer: Likely a BRS 25 watt classic.
    • Deciding on plumbing location. I want the coverage of plumbing it into the return line to the display but also want the ability to adjust the flow based on needs without affecting turnover rates for the whole filtration system. So, I will likely plumb with a separate pump from the skimmer chamber into the return chamber. Advice appreciated here.
• Tap filtration: BRS RO/DI 6 stage
  • Split before DI with pressurized tank for drinking water
• Rocks: UPDATE: Currently have about 40lbs Carib Sea "LifeRock"
  • I intend to get 30lbs TBS premium live rock, 12lbs TBS premium nano live rock to add directly after nitro cycle concludes and 8lbs rubble for the fuge.
• Sand: I intend to do a 2 inch bed. 80 lbs of special grade Carib Sea Arag-Alive with 40 lbs of TBS live sand.
• Lighting: UPDATE: Reefi Uno 2.1 or ATI Strattons have caught my eye as of late.
• Flow: Probably a gyre and Vortechs
• Salt: TBD
• Reactors: TBD
• ATO: UPDATE: Tunze Osmolator 3 with a 10g res
• Auto feeder: Something down the line likely.
• Automation: I will certainly be getting something but want more time to decide based on my needs

Livestock: UPDATE 9/29/26

• Fish: going med to heavy with bioload (captive bred wherever possible)
  • 2x clowns likely a captivebred designer variety - Bullethole maybe
  • Small bristetooth tang like a Kole, White tail Kole or Tomini
  • Zebramosa Yellow Tang
  • Royal gramma
  • Pistol shrimp and Goby pair (I love these so much)
  • Captive bred green mandarin (A must have when tank is mature and pod population is solid)
  • Firefish
  • Wrasse, either Naoko or Orange back fairy wrasse. Hope they don't mess with my shrimp and goby pair
  • Open to other thoughts that may be provided by others or come to me later
• Corals:
  • I need me a Zoa garden. I just love em. How could you not love a Zoa?
  • Favia or Favite
  • Euphyllia. Torch and/or Hammer and/or King spawn. The and/ors are determined by what specimens I find and the best suited locations.
  • Duncan
  • Maybe Firework Clove. Something not invasive if at all.
  • Chalice
  • Goni
  • SPS is TBD when the time comes but considering obviously acropora and montipora (I plan to design the scape and gear for the SPS down the road.

I just received my RO/DI system and will be installing it over the weekend. It's a BRS 6-stage RODI plus I will be adding in a split before the DI to run to a pressurized tank and spout for drinking water. Tank kit also purchased from BRS.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[Fish Fan]

That's a nice system to get you back in! Good luck with your build!

 

[NyteRyder1]

Also following

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome back, good luck! I would add the live rock with the dry to speed up your cycle.

 

[Tradam Yaks]

Welcome back, good luck! I would add the live rock with the dry to speed up your cycle.

That was my initial plan. I came across something saying it was to prevent die off from hitchhikers. I might split the difference and add it mid cycle though not sure if that really moves the needle in either direction.

 

[kevgib67]

That was my initial plan. I came across something saying it was to prevent die off from hitchhikers. I might split the difference and add it mid cycle though not sure if that really moves the needle in either direction.

I upgraded a 32g to a 105g at the beginning of the year. I used all live sand and the rock ( it was live when I got it) in my existing tank and the rest was live rock from TSA and transferred it all over in one day. But you do what you are comfortable with since you’re using a mix.

 

[upnorth77]

Following! Mine's on order, an upgrade from my 40g breeder. Are you planning on using a top?

 

[Tradam Yaks]

Following! Mine's on order, an upgrade from my 40g breeder. Are you planning on using a top?

Nice!

I am. I'm concerned about fish taking flight in the future. IM has a screen for that tank but it seems pricey so I'm going to start looking at other options soon. If nothing else I'll get that.

What about you? Found anything?

 

[upnorth77]

Following! Mine's on order, an upgrade from my 40g breeder. Are you planning on using a top?

Nice!

I am. I'm concerned about fish taking flight in the future. IM has a screen for that tank but it seems pricey so I'm going to start looking at other options soon. If nothing else I'll get that.

What about you? Found anything?

I've found they are crazy expensive for what they are! I've looked at Kraken and Top Lids, but haven't made a decision yet. I may end up just going with a screen.

 

[Tradam Yaks]

Following! Mine's on order, an upgrade from my 40g breeder. Are you planning on using a top?

Nice!

I am. I'm concerned about fish taking flight in the future. IM has a screen for that tank but it seems pricey so I'm going to start looking at other options soon. If nothing else I'll get that.

What about you? Found anything?

I've found they are crazy expensive for what they are! I've looked at Kraken and Top Lids, but haven't made a decision yet. I may end up just going with a screen.

Yup. There's just better things for the tank to spend that money on.

 

[Brews_Reef]

Man this is exciting for me to read. We are essentially starting an IM 100 around the same time. I actually just posted my initial build post just a few days ago.

I had a 100g tank for a few years as a very late teenager / into my early twenties. I had a few decent fish and a handful of zoa`s that were hanging on for dear life. College, moving etc forced me to get rid of the tank and I have waited many years to dive back in. I just ordered an IM 100 INT and am preparing for it to arrive in the next 6 weeks or so.

I have to do some structural support beneath my office to support the weight. So far have been slowly stocking up my equipment and just finished my aqua scape.

I'll definitely be following along - I'm curious to see what you decide on light wise. I'm still trying to make that decision myself.

Good luck man I'm excited for you!

 

[upnorth77]

Man this is exciting for me to read. We are essentially starting an IM 100 around the same time. I actually just posted my initial build post just a few days ago.

I had a 100g tank for a few years as a very late teenager / into my early twenties. I had a few decent fish and a handful of zoa`s that were hanging on for dear life. College, moving etc forced me to get rid of the tank and I have waited many years to dive back in. I just ordered an IM 100 INT and am preparing for it to arrive in the next 6 weeks or so.

I have to do some structural support beneath my office to support the weight. So far have been slowly stocking up my equipment and just finished my aqua scape.

I'll definitely be following along - I'm curious to see what you decide on light wise. I'm still trying to make that decision myself.

Good luck man I'm excited for you!

Killer looking scape!

 

[BostonFisher]

Nice!

I am. I'm concerned about fish taking flight in the future. IM has a screen for that tank but it seems pricey so I'm going to start looking at other options soon. If nothing else I'll get that.

What about you? Found anything?

Did you see the IM Screen kit for $48? Compared to the higher end options seems like it's a place to start.
https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/DIY-SafeScreen™-Aquarium-Mesh-Screen-Lid-p184828567

 

[BostonFisher]

Well, I said when I realized I needed to focus elsewhere from reef keeping when I was 21 that I will be back someday. Some day when I have the means and stability to sustain a high quality reef. Now is that time.

With the hobby seeing so many changes and advancements it feels almost brand new, yet with a comforting familiarity. So many things are easier and some harder now. My only tank I've ever kept was a 75 cycled with live rock and sand, which basically gave me the biome to run it practically problem free. The cycle went quickly, and afterwards, there was little to no ugly phase. Though I was youthfully blind to many aspects. Primarily, I was blind to the long term.

So, I ordered an Innovative Marine 100 gallon EXT system with included sump. I wanted to build a sump from a 40b but this deal was too good to pass up and I can always consider that option down the road. Plus the sump is super spacious and affords the luxury of plumbing in another tank if I want. The tank should arrive by December or January according to the site. Gives me time to fully consider the entire build.

My goals for the tank are:

• To start a solid cycle with some dry rock and add maricultured live from TBS immediately after cycle with probably a couple of clowns or fishless. Run it as FOWLR for a few months to get a nice rythm and feel for the system going. Slowly adding fish.
• Add softies and LPS and let the system mature to about its first birthday or so.
• Add some SPS. This would be new territory for me as my only experience has been with soft and LPS.

System details:

• Tank: Innovative Marine 100 EXT, 100 gallons, dimensions: 47.2"x23.6"x19.7". Overflow comes with bean animal 1"
• Sump: Innovative Marine RFS39. 57 gallon running filter socks. Will come stock with fiber ball media which I'll see how that goes for a bit before switching. Eventually I may retrofit in a roller.
  • Skimmer: Current thought is an Aquaforest All-In-Skim 150.
    • The CO2 scrub built in seems very useful. Plus, it's ozone ready.
  • Refugium with rubble, rock, sand, and chaeto.
  • Heater: Helio 700 watt (2x 350w) PTC smart heater
  • Return pump: MightyJet XL DC. I will be getting something for backup by the time the tank arrives. I haven't decided what yet.
  • UV Sterilizer: Likely a BRS 25 watt classic.
    • Deciding on plumbing location. I want the coverage of plumbing it into the return line to the display but also want the ability to adjust the flow based on needs without affecting turnover rates for the whole filtration system. So, I will likely plumb with a separate pump from the skimmer chamber into the return chamber. Advice appreciated here.
• Tap filtration: BRS RO/DI 6 stage
  • Split before DI with pressurized tank for drinking water
• Rocks: Currently have about 30lbs Carib Sea "LifeRock"
  • I intend to get 20 to 30lbs TBS live rock to add directly after nitro cycle concludes
• Sand: I intend to do a 2 inch bed. 80 lbs of special grade Carib Sea Arag-Alive with 40 lbs of Carib Sea Ocean Direct original grade.
• Lighting: This area needs plenty more thought. I'm curious about the Giesemann Aurora v12 pro in 36" but I'm unsure if the length being shorter than the tank at 48" is a bad idea. Advice would be awesome for this.
• Flow: Probably a gyre and Vortechs
• Salt: TBD
• Reactors: TBD
• ATO: TBD but I will definitely have something.
• Auto feeder: Something down the line likely.
• Automation: I will certainly be getting something but want more time to decide based on my needs

Livestock:

• Fish: going med to heavy with bioload (captive bred wherever possible)
  • 2x clowns likely a captivebred designer variety
  • Small tang like a Kole, White tail Kole, Tomini, yellow etc. Probably just one
  • Royal gramma
  • Pistol shrimp and Goby pair (I love these so much)
  • Captive bred mandarin
  • Potters angel maybe
  • Cardinal fish
  • Firefish
  • Something in the Wrasse deptartment
  • Open to other thoughts that may be provided by others or come to me later
• Corals:
  • I need me a Zoa garden. I just love em. How could you not love a Zoa?
  • Favia or Favite
  • Euphyllia. Torch and/or Hammer and/or King spawn. The and/ors are determined by what specimens I find and the best suited locations.
  • Duncan
  • Maybe Firework Clove. Something not invasive if at all.
  • Chalice
  • Goni
  • SPS is TBD when the time comes but considering obviously acropora and montipora

I just received my RO/DI system and will be installing it over the weekend. It's a BRS 6-stage RODI plus I will be adding in a split before the DI to run to a pressurized tank and spout for drinking water. Tank kit also purchased from BRS.

Have the same tank and sump on order, going to be a long wait for me :-). Let us know when your system arrives!

 

[Tradam Yaks]

Well, I said when I realized I needed to focus elsewhere from reef keeping when I was 21 that I will be back someday. Some day when I have the means and stability to sustain a high quality reef. Now is that time.

With the hobby seeing so many changes and advancements it feels almost brand new, yet with a comforting familiarity. So many things are easier and some harder now. My only tank I've ever kept was a 75 cycled with live rock and sand, which basically gave me the biome to run it practically problem free. The cycle went quickly, and afterwards, there was little to no ugly phase. Though I was youthfully blind to many aspects. Primarily, I was blind to the long term.

So, I ordered an Innovative Marine 100 gallon EXT system with included sump. I wanted to build a sump from a 40b but this deal was too good to pass up and I can always consider that option down the road. Plus the sump is super spacious and affords the luxury of plumbing in another tank if I want. The tank should arrive by December or January according to the site. Gives me time to fully consider the entire build.

My goals for the tank are:

• To start a solid cycle with some dry rock and add maricultured live from TBS immediately after cycle with probably a couple of clowns or fishless. Run it as FOWLR for a few months to get a nice rythm and feel for the system going. Slowly adding fish.
• Add softies and LPS and let the system mature to about its first birthday or so.
• Add some SPS. This would be new territory for me as my only experience has been with soft and LPS.

System details:

• Tank: Innovative Marine 100 EXT, 100 gallons, dimensions: 47.2"x23.6"x19.7". Overflow comes with bean animal 1"
• Sump: Innovative Marine RFS39. 57 gallon running filter socks. Will come stock with fiber ball media which I'll see how that goes for a bit before switching. Eventually I may retrofit in a roller.
  • Skimmer: Current thought is an Aquaforest All-In-Skim 150.
    • The CO2 scrub built in seems very useful. Plus, it's ozone ready.
  • Refugium with rubble, rock, sand, and chaeto.
  • Heater: Helio 700 watt (2x 350w) PTC smart heater
  • Return pump: MightyJet XL DC. I will be getting something for backup by the time the tank arrives. I haven't decided what yet.
  • UV Sterilizer: Likely a BRS 25 watt classic.
    • Deciding on plumbing location. I want the coverage of plumbing it into the return line to the display but also want the ability to adjust the flow based on needs without affecting turnover rates for the whole filtration system. So, I will likely plumb with a separate pump from the skimmer chamber into the return chamber. Advice appreciated here.
• Tap filtration: BRS RO/DI 6 stage
  • Split before DI with pressurized tank for drinking water
• Rocks: Currently have about 30lbs Carib Sea "LifeRock"
  • I intend to get 20 to 30lbs TBS live rock to add directly after nitro cycle concludes
• Sand: I intend to do a 2 inch bed. 80 lbs of special grade Carib Sea Arag-Alive with 40 lbs of Carib Sea Ocean Direct original grade.
• Lighting: This area needs plenty more thought. I'm curious about the Giesemann Aurora v12 pro in 36" but I'm unsure if the length being shorter than the tank at 48" is a bad idea. Advice would be awesome for this.
• Flow: Probably a gyre and Vortechs
• Salt: TBD
• Reactors: TBD
• ATO: TBD but I will definitely have something.
• Auto feeder: Something down the line likely.
• Automation: I will certainly be getting something but want more time to decide based on my needs

Livestock:

• Fish: going med to heavy with bioload (captive bred wherever possible)
  • 2x clowns likely a captivebred designer variety
  • Small tang like a Kole, White tail Kole, Tomini, yellow etc. Probably just one
  • Royal gramma
  • Pistol shrimp and Goby pair (I love these so much)
  • Captive bred mandarin
  • Potters angel maybe
  • Cardinal fish
  • Firefish
  • Something in the Wrasse deptartment
  • Open to other thoughts that may be provided by others or come to me later
• Corals:
  • I need me a Zoa garden. I just love em. How could you not love a Zoa?
  • Favia or Favite
  • Euphyllia. Torch and/or Hammer and/or King spawn. The and/ors are determined by what specimens I find and the best suited locations.
  • Duncan
  • Maybe Firework Clove. Something not invasive if at all.
  • Chalice
  • Goni
  • SPS is TBD when the time comes but considering obviously acropora and montipora

I just received my RO/DI system and will be installing it over the weekend. It's a BRS 6-stage RODI plus I will be adding in a split before the DI to run to a pressurized tank and spout for drinking water. Tank kit also purchased from BRS.

Have the same tank and sump on order, going to be a long wait for me :-). Let us know when your system arrives!

Will do! Im getting so antsy.

 

[DmitryB]

Following! Mine's on order, an upgrade from my 40g breeder. Are you planning on using a top?

Nice!

I am. I'm concerned about fish taking flight in the future. IM has a screen for that tank but it seems pricey so I'm going to start looking at other options soon. If nothing else I'll get that.

What about you? Found anything?

I've found they are crazy expensive for what they are! I've looked at Kraken and Top Lids, but haven't made a decision yet. I may end up just going with a screen.

Doesn't the tank come with a cover? I thought all IM's did. One thing that's not great about them is that their rim is metal, so you can't make any modifications to make cutouts for pumps or feeders, etc. But there should be a cover with the tank.

 

[Tradam Yaks]

Doesn't the tank come with a cover? I thought all IM's did. One thing that's not great about them is that their rim is metal, so you can't make any modifications to make cutouts for pumps or feeders, etc. But there should be a cover with the tank.

The covers on the EXT's start at 112 with a eurobrace. 100's no brace no cover unfortunately. Perhaps one of the drawbacks with the very low pricetag.

 

[MakingMistakes]

Wanted to throw this in before you possibly install the UV, make sure there is enough room to remove the bulb before you glue it all together, caught that mistake at the last minute myself.

 

[KolossalKraken]

Following