IM 40 AIO vs Red Sea 200xl refugium, small Skimmer

STLJam · Oct 3, 2023

I am trying to decide between a IM Nuvo 40 AIO and a Red Sea 200xl tank. I like how on the Nuvo you can do a refugium with Chaeto in one of the back chambers and still have room for a Skimmer. The Red Sea 200 has no specific refugium partition, but i was thinking i could use the skimmer section if I got a small enough skimmer (maybe a Tunze Comline 9004). Would this skimmer work on the RS200 (it needs an immersion depth of 8.86 to 9.65). Anyone doing this or have suggestions?

CasperOe · Oct 3, 2023

STLJam said:
I am trying to decide between a IM Nuvo 40 AIO and a Red Sea 200xl tank. I like how on the Nuvo you can do a refugium with Chaeto in one of the back chambers and still have room for a Skimmer. The Red Sea 200 has no specific refugium partition, but i was thinking i could use the skimmer section if I got a small enough skimmer (maybe a Tunze Comline 9004). Would this skimmer work on the RS200 (it needs an immersion depth of 8.86 to 9.65). Anyone doing this or have suggestions?

I would go with the Red Sea 200XL. It gives you a sump- and sumps just makes maintenance so much easier!

A refugium is not required to be successful; it is one of those things that are nice to have! Plenty of reefers have amazing tanks without one

Plus a refugium either needs to be a certain size- or be well lit to make a difference with regards to nutrient control.

What is your main consideration behind wanting the refugium?

CasperOe · Oct 3, 2023

I have previously owned the Red Sea 170 which has the same sump as the 200 XL. I converted the ATO box into a pump-fed refugium overflowing back in to the sump. There's a guide here on R2R somewhere that I will find for you.

In my opinion, it's a better solution than the compromise you have to make using the Nuvo.

CasperOe · Oct 3, 2023

Here is one example of an ATO conversion to refugium posted by @SuncrestReef

I have seen examples as well where people re-route the drain pipe in to the ATO (refugium) and then overflow into the filter sock.

STLJam · Oct 3, 2023

CasperOe said:
I would go with the Red Sea 200XL. It gives you a sump- and sumps just makes maintenance so much easier!

A refugium is not required to be successful; it is one of those things that are nice to have! Plenty of reefers have amazing tanks without one Plus a refugium either needs to be a certain size- or be well lit to make a difference with regards to nutrient control.

What is your main consideration behind wanting the refugium?

Looking for algae control, nutrient export, and a place to increase POD population.

CasperOe · Oct 3, 2023

STLJam said:
Looking for algae control, nutrient export, and a place to increase POD population.

Definetly look at a tank where you can have a proper refugium though with no compromise! The Nuvo is to me a compromise ; the Red Sea 200 (while having no dedicated space) seems a better option with the conversion.

Any chance you can fit a 3 foot tank? The slightly larger form factor might leave you space for a dedicated refugium chamber in your sump.

If not, then look at the Red Sea 200 mod.

Acros · Oct 3, 2023

I have an IM25 lagoon, which is similar dimensions to the IM40. You will run out of space in the back very fast. It would also be a pain to keep cheato detritus free.

Edit: I do not have a skimmer or refugium.