IM Nuvo EXT 100 SPS2020 Build

Canadareefer666 · Nov 16, 2020

Great build thread. Nice plumbing job. I just got the IM 75 EXT installed an running so I will be updating my build thread.

SPS2020 · Nov 16, 2020

Canadareefer666 said:
Great build thread. Nice plumbing job. I just got the IM 75 EXT installed an running so I will be updating my build thread.

Thanks very much!

Very cool you've got the 75! Looking forward to seeing the thread.

BTW, if you aren't aware, you can go to Account Settings (near the bottom) and put your build thread URL in the R2R Tank Thread Link and it will put a Build Thread badge on your signature so everyone can get to it quickly.

Canadareefer666 · Nov 16, 2020

SPS2020 said:
Thanks very much!

Very cool you've got the 75! Looking forward to seeing the thread.

BTW, if you aren't aware, you can go to Account Settings (near the bottom) and put your build thread URL in the R2R Tank Thread Link and it will put a Build Thread badge on your signature so everyone can get to it quickly.

You have no idea how long I have been trying to figure out how to do this.....

shoelaceike · Dec 8, 2020

Hey beautiful setup! I should be getting one of these soon and trying to figure out the best way to level it....based on the videos I've seen, only the 4 corners carry the load to the floor...is that right? Also, what GPH pump are you using? I ordered one with a max of 1650, is that not enough?

SPS2020 · Dec 9, 2020

shoelaceike said:
Hey beautiful setup! I should be getting one of these soon and trying to figure out the best way to level it....based on the videos I've seen, only the 4 corners carry the load to the floor...is that right? Also, what GPH pump are you using? I ordered one with a max of 1650, is that not enough?

Thanks very much...and congratulations on your upcoming arrival! There are two middle braces, one in the front and one in the rear which would also assist with load bearing. I'm running the Hydor 3200 Seltz D pump (3200 gph) which is way overkill. However, I am only running it on level 3 out of 5 and the manifold splits the volume so that a portion goes through a chiller and the other through the UV sterilizer. I have not (but will soon) measure the volume of water through each to be certain I do not have too much flow, especially through the UV.

Regarding leveling, check your floor ahead of time. Mine was level, so nothing was needed. There is a leveling mat which comes preinstalled on the bottom of the tank which will assist with minor issues. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/auqa-gadget-leveling-adhesive-rubber-mat-innovative-marine.html

shoelaceike · Dec 9, 2020

SPS2020 said:
Thanks very much...and congratulations on your upcoming arrival! There are two middle braces, one in the front and one in the rear which would also assist with load bearing. I'm running the Hydor 3200 Seltz D pump (3200 gph) which is way overkill. However, I am only running it on level 3 out of 5 and the manifold splits the volume so that a portion goes through a chiller and the other through the UV sterilizer. I have not (but will soon) measure the volume of water through each to be certain I do not have too much flow, especially through the UV.

Regarding leveling, check your floor ahead of time. Mine was level, so nothing was needed. There is a leveling mat which comes preinstalled on the bottom of the tank which will assist with minor issues. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/auqa-gadget-leveling-adhesive-rubber-mat-innovative-marine.html

Thanks! I noticed that there are pads under the 4 feet so I figured that is the area that touches the floor..

I'm not planning on doing anything more then just the return. Do you think I should go with 2000 GPH?

Also, did you put plywood under the sump?

SPS2020 · Dec 9, 2020

shoelaceike said:
Thanks! I noticed that there are pads under the 4 feet so I figured that is the area that touches the floor..

I'm not planning on doing anything more then just the return. Do you think I should go with 2000 GPH?

Also, did you put plywood under the sump?

Your mileage may vary, but I like running pumps on a lower speed to decrease the noise. Although many DC pumps today are really quiet. You may consider running two smaller pumps for redundancy, especially if you are not doing a manifold of some type.

Yes, I cut a piece of plywood for the bottom and then placed the piece of black plastic (included) on top.

JustinMN18 · Dec 10, 2020

SPS2020 said:
Plumbing progression...

How did you get those clamps on the metal stand?

JustinMN18 · Dec 10, 2020

Where did you mount / store the dosers? I need some and I have not idea how to make them fit in there.

SPS2020 · Dec 10, 2020

JustinMN18 said:
How did you get those clamps on the metal stand?

Sheet metal screws...drill a pilot.

SPS2020 · Dec 10, 2020

JustinMN18 said:
Where did you mount / store the dosers? I need some and I have not idea how to make them fit in there.

Work in progress. The Kamoer X1 Pro is just sitting on top of the reservoir at present. I've got to go back and mount everything appropriately (cleanly).

JustinMN18 · Dec 11, 2020

SPS2020 said:
Sheet metal screws...drill a pilot.

Awesome, thanks for the info. Right now my manifold is just hanging, and it moves back and forth when the pump goes into feeding mode and such. Nice build! I've had mine for roughly a month, and it was crazy how much work it was haha.

SPS2020 · Dec 11, 2020

JustinMN18 said:
Awesome, thanks for the info. Right now my manifold is just hanging, and it moves back and forth when the pump goes into feeding mode and such. Nice build! I've had mine for roughly a month, and it was crazy how much work it was haha.

No kidding, regarding how much work!! Seems it has been never ending. I'm just now starting to get a sense of normalcy in operation. Once corals start uptaking calcium, etc., then it will time to address dosing. So far, water changes have kept things where they should be.

Good luck with the build and be sure to start a build thread. ;-)

Cwentz758 · Jan 14, 2021

Anything new? Mine should ship within the next few weeks!

SPS2020 · Jan 15, 2021

Thanks for asking! I'll try to get some pics posted by Monday. Things are doing well (knock on wood). I do have a weird white sponge with "tentacles" or "roots" on a large frag plug that I want to remove this weekend...darn hitchhikers!

Finally got Nitrates to show up on the Red Sea Pro test kit. I've almost given up on Phosphate. I'll get it barely on the chart and it's gone the next day.

I connected tubing to my old school protein skimmer (EuroReef CS6) to recirculate air to the CO2 scrubber. It made a huge difference!! My pH now stays between 8.0-8.2. For the longest time, it stayed around 7.8-7.9 with a CO2 scrubber. Let it be known that I love the EuroReef skimmer. It is so EASY to clean and maintain. I tried one of the newer and "nicer" skimmers, but could not wait to switch back. The new configurations are a PITA to service (IMO) and they are no better at skimming in my tank than the CS6.

JustinMN18 · Jan 16, 2021

SPS2020 said:
No kidding, regarding how much work!! Seems it has been never ending. I'm just now starting to get a sense of normalcy in operation. Once corals start uptaking calcium, etc., then it will time to address dosing. So far, water changes have kept things where they should be.

Good luck with the build and be sure to start a build thread. ;-)

Hey any chance you could post a picture of your cabinet insides? Interested in how you have things mounted / hidden. Wires, etc.

Cwentz758 · Jan 16, 2021

Hanna checkers are probably the best hobby investment I’ve made testing wise just because I can never really tell on the Red Sea kits I Get. Well the nitrate one is difficult but I hear the Hanna one for that is slightly difficult to use