Innovative Marine 100 ext

[Robalo247]

Have their been issues with this tank? I’m a little concerned with 100 gallons in a rim less tank that is not euro braced. Thanks for input

 

[Gumbies R Us]

@GunnarH

 

[GunnarH]

No issues with mine so far. It's been in use for about 18 months now.

Back in 2023 or so there was talk about some people having problems with the black acrylic on the back wall separating from the glass, but that was apparently fixed in production by the time mine was made. I've not seen anything like that.

It's a good looking tank, feels solid, and comes with a very sturdy stand. The sump is large and also feels solid and well made. All in all, it appears to be a quality product.

IM has been responsive when I've had questions. My only complaint is that they don't sell an automatic filter roller made to fit the sump. I've been using Reef Diaper filter socks so far.

Tips: get the IM Helios dual PTC heaters. They are designed to be unable to overheat. Skip the IM refugium light, get one or two Tunze submersible sticks instead. The IM light just gets in the way, as it sits directly on top of the refugium chamber lid.

 

[Robalo247]

No issues with mine so far. It's been in use for about 18 months now.

Back in 2023 or so there was talk about some people having problems with the black acrylic on the back wall separating from the glass, but that was apparently fixed in production by the time mine was made. I've not seen anything like that.

It's a good looking tank, feels solid, and comes with a very sturdy stand. The sump is large and also feels solid and well made. All in all, it appears to be a quality product.

IM has been responsive when I've had questions. My only complaint is that they don't sell an automatic filter roller made to fit the sump. I've been using Reef Diaper filter socks so far.

Tips: get the IM Helios dual PTC heaters. They are designed to be unable to overheat. Skip the IM refugium light, get one or two Tunze submersible sticks instead. The IM light just gets in the way, as it sits directly on top of the refugium chamber lid.

Great information thanks, I’ve also had reservations since you can’t add a filter roller. I’ve been out of the hobby over 20 years and slot has sure changed. How ice are you cleaning or replacing the filter socks? Also what protein skimmer are you using or do you actually need one with a refugium. Sounds like the heaters are working out well.

 

[GunnarH]

I replace the filter socks once a week. I bought a cut-to-size 20x20 by 1" thick sponge filter pad that I place on top of the filter socks, and I clean that twice a week. The sump comes with a quarter-inch thick pad, but mine fell apart after a few washes, so I replaced it with this.

I'm using a Reef Octopus Regal 150INT 6" skimmer. It comes with a VarioS DC pump that can be powered and controlled from a Hydros WaveEngine, which is one of the reasons I got that specific skimmer. I also got the Reef Octopus automatic neck cleaner for the skimmer. I found a slim 1.25 gallon container on Amazon for skimmate that fits neatly between the sump and the cabinet (there's not much room). Note; you can use the skimmer without the Hydros WaveEngine. It comes with a standalone controller. I just prefer the Hydros.

The skimmer does produce some nasty skimmate, so I assume it's doing a good and necessary job. I guess it depends on your bioload. I have two tangs, a foxface, a copperband butterfly, a lawnmower blenny, and assorted CUC. Not a heavy bioload, and yet the skimmer produces.

 

[Robalo247]

I replace the filter socks once a week. I bought a cut-to-size 20x20 by 1" thick sponge filter pad that I place on top of the filter socks, and I clean that twice a week. The sump comes with a quarter-inch thick pad, but mine fell apart after a few washes, so I replaced it with this.

I'm using a Reef Octopus Regal 150INT 6" skimmer. It comes with a VarioS DC pump that can be powered and controlled from a Hydros WaveEngine, which is one of the reasons I got that specific skimmer. I also got the Reef Octopus automatic neck cleaner for the skimmer. I found a slim 1.25 gallon container on Amazon for skimmate that fits neatly between the sump and the cabinet (there's not much room). Note; you can use the skimmer without the Hydros WaveEngine. It comes with a standalone controller. I just prefer the Hydros.

The skimmer does produce some nasty skimmate, so I assume it's doing a good and necessary job. I guess it depends on your bioload. I have two tangs, a foxface, a copperband butterfly, a lawnmower blenny, and assorted CUC. Not a heavy bioload, and yet the skimmer produces.

Thanks so much, great information for me to digest.

 

[X-37B]

Great information thanks, I’ve also had reservations since you can’t add a filter roller. I’ve been out of the hobby over 20 years and slot has sure changed. How ice are you cleaning or replacing the filter socks? Also what protein skimmer are you using or do you actually need one with a refugium. Sounds like the heaters are working out well.

I have 3 Im systems. Ext 170, 112, and 50. All are quality built. Should have no issues with he 100.
If you want euro bracing go with the 112 as total gallons with sump at 8" is 100g.