Innovative Marine 15g AIO

mmmaskey86 · Jan 2, 2026

I have been out of the hobby for a few years due to moving and general life stuff. I picked up an IM 15 cube AIO at my local fish store about 2 weeks ago and it is currently running with a pair of Mocha-Vinci clowns (Pam Grier and Jackie Chan). I’m painfully aware of the challenges that come with smaller tanks and have selected most of my equipment with that in mind. I have approximately 15 lbs of live rock purchased at the same fish store. I know I’m inheriting any unseen issues but for me it was the best option. The tanks are very clean and the livestock is healthy I spent a good amount of time looking for any visible issues. I used dry aragonite for the sand and plan to clean it on a regular basis. I plan to do weekly 15-20% water changes. I mostly feed Rods Food and some of the Hikari frozen stuff. I’ve had issues with dry food in the past I may explore it again when the tank is more established. I don’t plan on using the light for another couple of weeks, I have some pods and clean cheato on the way as well.

Current Equipment List:
- IM NUVO 15 cube AIO
- Hygger HG-802 heater
- Aquatop 100w GH heater as a backup
- Nycrew Hyperreef 150 gen 2 w controller
- IM Aqua Gadget NUVO roller pro fleece roller
- BubbleMagnus MiniQ protein skimmer
- Fiji Cube HOB refugium large
- Duetto 2 ATO
- Acke LED 12w grow light for the refugium

higher99 · Jan 2, 2026

Welcome back! I have a IM 25 Lagoon so we're pretty much in the same boat.

Live rock is great for new setups and really help kickstart the cycle, just like how I did. Regarding the heater, I'd probably invest in a better one with a ceramic shield. Maybe a Fluval E50 - 100. I've personally had bad experiences with cheap heaters exploding in the tank. I don't see a lid on your list, I suggest you add that 100% to avoid any jumpers.

Can you send me a picture of your refugium setup? I have one that's 3D printed in the back chamber, and it's performing quite well! Not to mention, I have pods arriving today from Reef Plantation!

steveschuerger · Jan 2, 2026

higher99 said:
Welcome back! I have a IM 25 Lagoon so we're pretty much in the same boat.

Live rock is great for new setups and really help kickstart the cycle, just like how I did. Regarding the heater, I'd probably invest in a better one with a ceramic shield. Maybe a Fluval E50 - 100. I've personally had bad experiences with cheap heaters exploding in the tank. I don't see a lid on your list, I suggest you add that 100% to avoid any jumpers.

Can you send me a picture of your refugium setup? I have one that's 3D printed in the back chamber, and it's performing quite well! Not to mention, I have pods arriving today from Reef Plantation!

I’ve had great luck use Ebo Jagr heaters and Inkbird controller myself.

mmmaskey86 · Jan 2, 2026

higher99 said:
Welcome back! I have a IM 25 Lagoon so we're pretty much in the same boat.

Live rock is great for new setups and really help kickstart the cycle, just like how I did. Regarding the heater, I'd probably invest in a better one with a ceramic shield. Maybe a Fluval E50 - 100. I've personally had bad experiences with cheap heaters exploding in the tank. I don't see a lid on your list, I suggest you add that 100% to avoid any jumpers.

Can you send me a picture of your refugium setup? I have one that's 3D printed in the back chamber, and it's performing quite well! Not to mention, I have pods arriving today from Reef Plantation!

Once I have it going I’ll post it here, the holiday has delayed all shipping so taking a bit longer than anticipated. I would love to see yours! I think this light may be overkill it’s very bright.

mmmaskey86 · Jan 2, 2026

steveschuerger said:
I’ve had great luck use Ebo Jagr heaters and Inkbird controller myself.

Most likely the way I’ll go in a year or so, I have a bunch of the inkbird controllers but they’re all dedicated to other things rn.

mmmaskey86 · Jan 2, 2026

higher99 said:
Welcome back! I have a IM 25 Lagoon so we're pretty much in the same boat.

Live rock is great for new setups and really help kickstart the cycle, just like how I did. Regarding the heater, I'd probably invest in a better one with a ceramic shield. Maybe a Fluval E50 - 100. I've personally had bad experiences with cheap heaters exploding in the tank. I don't see a lid on your list, I suggest you add that 100% to avoid any jumpers.

Can you send me a picture of your refugium setup? I have one that's 3D printed in the back chamber, and it's performing quite well! Not to mention, I have pods arriving today from Reef Plantation!

The hygger is a stainless Steele body with an independent thermostat and thermometer it’s actually pretty decent, the other is just a backup and will eventually be a water change heater. I’ll probably make a lid/cover in the near future definitely before I get anything I’m worried about jumping.