Innovative Marine 20 build

[Mallissa]

After running my IM 15 for a few months I’ve decided to get an IM 20 up and going, to test out the few things I think I would have done differently when setting up my 15.

This time around I’m going low tech, trying to keep as much off the WiFi as possible with hurricane season coming up.

My list so far:

- Innovative Marine Nuvo 20
- Dalua Pixel Fragger
- Dalua rear mounting kit
- Dalua schedule holder
- 20 lbs Caribbean live sand
- Macro aquacultured rock (currently chilling with a heater and pump)
- Macro rock dry rock (the pieces I’m using are in with live rock, minus a few small ones)
- An acrylic panel currently drying in the center of the IM 20 so I can test out a floating reef scape
- A Helios controller, and a 100w BRS heater (with another on the way)
- Pods. So many pods. Trying to start a decent population this time, while also adding to my 15 since the clowns and goby love them.
- Nature Dimensions ATO, trying that to see if I like it over the Tunze.
- NutriSea water, because that’s what I use anyways


I still need a lid, I’ll probably go mesh again. I’ve been debating on the Kracken lids this time.

I also am thinking about adding a second Daula, depending on how this one goes.

I’m also getting a filter roller, I just haven’t made my mind up on what one yet. I run the IM auto roller on my 15 and it’s great, but I want something smaller.

If anyone has any input or opinions I’m open to them. I don’t know what I’m going to stock it with yet, other than moving my 4 headed torch over that’s outgrowing my 15 with my current scape.

 

[Mallissa]

I have the two return pumps that came with the tank, but I bought some Y fittings to run both returns to one Sicce pump. I’ve saw it done a few times, and I don’t particularly know why but I like that idea. I have a few spares I’m going to try it with. I can always go back to the stock pumps if I don’t like it.

I also have a dual flow nozzle, a spin stream, and the stock nozzles. I’m going to play with it a bit, see what I like flow wise and if I have to add a Nero.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[exnisstech]

An IM20 is my first AIO tank. I upgraded the dual return pumps to a single jebao DCW 1500 pump. It's DC but no Wi-Fi. I tried two random flow generators but was disappointed in them. I'm now just running open tubes with no attachment because I was getting too much light blockage with any nozzle attached. Flow was 2 mp10s but one crapped out so I replaced it with a tunze nano. Light is a meridian 12. I run an inkbird with a small heater in the back. No skimmer or any mechanical filtration just nice and simple. I'll toss some floss in when I blow off the rocks or scrape the glass. The tank runs very low nutrients naturally requiring me to dose N and P so I'm not concerned with having no filtration.

 

[Fish Fan]

Following along to see the upgrade to the 20 gallon!

Good luck!

 

[Mallissa]

An IM20 is my first AIO tank. I upgraded the dual return pumps to a single jebao DCW 1500 pump. It's DC but no Wi-Fi. I tried two random flow generators but was disappointed in them. I'm now just running open tubes with no attachment because I was getting too much light blockage with any nozzle attached. Flow was 2 mp10s but one crapped out so I replaced it with a tunze nano. Light is a meridian 12. I run an inkbird with a small heater in the back. No skimmer or any mechanical filtration just nice and simple. I'll toss some floss in when I blow off the rocks or scrape the glass. The tank runs very low nutrients naturally requiring me to dose N and P so I'm not concerned with having no filtration.

I did not think about running them open, I’ll definitely add that to my list of possibilities when figuring out the flow. My 15 doesn’t run high, but the filter is nice to have after I clean the tank.

 

[Mallissa]

Update:

Live rock is in, live sand is in, saltwater is in, ATO is going, and I got my cycle started with some TurboStart and Nitrocycle this time around.

Cycle is going while I'm working on the scape. Anyone have any tips for blending epoxy underwater? I got the epoxy going but it's extremely obvious where it's at. I have some of the sand/rock from MarcoRock, but I'm not exactly sure how to go about it.

 

[Mallissa]

The current work in process. Slowly going in and finishing up/adding to the rock as I have time. Tested out superglue/rock rubble on one connection to cover the cement. It worked pretty well so I’m going to end up doing that to the rest of the epoxy to disguise it.

 

[Mallissa]

The current work in process. Slowly going in and finishing up/adding to the rock as I have time. Tested out superglue/rock rubble on one connection to cover the cement. It worked pretty well so I’m going to end up doing that to the rest of the epoxy to disguise it.

I’m going to get some more live rock for a small island on the other side I think.

 

[Mallissa]

Current progress. Added a few small snails in to help with the algae that’s starting to show. I also added some pods and phyto yesterday, and again today. Went with the @AlgaeBarn galaxy pods and ocean magic (phyto) this time. My daughter loves opening the package and finding the candy and sticker on top.

 

[Mallissa]

Current wire management could use some work, but it’ll do for now.

Also labeled the switches to make my life easier.

 

[Fish Fan]

This is progressing nicely, and your wires are way cleaner than mine have ever been

 

[AlgaeBarn Verified Sponsor]

Current progress. Added a few small snails in to help with the algae that’s starting to show. I also added some pods and phyto yesterday, and again today. Went with the @AlgaeBarn galaxy pods and ocean magic (phyto) this time. My daughter loves opening the package and finding the candy and sticker on top.