Innovative Marine INT vs EXT

[hllb]

I am moving and plan on setting up a new tank to transfer my 65G into. I had thought about getting IM Shallow Reef 80, but I don't think there is any good skimmer(s) that I can fit in there with the limited area.

So now I'm considering the 75g INT and EXT tanks. I have an internal overflow tank right now, and I find it super annoying to work on when I had some bulkhead leaks. I was thinking an external overflow would be better for that, but it might still be super annoying to work on as the wall will be behind it?

EXT:
Pros: can place powerheads on the back wall with magnets; more interior space; clean look
Cons: harder to mount lights (can you put the arms for radions on the back of the overflow and turn them to light the tank while using the screen lid?); may still be difficult to work on the bulkheads unless you leave the tank super far off the wall

INT:
Pros: Can place it closer to wall; easier placement of arms for Radions, on the back of the tank while using the screen lid
Cons: difficult to work on bulkheads under the tank, less interior space, cannot place powerheads on back wall (is there a way to do this? Seal the magnet in a vacuum sealed bag maybe?)

Please add to my pro/con list based on your experience and if anyone has experience with these exact tanks, please share!

 

[TeeSquared1214]

So I purchased an IM INT 100g probably around July of this year. It’s a great tank don’t get me wrong but there are a couple of things I wish I would’ve known.

1.) The INT takes up significantly more display space than you would think. This is due to their coast to coast overflow. While it looks great, I am hesitant to getting any fish that state 90-100g tank size due to this and rock/sand displacement.

2.) The sump that comes with the aquarium (potentially yours too) does not account for fleece rollers to be placed in them. While this may not be a problem if you buy your sump separately, it is if you buy the complete reef setup with the sump and plumbing included like I did. I wish I would’ve known this but there are ways to make it work.

3.) If your using their sump and plumbing, you practically can’t use the shelf that comes with the stand due to the plumbing setup without substantially modifying it.

Just my $0.02. I still love the tank and believe they make exceptional products.

 

[TeeSquared1214]

So I purchased an IM INT 100g probably around July of this year. It’s a great tank don’t get me wrong but there are a couple of things I wish I would’ve known.

1.) The INT takes up significantly more display space than you would think. This is due to their coast to coast overflow. While it looks great, I am hesitant to getting any fish that state 90-100g tank size due to this and rock/sand displacement.

2.) The sump that comes with the aquarium (potentially yours too) does not account for fleece rollers to be placed in them. While this may not be a problem if you buy your sump separately, it is if you buy the complete reef setup with the sump and plumbing included like I did. I wish I would’ve known this but there are ways to make it work.

3.) If your using their sump and plumbing, you practically can’t use the shelf that comes with the stand due to the plumbing setup without substantially modifying it.

Just my $0.02. I still love the tank and believe they make exceptional products.

Also for my AI Hydra 32HD lights, because I’m so close to the wall, and the overflow space is small, I have to have the mounts backwards in a sense. This was annoying as well but an oversight on my end when choosing lights.

 

[tsharpe291]

I have the 75 ext, love the free clear space inside. where I put my tank in my family room it is on the back wall of my garage so I made an access panel in my garage
to access the bulkheads and plumbing if need be. I mounted my lights on the wall above the tank so no need to worry about anything sitting on top. no cons in my particular situation.

 

[hllb]

I have the 75 ext, love the free clear space inside. where I put my tank in my family room it is on the back wall of my garage so I made an access panel in my garage
to access the bulkheads and plumbing if need be. I mounted my lights on the wall above the tank so no need to worry about anything sitting on top. no cons in my particular situation.

Mine will have to be in front of a window, so wall mount wouldn’t work.

 

[edsbeaker]

I I also have the IM 75 EXT. I hung my lights from the ceiling. I love having the EXT which allows you to view everything in there and isn’t taking up any space in the display. It is a bit ugly, though, walking past the side of the tank. I’m going to eventually put up some fake removable walls to cover the view.

 

[hllb]

I I also have the IM 75 EXT. I hung my lights from the ceiling. I love having the EXT which allows you to view everything in there and isn’t taking up any space in the display. It is a bit ugly, though, walking past the side of the tank. I’m going to eventually put up some fake removable walls to cover the view.

You know, I guess I could probably do ceiling mounted. Do you have a picture?

 

[edsbeaker]

Mine are radions with their hanging system.

 

[Holmes Grown Coral]

Ext for me also, I hung the lights from the ceiling and I keep all my tanks away from the wall for salt creep and splashing purposes so ext made the most sense!

 

[hllb]

I did end up ordering the EXT. And a custom lid to accommodate the RMS slide mount. The tank is being delivered tomorrow.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

Had a 75g ext before i moved. Would get it again in a heartbeat. Ceiling mounted lights as well. I made little false walls out of 1×4 sanded and stained to match the house for the overflow sticking out.

 

[hllb]

Had a 75g ext before i moved. Would get it again in a heartbeat. Ceiling mounted lights as well. I made little false walls out of 1×4 sanded and stained to match the house for the overflow sticking out.

Ooh, that's a neat idea.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

Ooh, that's a neat idea.

Found an old picture. This was version 1 but it definitely helps with the aesthetic.

 

[ReefLance]

Hey guys, I'm needing some assistance please. I'm going with a INT 75G complete system. It's my first salt water aquarium as I've had fresh water before. Are there any other components or essentials that this IM complete reef system will need to run more efficiently? - protein skimmer, roller mat or any other suggestions. I want to order everything for the aquarium at once. Please let me know, thanks!

 

[TeeSquared1214]

Hey guys, I'm needing some assistance please. I'm going with a INT 75G complete system. It's my first salt water aquarium as I've had fresh water before. Are there any other components or essentials that this IM complete reef system will need to run more efficiently? - protein skimmer, roller mat or any other suggestions. I want to order everything for the aquarium at once. Please let me know, thanks!

For what its worth, I have the IM INT100 and I’m only limited to 2 types of rollers that will fit in my sump and neither are technically meant for it. That and the stand are the two complaints I have. And the stand is really only two small things. One is the doors are hard to get right, and may require you to press the bottom part, and then the top part of the door to open. And two, would be the shelf is essentially useless without modification to it since the piping blocks it from actually being inserted. Other than that I love my tank. I would wait on a protein skimmer, I have one and it has to stay off since I don’t have enough bioload. I would recommend a BRS or another four stage RODI system for making your own saltwater, lights, and a circulation pump/wavemaker.

Also, invest in some decent test kits, and an ato system. The test kits I’ve seen recommended are salifert or Hanna, but I enjoy the digital readout Hanna checkers provide. For ATO, anything will truly do, and saves you a ton of trouble for topping off the system.

Personally there are complaints about live rock but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed mine. I got some from Tampa Bay Saltwater shipped to my house. It was less expensive than getting “live rock” from the local fish store, and for the longest time and even still sometimes currently I feel like I’m always seeing something new from it. It introduced a substantial amount of biodiversity to an otherwise bare aquarium. For sand, I would go against Bahamas oolite sized as I made this mistake. It just gets stirred up easily. But I will add, it does get better over time.

Everyone has their own opinion, this is just mine if I had to do it over again. I started my build mid-late last year and have learned so much. Was in the same boat as you! Good luck and happy reefing!

 

[ReefLance]

For what its worth, I have the IM INT100 and I’m only limited to 2 types of rollers that will fit in my sump and neither are technically meant for it. That and the stand are the two complaints I have. And the stand is really only two small things. One is the doors are hard to get right, and may require you to press the bottom part, and then the top part of the door to open. And two, would be the shelf is essentially useless without modification to it since the piping blocks it from actually being inserted. Other than that I love my tank. I would wait on a protein skimmer, I have one and it has to stay off since I don’t have enough bioload. I would recommend a BRS or another four stage RODI system for making your own saltwater, lights, and a circulation pump/wavemaker.

Also, invest in some decent test kits, and an ato system. The test kits I’ve seen recommended are salifert or Hanna, but I enjoy the digital readout Hanna checkers provide. For ATO, anything will truly do, and saves you a ton of trouble for topping off the system.

Personally there are complaints about live rock but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed mine. I got some from Tampa Bay Saltwater shipped to my house. It was less expensive than getting “live rock” from the local fish store, and for the longest time and even still sometimes currently I feel like I’m always seeing something new from it. It introduced a substantial amount of biodiversity to an otherwise bare aquarium. For sand, I would go against Bahamas oolite sized as I made this mistake. It just gets stirred up easily. But I will add, it does get better over time.

Everyone has their own opinion, this is just mine if I had to do it over again. I started my build mid-late last year and have learned so much. Was in the same boat as you! Good luck and happy reefing!

Thanks so much for your response. I have a few rookie questions:
1. What is a BRS you mentioned
2. What are the complaints about the live rock(how do you combat this)and what's the alternative if I don't use it?

 

[mjszos]

I’ve got the INT-100, have been running it for about 4 months. Feel free to ask any outstanding questions you may still have!

 

[ReefLance]

I’ve got the INT-100, have been running it for about 4 months. Feel free to ask any outstanding questions you may still have!

Thanks!!! What setup/added components did you buy over and above what the system came with?

 

[mjszos]

Thanks!!! What setup/added components did you buy over and above what the system came with?

I didn’t need to get much additional equipment as a lot of it carried over from my old tank. If you check my build thread on the landing page there is an updated gear list with everything currently being utilized on the tank.

It came with: tank, stand, sump, return pump. I am using all of those components.

 

[TeeSquared1214]

Thanks so much for your response. I have a few rookie questions:
1. What is a BRS you mentioned
2. What are the complaints about the live rock(how do you combat this)and what's the alternative if I don't use it?

BRS stands for Bulk Reef Supply. They have a YouTube channel and online store. They have a wealth of videos and knowledge to get you started. One of their products is the RODI system I recommended.

The complaints about live rock are hitchhikers. Unwanted critters essentially. Not sure if it’s possible to combat it necessarily but if you choose not to go with live rock, you may have more of an “ugly phase” when starting your tank as the aquarium gets established. One potential drawback is the difficulty in aquascaping live rock since you don’t want to keep it out of the water too long and kill any beneficial bacteria or critters. It’s still possible but not as easily as dry rock where you can chip and shape for days before you finally place it in your tank.