Innovative Marine vs. Waterbox

[SheldonC]

I realize this is a subjective question, but I’m looking for firsthand experience between the two brands. After putting Red Sea at the bottom of the list, I’ve started looking at the WB 230.6 and the IM 200 EXT.

I like the IM footprint being wider than it is tall, but I don’t love the sump layout and having to alter it to accommodate a filter roller. The eurobracing is also nice.

I’ve heard lots of good things about WB. The dimensions are nice, sump layout is simply, and the added manifold is a nice touch.

Anyway, if anyone has insights, builds, personal experience with either of these, I welcome the feedback!

 

[mosreef]

I have bought 3 innovative marine tanks IM SR120, 2 Fusion 15s) and I am a huge fan of IM.

They are extremely solid. I had an unplanned move across country (WA to FL) and I love my IM tanks so much that I actually built a huge plywood crate and packed it along, and crated up the fusion 15s also to use as QT tanks in the new house.

They are such solid tanks that I never have had any worries that they wouldn't hold up.

 

[Fish Fan]

I've never owned a larger IM system like you're considering, but I have 5 of their smaller AIO's from 10-25 gallons, and they have all been great tanks. I know several members here who run IM systems, and they are all very happy with them.

I don't know for sure, but IM does make a fleece roller, I would think they would have one to fit their own sumps.

Waterbox is also very popular with members here, but I don't have any experience with them. I don't think you can do wrong either way

Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[SheldonC]

I've never owned a larger IM system like you're considering, but I have 5 of their smaller AIO's from 10-25 gallons, and they have all been great tanks. I know several members here who run IM systems, and they are all very happy with them.

I don't know for sure, but IM does make a fleece roller, I would think they would have one to fit their own sumps.

Waterbox is also very popular with members here, but I don't have any experience with them. I don't think you can do wrong either way

Good luck with whatever you choose!

You’d think their roller mat would fit their sump, but when I reached out to Customer Support I was told the roller mats only fit the AIO systems . Maybe someday! Putting that aside, the sumps do seem solid.

 

[Fish Fan]

You’d think their roller mat would fit their sump, but when I reached out to Customer Support I was told the roller mats only fit the AIO systems . Maybe someday! Putting that aside, the sumps do seem solid.

I was not expecting that answer from them! I'm sure someone that has that tank can suggest a fleece roller that works. Of course, you don't *need* a fleece roller

 

[SheldonC]

You’d think their roller mat would fit their sump, but when I reached out to Customer Support I was told the roller mats only fit the AIO systems . Maybe someday! Putting that aside, the sumps do seem solid.

I was not expecting that answer from them! I'm sure someone that has that tank can suggest a fleece roller that works. Of course, you don't *need* a fleece roller

You’re absolutely right, I don’t! But let me tell you after running the Red Sea ReefMat in the past…socks are just annoying! I know, I know, a first-world problem

 

[MKReefGuy]

Posted a similar thread and ended up purchasing an IM 170. Went through all the same pros and cons you are going through. The IM tanks have more depth, 30”, compared to Waterbox and the stand is all aluminum. Make sure you find a tank that fits the dimensions you are looking for.

 

[kevinf]

I have an IM sr80. Stand is quality & so is the tank.

I also had a IM 30g
I wish I had gone bigger though haha

 

[dbroncos]

Have a waterbox 150.4 and love it!

 

[dbroncos]

Have a waterbox 150.4 and love it!

Oh and if you are looking to fit a roller mat I have the red sea 1200 in my waterbox no modifications.

 

[X-37B]

I have 3 IM tanks.
Ext 170
Ext 50
Aio 15
I am purchasing another ext 112 as a growout system.
I run 400 micron mesh socks.
I have ran a BM filter roller, still have it, but do not run it and prefer the 400 mesh.
For the money they are well put together systems, imo.
Ext is the oldest system at 14 months.

 

[Fish Fan]

I have 3 IM tanks.
Ext 170
Ext 50
Aio 15
I am purchasing another ext 112 as a growout system.
I run 400 micron mesh socks.
I have ran a BM filter roller, still have it, but donot run it and prefer the 400 mesh.
For the money they are well put together systems, imo.
Ext is the oldest system at 14 months.

You're tank are all amazing!!

 

[SheldonC]

Have a waterbox 150.4 and love it!

Oh and if you are looking to fit a roller mat I have the red sea 1200 in my waterbox no modifications.

Did you have to modify the piping to plumb the drain into the roller mat? That seems to be a common requirement with the Waterbox (which isn’t a huge deal)

 

[dbroncos]

Yea just cut the tube from the drain super easy.

 

[exnisstech]

The only IM i have is an AIO. I have a WB 330.7 and am happy with it. Maybe the 330.7 is different than the 230.6 because the 330 requires a plumbing modification to add a roller unless you go with one that drops onto the sock holder. I tried a klir 7 but changing the fleece was worse than cleaning socks so I ditched it.
I love my reefmat 500 and would love to add a 1200 to the WB but I don't feel like crawling around to do the plumbing so I just run 200 micron mesh socks that are easy to clean with a water hose.

 

[Ziggy17]

I’d go glass cages if the budget allows it.

 

[BillyW]

I’d go glass cages if the budget allows it.

I’m looking at the IM tanks, curious why would you go glass cages? They’re more than twice as much?

 

[BryanM]

I realize this is a subjective question, but I’m looking for firsthand experience between the two brands. After putting Red Sea at the bottom of the list, I’ve started looking at the WB 230.6 and the IM 200 EXT.

I like the IM footprint being wider than it is tall, but I don’t love the sump layout and having to alter it to accommodate a filter roller. The eurobracing is also nice.

I’ve heard lots of good things about WB. The dimensions are nice, sump layout is simply, and the added manifold is a nice touch.

Anyway, if anyone has insights, builds, personal experience with either of these, I welcome the feedback!

Both are solid offerings.

I have a WB 230.6 myself and love it.

 

[Ziggy17]

I’m looking at the IM tanks, curious why would you go glass cages? They’re more than twice as much?

Built in the US. The actual builder is a member on here, not a faceless corporation or one that builds in China.

 

[BryanM]

I’m looking at the IM tanks, curious why would you go glass cages? They’re more than twice as much?

Joe builds great tanks, but as noted quite expensive. Of could easily afford it, I’d have given him my money.