My comeback IM 25

[Charris]

What’s up R2R! I’ve been away from aquaria for about 3 years and I am starting back with an IM 25 lagoon. I have been piecing the build for about two months and the biggest part, the stand, is almost complete. Here’s my plan:
Custom stand
Radion gen4 xr30 with RMS mount
Stock pump
Have one mp10 and am planning on one more
Smart ATO
Apex Jr- May upgrade down the line
Seneye reef for PAR and ammonia for the cycle

that’s my bare bones for now. I will update as I go along!
I got antsy and set it up on the dinner table for now.

 

[Kellie in CA]

You are gonna love this tank!

 

[Charris]

I love the footprint! It was a pain finding a stand that isn’t their stock stand, luckily a neighbor is a recreational carpenter!

 

[Kellie in CA]

I had my stand made fairly tall. It’s great, so easy to work in.

 

[Charris]

I went 42” tall. That’ll help keep this beast out!

 

[Charris]

Stand is built and one coat of primer is on. I will do another coat of primer and then paint. Hoping to have hardware and doors done by this weekend!

 

[Nick Steele]

Stand looks nice! I was torn between the 25 lagoon and the 20 but went with the 20 due to the 25 probably needing two AI primes. Love the foot print though!

Any plans on stock list or rock work yet?

 

[Charris]

Thanks! It’s an interesting footprint and I love that it is pretty shallow, most stock I would keep wouldn’t go too high in the water column.
I just ordered 40 lbs of dry rock, Amazon running a crazy deal on Caribsea Life Rock 40 lbs @ $85 with $15 off promo. I’ll use what I like from that and try and source some live rock to supplement.
Stock wise, I know I want a pair of lightening clowns and I may throw one more fish in with them, not sure yet.
I’m probably two weeks out from getting it wet and I’ll cycle for about two months prior to adding anything.

 

[Charris]

Two coats of primer and two coats of paint done! Rocks were delivered and am getting sand tomorrow. Hardware for the stand tomorrow and we will have water in a few days!!!

 

[Charris]

Hardware on the stand and rock organized! I put a coat of waterproofer on the top and now have to wait for that to dry. Live sand purchased, I’ll get some water this week and the cycle fun will begin!

 

[Copingwithpods]

Awesome stand!

 

[Nick Steele]

Looking good. I like the rock work!

 

[Charris]

Thanks! I was pleased with the stand! I want some cavernous areas for the rock work but also wanted to keep a good amount of open space.

 

[Charris]

Had to change the location but overall pleased with everything! Sand and water tomorrow hopefully.

 

[Charris]

Sand and rock in, reeflink and apex setup, equipment is being routed and concealed and water will be added this afternoon!!

 

[Charris]

Radion w/diffuser hooked up, water in t-minus 1 hr!

 

[Copingwithpods]

What's the tablet for

 

[Charris]

What's the tablet for

Just a display for my reeflink, seneye and apex.

 

[Charris]

My helpers got the tank filled. Now I’m getting to temp, soaking my seneye slide and waiting for the water to clear!

 

[Nick Steele]

And the fun begins!