Need Advice on Many Things in New 25 Gal

[DinoWasErased]

Hi everyone, hope you're all doing well. I'm completely new to the forum, so sorry if I'm posting in the wrong place. I couldn't find any rules on the site. I recently got an IM 25 NUVO Fusion PRO 2 AIO, and I can't find any stands that fit the width of the full tank. Also, I'd like to know if the HOB-R refugium by AquaReady would fit on the backside filtration part of the tank, if anyone's tried it before. Last but not least, I'm planning on getting two clownfish (obviously), but I don't know if I should get two of one species (Ocellaris or Percula for me) or two designer fish that I'm interested in, the Black Ice and Picasso clowns by ORA. I know they're both different species, so I'm not sure if they'll pair up in such a small tank. Planning on adding a nem eventually as well, so any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Current livestock list:
- Showpieces: Clownfish (2, undecided species as of yet), Purple Firefish (1), Royal Gramma (1), Yasha Hase Goby (1), Candy Cane Pistol Shrimp (1).
- Cleanup Crew: Trochus Snail (5), Cerith Snail (5), Red/Blue Leg Hermit Crab (10), Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (1).
Please give me suggestions and improvements because I'm still in the planning phase. I wanted a hang-on-back refugium because I'm planning on introducing a population of pods (and macroalgae) before adding any other livestock. Also want a BTA about six months in but it'll be live rock-only until then.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

We have two Picassos in our tank, and they look great! Your stocking list for fish looks fine. I would personally add the clowns last to prevent them from being territorial or aggressive towards new fish that get added.

Also, good on you for waiting to add an anemone. By the six-month mark, you should be ready and good to go!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

just a note to let you know that pods don't need a refugium to exist in your tank, they will live in the holes in the rocks and in the sand just fine. Or you can get one of those so-called 'pod hotels', or DIY a pod hotel.

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I have the same IM 25 lagoon, for mine I did make my own stand/cabinet for it.

Did you look to see if IM offers a stand? I believe it's the same stand used on their 50 gallon tank that shares the same footprint.

DIY is not that hard, could be as simple as some 2x4's set on cinder blocks, or a DIY 2x4 stand.

Many are using aluminum to make stands these days, and a company like AluFab could get you anything you would need.
I read someone used a Husky brand tool cabinet from Home Depot for their 25 lagoon.

Other options might include something from Ikea or the like, as well as trying to find a solid (think old, not newer) piece of furniture like a dresser or side table. For 25 gallons these would have to be very strong, but there's dressers and other furniture that should support 25 gallons (I've personally supported 20 gallon tanks on nightstands and dressers in the past). Many times you can find something like this for cheap at a local Goodwill or thrift store, Facebook or Craigslist marketplaces, or sometimes even for free from your grandmother's basement or attic.

Some links that might help:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-stand-for-im-nuvo-25-lagoon.382749/https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-stand-for-im-nuvo-25-lagoon.382749/https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/stand-for-im-nuvo-fusion-25-lagoon.956215/
I hope that helps, and good luck!

 

[DinoWasErased]

We have two Picassos in our tank, and they look great! Your stocking list for fish looks fine. I would personally add the clowns last to prevent them from being territorial or aggressive towards new fish that get added.

Also, good on you for waiting to add an anemone. By the six-month mark, you should be ready and good to go!

Thanks for the advice. I did a lot of research (a LOT) as I’m only used to freshwater aquariums so I appreciate all the help I can get.

 

[DinoWasErased]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I have the same IM 25 lagoon, for mine I did make my own stand/cabinet for it.

Did you look to see if IM offers a stand? I believe it's the same stand used on their 50 gallon tank that shares the same footprint.

DIY is not that hard, could be as simple as some 2x4's set on cinder blocks, or a DIY 2x4 stand.

Many are using aluminum to make stands these days, and a company like AluFab could get you anything you would need.
I read someone used a Husky brand tool cabinet from Home Depot for their 25 lagoon.

Other options might include something from Ikea or the like, as well as trying to find a solid (think old, not newer) piece of furniture like a dresser or side table. For 25 gallons these would have to be very strong, but there's dressers and other furniture that should support 25 gallons (I've personally supported 20 gallon tanks on nightstands and dressers in the past). Many times you can find something like this for cheap at a local Goodwill or thrift store, Facebook or Craigslist marketplaces, or sometimes even for free from your grandmother's basement or attic.

Some links that might help:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-stand-for-im-nuvo-25-lagoon.382749/https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-stand-for-im-nuvo-25-lagoon.382749/https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/stand-for-im-nuvo-fusion-25-lagoon.956215/
I hope that helps, and good luck!

just a note to let you know that pods don't need a refugium to exist in your tank, they will live in the holes in the rocks and in the sand just fine. Or you can get one of those so-called 'pod hotels', or DIY a pod hotel

Appreciate the tips. My main concern when it comes to copepods in the display tank is feeding them, as I'm not sure if my fish or anemone will gobble up all the phytoplankton I feed them. Or if they'll reproduce enough before getting eaten. Do you have tips on how many I should add per month?

 

[DinoWasErased]

Appreciate the tips. My main concern when it comes to copepods in the display tank is feeding them, as I'm not sure if my fish or anemone will gobble up all the phytoplankton I feed them. Or if they'll reproduce enough before getting eaten. Do you have tips on how many I should add per month?

Sorry, replied to the wrong one on accident.

 

[DinoWasErased]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I have the same IM 25 lagoon, for mine I did make my own stand/cabinet for it.

Did you look to see if IM offers a stand? I believe it's the same stand used on their 50 gallon tank that shares the same footprint.

DIY is not that hard, could be as simple as some 2x4's set on cinder blocks, or a DIY 2x4 stand.

Many are using aluminum to make stands these days, and a company like AluFab could get you anything you would need.
I read someone used a Husky brand tool cabinet from Home Depot for their 25 lagoon.

Other options might include something from Ikea or the like, as well as trying to find a solid (think old, not newer) piece of furniture like a dresser or side table. For 25 gallons these would have to be very strong, but there's dressers and other furniture that should support 25 gallons (I've personally supported 20 gallon tanks on nightstands and dressers in the past). Many times you can find something like this for cheap at a local Goodwill or thrift store, Facebook or Craigslist marketplaces, or sometimes even for free from your grandmother's basement or attic.

Some links that might help:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-stand-for-im-nuvo-25-lagoon.382749/https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-stand-for-im-nuvo-25-lagoon.382749/https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/stand-for-im-nuvo-fusion-25-lagoon.956215/
I hope that helps, and good luck!

Appreciate the help. I'll check out the stand you mentioned from Home Depot, as well as the links you included. Not a DIY guy but if it comes to it I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty lol.

 

[zwalter38]

I don’t have much to add to the conversation other than you mentioned red/blue legged hermits. I prefer the blue for looks, but also my blue legs stay smaller than the red. I have a red legged hermit in my 135 that has been ripping my new coral frags right off the rocks due to the size of his shell. Like I glue them down daily because they get ripped off by this one hermit crab. Also the blue legged stay smaller to get into tighter areas. Also if you’re going to have a sand bed don’t forget snails like nassarius. They help keep the sand bed clean plus clean up extra food.
Finally I second the DIY 2x4 stand. I personally have done 2 of them and quite enjoy the ability to design it how I want.

 

[SliceGolfer]

I would skip the refugium in a new tank. You’ll spend time trying to keep the macro algae alive by dosing nitrate, phosphate, and iron. Sourcing clean macro algae can be difficult as well. You would not want to introduce Aiptasia in your new tank and hold regret in the long run. Not trying to be a downer, but provide an alternate perspective. I learned the hard way ;)