Re-newed Reefer pre-planning a big tank

shall72769

New Member
View Badges
Joined
May 30, 2026
Messages
7
Reaction score
3
Location
Kansas City
What state or country do you live in
Missouri
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I’m about to pull the trigger on a new tank after 30 years out of the hobby. I’m looking at the IM 200 peninsula. I thought about a smaller tank but figured I should just go big to start rather than spending another 2,500 on a smaller AIO first. Anybody think this is a bad idea? Either the go big part or the peninsula part?

Also I’m wondering about any pre-planning I need to do since I’m building a post and beam barn that will house my aquarium. I’m definitely planning on installing it close to a utility sink with an RO/DI close as well. As far as electrical I’m planning on 2 dedicated circuits to the tank on gfci receptacles for safety and redundancy. Anything else I should pre-plan during the build?

Thanks! I’ve learned so much from reading/digesting all the great information available on this forum.

Planning to post a build thread when I finally pull the trigger.
 
Nothing wrong going 200 versus 100, but the tank is not AIO, IM stops AIO at 80 gallons.

IM makes a quality product IMO and starting with “safe” power is a GREAT start.

When we go “big” (and that’s different to each person) we need to ensure the floor can handle it.

The other consideration might be running costs, which will be higher pro-rata in terms of water, electricity, salt, livestock and additives. Budget is different for all of us and when we “committ” we’ve committ for hopefully decades.

I would agree, go as big as you feel comfortable because upgrading later is costly.

Enjoy
 
Sounds great! Definitely go as big as your heart desires and that you can afford. Don’t go big unless you can afford all the equipment and expenses long term. Everyone’s budget is different. IM makes great tanks even though I’ve never had one heard great things. Definitely plan it all out in advance. Peninsulas can be a pain with flow just keep in mind. Good luck!
 
Welcome to Reef2Reef!

#WelcometoR2R

Good luck with your purchase!
 
Welcome back to the hobby!
 
Thanks all! Really excited to be back! I’ll keep you posted as build time grows closer. Can’t wait!!
 

TOP 10 Trending Threads

WHAT MAKES A REEF FEEL ESTABLISHED TO YOU?

  • Stable parameters over time

    Votes: 12 54.5%
  • Consistent coral growth

    Votes: 6 27.3%
  • Fish and inverts are settled

    Votes: 3 13.6%
  • The tank has moved past its ugly stages

    Votes: 5 22.7%
  • It has survived a major setback

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • At least six months old

    Votes: 2 9.1%
  • At least one year old

    Votes: 4 18.2%
  • Stop worrying about age—it’s about stability

    Votes: 3 13.6%
  • Other (Post in the comments)

    Votes: 2 9.1%
Back
Top
Home
Post thread…
Market
What's new