Reefuzz IM 50g EXT build

Reefuzz

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Hey all this is my tank build.

I have been out of the reefing game for about 15 years. I started reefing 2001 and had a 32gal with a mixed reef. After 10 years of my reef tank (pretty much thriving). I broke it down (due to having to move for work) and parted out all the corals, inverts and fish. I kept all my live rock in my front yard at my house. Well, two months ago I got the itch to start up and got the approval from my wife. I tried to tell her everything it encompasses but she has no idea what she agreed to 🤫.

I decided on a Innovative Marine 50g EXT after a couple weeks of researching and price points. My plan is to make this a mixed reef system. I love zoas and torch corals but plan on adding sps later on down the line.
(FTS 3/15/26)

IMG_3252.jpeg


(Tank mostly assembled in its final resting place)
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For equipment I decided on:
Light: Reefi 2.1 w/HOB light mount
Skimmer: Simplicity 240DC
Powerheads: 2x OctoPulse 2
Heater: IM Helios 200w
Controllers: Hydros Start, Launch and Wave Engine LE
Sensors: 2x hydros slim temp probes, Helios temp prob. Hydros rope leak detector. Hydros triple level optical sensor
ATO: Hydros ATO w/ Icecap 5gal reservoir.
IMG_1975.jpeg

Now to work on aquascape. This was a far cry from what we used to do back in the early 2000’s. So I made a box to my tanks dimensions and started messing around using my “live” rock from back in the day.
(First iteration)
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(Second try)
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(Final form)
IMG_1791.jpeg

I decided on this to be my scape, both left and right side structures are separate pieces. I used thick super glue and tons of clay epoxy to hold everything thing together. I made sure I had enough room on all sides for my hand/scrubber/siphons.

I bought a cabinet from ikea to hold all my controllers and power supplies.
IMG_1848.jpeg

Next is the fun part of wiring the entire setup. I tried to hide as much of the wiring as possible. I forgot to take a picture of the back side before I moved everything so you’ll have to trust me it looks great. Below is my DIY controller panel.
IMG_1974.jpeg

Lastly, I got some aragonite special grade dry sand. After a ton of rinsing I was able to put it in the tank. I wanted 1.25 inches of sand.
IMG_1969.jpeg

This has been over the course of the last two months. I’m very excited and will fill it with water in November after I get back from my hunt. Here’s a couple more pics of the setup
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Updates to come!! Thanks for following along! 20260102_161533_F7DCC5C6-168C-41D5-B419-87A432C53022.png
 
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JTP424

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Following along, very clean setup and start!!! Excited to see what this becomes.
 
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Reefuzz

Reefuzz

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Following along, very clean setup and start!!! Excited to see what this becomes.
Thanks for the kind words! I’m also very excited to see what this becomes. Definitely taking my time with this build. Slow is fast and fast is slow
 
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Reefuzz

Reefuzz

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Added in an Icecap drop in 27watt UV sterilizer yesterday and also added a hydros flow meter so I can fine tune it for any future issues that may arise.
IMG_2020.jpeg


4 more days til my hunt and then 12 days til I fill this bad boy up and start the cycle
 

painter1982

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Looks like a nice setup you have. I’ll be following along to see the progress. Good luck!
 

chapter7

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Clean build, looking good! You gonna stick with those IM cotton balls or replace them with a different media down the road? Following along ….
 
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Reefuzz

Reefuzz

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Clean build, looking good! You gonna stick with those IM cotton balls or replace them with a different media down the road? Following along ….
No, those will be going into the trash I think. I’m trying to decide on filter socks or implementing a Klir roller filter.
 

Zoacoral

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How are you liking the light on this tank? Ive got a 50g ext and have been lookinh at the reefi.
 

Gumbies R Us

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Tank is filled and cycle has started! Had a few hiccups and had to readjust things but all in all went very smooth!
20251107_103710_02CB38DA-A76B-4D02-992A-5248073ADF34.png
Congrats on getting the tank filled!
 
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Reefuzz

Reefuzz

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How are you liking the light on this tank? Ive got a 50g ext and have been lookinh at the reefi.
I really love it so far. Daniel is super responsive with any small issues I had with setup. The light seems to be more than enough for the 50EXT. I would 100% buy a reefi again
 

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I really love it so far. Daniel is super responsive with any small issues I had with setup. The light seems to be more than enough for the 50EXT. I would 100% buy a reefi again
IS the spread on the light enough or sid you change out the reflectors?
 
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Reefuzz

Reefuzz

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I really love it so far. Daniel is super responsive with any small issues I had with setup. The light seems to be more than enough for the 50EXT. I would 100% buy a reefi again
IS the spread on the light enough or sid you change out the reflectors?
I changed them out to the 120 degree reflector that came with the unit. The swap was easy. I only have a little bit of light spill at 10” above the surface.
 

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