So I thought I'd finally start a build (upgrade) thread and use it a means to both track my progress and keep up with things I'd like to do with the thank. I've been reefing for almost 4 years at and started out with Fluval 12 AIO, moved to a Biocube 32, and finally just upgraded to a IM 50 Lagoon AIO I found on FB. Last weekend was upgrade weekend and man I always forget how much work it is to move and/or upgrade tanks but so far I'm excited and happy with the results. I can't even imagine getting into the over 100 gallon range. That is just so much water it's mind boggling. Props to those who do it. Tank is settling in and everyone looks happy so far post transition.
Current Equipment:
IM 50 Lagoon AIO
AI Prime HD x 2 - Running BRS AB+. Had to hunt for an older model as I wanted them to both be WiFi compatible. Love the lights, but not a big fan of AI's recent move to Bluetooth only.
Jebao PP4 Wavemaker
CaribSea Reef Sand 40lb - So happy to get rid of the Bahamas Oolite.
2x4 Stand w/ Mag Mount Panels
Chamber 1: inTank Filter Floss Holder + MarinePure Spheres
Chamber 2: inTank Fuge Basket + MarinePure Spheres (eventually Cheato)
Chamber 3: Synrca Silent 2.0 Return Pump, Cobalt Neotherm 200W Heater, Tunze ATO
Chamber 4: Aquatic Life Skimmer - I've been impressed with this little $45 skimmer, but it is a little noisy even with modded airline.
Chamber 5: IM Media Basket running Filter Floss and Chemipure Blue
Current Occupants:
1 Blood Maroon Clown - Used to be two but I believe the other jumped and was eaten by a dog a few months back in the Biocube. The two never did really bond.
1 Yellowtail Blue Damsel
1 Cleaner Shrimp
Ongoing:
- Find a more permanent home for some of the coral littering the sand bed.
- Add more LR. Currently curing from tank that was broken down when purchased. I've found it particularly difficult to make new LR structures when upgrading once you've started growing colonies on your rocks. Curious how others make this transition. Right now the clown and damsel seemed pleased with having their own homes, but I'd like to get the rock work a little higher or possibly add a third island or bridge in the middle for little more depth. Definitely like my rock work more on the minimal side though.
- Move the montis off the frag rack so they don't grow to the glass again. Thinking about trying to mount them under the return pumps on the back wall.
- Shopping for some new tank occupants. Need to replace clean up crew and would like to add 1 or 2 more fish. Letting the tank settle for a few weeks first though.
- Thin the ever expanding Kenya tree forest.
Future Upgrades:
- Skimmer
- Get fuge running
- Add a screen top
- Considering the IM Media Reactor, but not sure if I really need it.
- Find a use for space under Chambers 1/2 and 4/5. Not sure why IM left all the dead space besides to make the first two chambers a little more accessible for most equipment. Considered moving some of the MarinePure down there but wasn't sure if there is enough water movement to prevent the area from becoming a detritus trap.
Thanks for joining me on my rambling journey! Any questions or feedback feel free to chime away. Tried to be detailed as I've always found these threads to be the best source of information when considering tanks, equipment, etc.
Current Equipment:
IM 50 Lagoon AIO
AI Prime HD x 2 - Running BRS AB+. Had to hunt for an older model as I wanted them to both be WiFi compatible. Love the lights, but not a big fan of AI's recent move to Bluetooth only.
Jebao PP4 Wavemaker
CaribSea Reef Sand 40lb - So happy to get rid of the Bahamas Oolite.
2x4 Stand w/ Mag Mount Panels
Chamber 1: inTank Filter Floss Holder + MarinePure Spheres
Chamber 2: inTank Fuge Basket + MarinePure Spheres (eventually Cheato)
Chamber 3: Synrca Silent 2.0 Return Pump, Cobalt Neotherm 200W Heater, Tunze ATO
Chamber 4: Aquatic Life Skimmer - I've been impressed with this little $45 skimmer, but it is a little noisy even with modded airline.
Chamber 5: IM Media Basket running Filter Floss and Chemipure Blue
Current Occupants:
1 Blood Maroon Clown - Used to be two but I believe the other jumped and was eaten by a dog a few months back in the Biocube. The two never did really bond.
1 Yellowtail Blue Damsel
1 Cleaner Shrimp
Ongoing:
- Find a more permanent home for some of the coral littering the sand bed.
- Add more LR. Currently curing from tank that was broken down when purchased. I've found it particularly difficult to make new LR structures when upgrading once you've started growing colonies on your rocks. Curious how others make this transition. Right now the clown and damsel seemed pleased with having their own homes, but I'd like to get the rock work a little higher or possibly add a third island or bridge in the middle for little more depth. Definitely like my rock work more on the minimal side though.
- Move the montis off the frag rack so they don't grow to the glass again. Thinking about trying to mount them under the return pumps on the back wall.
- Shopping for some new tank occupants. Need to replace clean up crew and would like to add 1 or 2 more fish. Letting the tank settle for a few weeks first though.
- Thin the ever expanding Kenya tree forest.
Future Upgrades:
- Skimmer
- Get fuge running
- Add a screen top
- Considering the IM Media Reactor, but not sure if I really need it.
- Find a use for space under Chambers 1/2 and 4/5. Not sure why IM left all the dead space besides to make the first two chambers a little more accessible for most equipment. Considered moving some of the MarinePure down there but wasn't sure if there is enough water movement to prevent the area from becoming a detritus trap.
Thanks for joining me on my rambling journey! Any questions or feedback feel free to chime away. Tried to be detailed as I've always found these threads to be the best source of information when considering tanks, equipment, etc.