Skibi's IM 200 EXT Upgrade Build!

[Nor'easter Reefer]

This is very interesting, my heating elements are just under 12" long, which is shorter than the currently listed specs on their website for the 350w, and they fit well under the water level in that compartment. Seems like they really have changed something, which is unfortunate if so, why would they change to a length that no longer fits their sump?

So I reexamined my sump and decided/realized it definitely has too much water. I filled it (when return is not running) up to the bottom of the top rim. I realized it's way above the raised baffle wall in the refugium. So I drained it a bit this morning to just below the top of the raised refugium wall. And the heater is sticking out a tad from the water. Just below the rubber cap. This indeed does not look ideal. I emailed Brian/IM with this photo to see what he says.

So i already have an inkbird, I have an idea about how to make a really nice mount for some BRS titanium heaters. Ordered 2 300w heaters to try this out with. Definitely wish they kept the IM ones short though because I like the idea of the technology behind them.

 

[Reefchik]

So i already have an inkbird, I have an idea about how to make a really nice mount for some BRS titanium heaters. Ordered 2 300w heaters to try this out with. Definitely wish they kept the IM ones short though because I like the idea of the technology behind them.

I suppose I'm going to have to come up with a new plan for the eventual replacement of mine once they die. Being as I live in FL and my heaters barely run at all, I may be able to get by with 2 of the 200w Helio elements when the time comes...

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

I suppose I'm going to have to come up with a new plan for the eventual replacement of mine once they die. Being as I live in FL and my heaters barely run at all, I may be able to get by with 2 of the 200w Helio elements when the time comes...

Really a bummer. Idk why they would do that considering the sump situation with their own tanks. If it proves to be not enough, i'll be designing/3d printing a cradle to hold two of the brs titanium heaters in the heating chamber of the RFS50. They come with suction cups but i dont really trust them

 

[DmitryB]

I suppose I'm going to have to come up with a new plan for the eventual replacement of mine once they die. Being as I live in FL and my heaters barely run at all, I may be able to get by with 2 of the 200w Helio elements when the time comes...

Really a bummer. Idk why they would do that considering the sump situation with their own tanks. If it proves to be not enough, i'll be designing/3d printing a cradle to hold two of the brs titanium heaters in the heating chamber of the RFS50. They come with suction cups but i dont really trust them

Are the BRS heaters shorter?

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

Are the BRS heaters shorter?

The 300w is 10.25" long. Shouldn't be an issue i dont think? That said i havent actually laid eyes on the sump yet

 

[Skibi]

Ya I didn’t feel comfortable with them just hanging and touching the sides so I opted to put them in the holders in the sump section. But I swear I slid them in there and the water line didn’t come up to the right spot in the heater.

So I reexamined my sump and decided/realized it definitely has too much water. I filled it (when return is not running) up to the bottom of the top rim. I realized it's way above the raised baffle wall in the refugium. So I drained it a bit this morning to just below the top of the raised refugium wall. And the heater is sticking out a tad from the water. Just below the rubber cap. This indeed does not look ideal. I emailed Brian/IM with this photo to see what he says.

Ya that’s def how mine was and opted to not cause of the instructions but interesting to see what Brian says!

 

[DmitryB]

So Brian at IM says it's fine that it sticks out of water a little!

First email: "The 350 watt elements do come out a little in the RFS heater compartment. That is fine as the top of the element has the ptc chip and controls."

When I said if he was sure about this because I was already paranoid about the heater, he said "The helio heating elements may stick out of water in the RFS sump heater chamber as they are designed to do so and operate safely."

So I guess I'm going to leave it in there. (I sent Brian the photo I posted above for visual reference.)

 

[Skibi]

Just throwing an update in current stock list:
Powder blue
Sailfin
Yellow tang
Golden lined rabbit fish
Diamond gobby
Blue chromis x3
Damsel
Clown fish
2 urchins
1 fighting conch
60 or so hermit and astera snail
3 or so turbo snails

Been dealing with green hair algae trying to get it under control not winning the battle at this time lol

 

[Skibi]

 

[Notorious Reef]

Looking great! Love the little powder blue you got!

 

[Skibi]

Looking great! Love the little powder blue you got!

Ya he’s great should color up more too! All fish were from dr reefs quarantined fish highly recommended!

 

[Skibi]

Ended up adding a Jebao MOW-22 and Tunze orca for flow. Been having trouble with the 2MP40 spinning on the glass. Don’t like the wire from the Jebao being in the water but we will see how it holds up. Impressed with the flow from it for sure and it’s a fraction of the cost of a mp60 so worth a shot trying it for now. If it doesn’t hold up end up just biting the bullet and getting a MP60 or another Tunze ORCA.

 

[Skibi]

Picked up some new coral from Discover Aquatics a local lfs near me. Excited to see how they do!

 

[Skibi]

Some other photos of other corals that’s been in my tank.

Once I get this hair algae under control I’ll start to place corals on the rock!