Skibi's IM 200 EXT Upgrade Build!

[Skibi]

I ended up with a double ATO kind of. I have a long tube running from garage main RO container to my ATO container near my tank that is run by a versa pump and activated by a hydros sensor in my ATO container. I then have a traditional tunze sensor in my tank that runs a normal ATO pump. Since I run a kalk stirrer it does not turn on often. With this system I never even think about my ATO other then filling my large main RO container once a month or so. It has worked out great. Using a similar method you could use a somewhat small ATO container (which could be any container) in the laundry room as your ATO container and have it auto filled. Minimizing work is key in this hobby.

I like that makes sense and can easily do that on mine. I cant believe you had 2 IM tanks leak that is crazy scaring me lol. Im upgrading to this one because my red sea reefer250 the front pane of glass the seams are failing.

 

[tritonpower]

I would not worry about it. I really think I was unlucky and perhaps had the most aggressive plastic eating worms of all time. My leaks were punctate and could have been caused by worms. They were not true seam failures. I have armored seams now as a result. I have never seen another IM tank leak anywhere, so I think they are rare. I also saw that they have leveling feet now. My IM stand did not and that may have been part of the issue. Leveling it with shims was very difficult.

 

[Skibi]

Aquascape is done and in the tank and starting to get it wet! Been mixing slat in a brute can then pumping it in been going since Sunday last brute should be ready when I get home from work!

 

[Skibi]

Welp turned the return pump on and the bulkhead is leaking....pin hole where the pvc is glued into the bulkhead. Looks like im redoing some of the plumbing...

 

[Zaireguy]

Awsome build i have a 200 ext setting in the garage waiting on me

 

[Skibi]

Finished filling and just been letting the tank run got Fritz turbo smart and some pro dibio poured in. Also put a bottle of pods in from Dunkin’s aquatics. Then finally got 10 pounds or so of live rock in the sump.

 

[Skibi]

Also got my heater and return pump situated ended up going with the mighty maxi jet from IM and there helio heater 5 year warranty on it and a lot of good reviews. Finally figured out how to get my ato situated in the tank too. Ended up plumbing a siphon break in so it can sit right next to the sump.

 

[Skibi]

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[Skibi]

Thought I’d share how the sump is shaping up so far. Also found a siphon break so I can keep the ato right next to my sump.

 

[Skibi]

Got the light up today ended up with a reefbreeders meridian 63. Got just the one light but is setup to where I can add the edge lights as I need them.

 

[Daasmo]

Which ATO container is that? I have movers coming Tuesday to move my tank from the garage!

 

[Skibi]

Which ATO container is that? I have movers coming Tuesday to move my tank from the garage!

I forget the name of it think it was crystal line aquatics but they are no longer in business. That ATO container I’m reusing from my Red Sea reefer 250.

 

[Daasmo]

Which ATO container is that? I have movers coming Tuesday to move my tank from the garage!

I forget the name of it think it was crystal line aquatics but they are no longer in business. That ATO container I’m reusing from my Red Sea reefer 250.

Dang. It looks like it fits nicely. I bought a used IM 15g hydrofill before I realized it won't fit next to the sump. So I'm searching for options.

 

[Skibi]

Which ATO container is that? I have movers coming Tuesday to move my tank from the garage!

I forget the name of it think it was crystal line aquatics but they are no longer in business. That ATO container I’m reusing from my Red Sea reefer 250.

Dang. It looks like it fits nicely. I bought a used IM 15g hydrofill before I realized it won't fit next to the sump. So I'm searching for options.

Ya it barely fits I have it sitting on 1.5 inch blocks so it sits on top of that rail and the door still closes the ato is 10 inches wide If that helps you at least you know 10 inches or smaller fits lol

 

[Skibi]

Been working on the controller board think I finally got everything how I like it. Also picked up a regal 200 INT protein skimmer.

 

[Skibi]

Also went with 15 pounds of nano base rock and 25 pounds of live sand from TBS!

 

[Daasmo]

Also went with 15 pounds of nano base rock and 25 pounds of live sand from TBS!

Did you do the UPS overnight or air freight? I've been looking at TBS rock but I'm not sure I'll be able to pick up at the airport because my schedule is always in flux.

 

[Skibi]

Also went with 15 pounds of nano base rock and 25 pounds of live sand from TBS!

Did you do the UPS overnight or air freight? I've been looking at TBS rock but I'm not sure I'll be able to pick up at the airport because my schedule is always in flux.

I did ups overnight figured I had sand and rock already just wanted to seed the tank and didn’t really want to deal with the whole airport thing.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Also went with 15 pounds of nano base rock and 25 pounds of live sand from TBS!

Good choice for rock!

 

[Daasmo]

One more question. Are you using the provided screen lid with that light mount? I bought the Reef Breeders 63 with the edge lighting but I went with the BOT mount without considering the lid would be to be altered or replaced.

I had movers come yesterday and set tank. I should have told them to bring 6 guys. They had 4 and I had to pitch in to get it on the stand. I'll be plumbing this weekend.