Starting over and going slow - Advice wanted

redsoxbill · Jan 28, 2017

Out of the game for several years, and starting to get back in slowly and not trying to rush it.

First bought an IM Nuvo 40 from Dr. Foster and Smith 30% off coupon.

Here is what I got first attempt at delivery:

No Glass unbroken. UPS driver dropped it off and literally ran back to his truck before I could get to the box. At least they told me to keep the screen, pumps filter socks, and connections. Waited an additional 2 weeks and second delivery came in like this.

This time only two pieces of glass broken, but again get to keep socks, pump, tubing and what is not broken. This time I took the low iron glass that was not broken, and cut the silicone, and salvage whatever I could. This time I called customer service, and they told me they would increase the packaging and ship it again expedited. However, it was back-ordered, and they had to wait for IM to send them more tanks. Finally got a tank with no flaws 6 weeks later.

Here is the equipment I have presently:
IM Nuvo 40
AI Sol Blue LED fixture with mounting arm.
Custom Built Stand (currently under construction)
IM ghost mid size

IM reactor mid size (gfo)
(2) Vortech MP10wes
Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155 Auto Top Off
(1) IM custom baskets
(2) IM Filter Sock
150w Finnex Heater (controlled with temperature controller)
Stock Return pump (may use 1 pump for each return)
1/10HP Artic Chill Chiller (controlled with temperature controller)
Jebao Programmable Auto Dosing Pump DP-4
Acrylic 4 cell divided holding tank. (Calcium, Magnesium, Part A &B)
30 lbs dry live rock cooking in trashcan in the dark.

My Question(s) are multiple, but will start with this main one. The layout for back of the Tank is as follows:

I want to set up the configuration as follows, does anyone have any comments as to if this is good, bad, or just crazy?

1. Return pumps
2. Filter sock
3. Media rack
4. IM Reactor
5. IM Ghost Skimmer
6. Finnex Heater
7. Suction pump for chiller
8. Auto Top off return
9. Chiller Return
10. Acrylic chemical drip hose bracket

All comments are welcomed both good and bad. Thanks for your time and effort.

ChrisQ0904 · Jan 28, 2017

What kind of lighting are you going to have over this tank? I would not think that you would have to put a chiller on it. Other than thank I think everything else looks good. It sucks what happened to the first tanks that were delivered but at least they let you keep all that stuff and once you called they seemed to be good with their customer service. But six weeks and three tanks is a little crazy to me.

redsoxbill · Jan 28, 2017

My lighting is an AI Sol Blue LED fixture with mounting arm. I agree with the LED lights it is probably overkill, but since I already have it, I thought I might as well use it. Thanks for the input.

tjnorthdakota · Jan 28, 2017

As crowded as its gonna be I'd try and run one pump for both returns and keep a extra on the shelf for spare

Salty1962 · Jan 29, 2017

That's a great tank, I had one as my frag tank a while back. I'm glad you got a whole one and glad you're going at it SLOW.:) With the LEDs you shouldn't have any issues with keeping your tank cool. ALs are good lights. I don't know if your going to have enough room for the heater, the return pump takes up a good bit of space. Good Luck and keep us posted!

esolo16 · Jan 29, 2017

Where are you planning to put the ATO sensor? You would need to put it somewhere around where you currently have the heater, it just might get a little cramped.

esolo16 · Jan 29, 2017

Also, what are you planning to put in the media rack and media reactor? Do you need to have both?

redsoxbill · Feb 4, 2017

Follow-up question: I have filter socks, media racks, and a media reactor. I am planning on using the media reactor, but should I use the filter socks, the media baskets, or one of each. all opinions are great.

Also seeing the responses I am probably going to not use the chiller initially. Since I am using the AI Sol Blue LED lights I probably wont have a heat issue. Any thoughts on this is also appreciated.

I am also planning on placing the ATO sensor between the two return ports slightly above the heater element.

ChrisQ0904 · Feb 4, 2017

If you run floss on the top section of the media rack I don't see why you would need to run the socks. Socks should definitely catch more though. I personally prefer floss but I have to use socks right bow because of my new sump, I personally feel that the socks catch too much.

esolo16 · Feb 4, 2017

I definitely think the chiller will not be needed.

The IM filter socks will catch a lot but that also means constant cleaning of the socks. I found it much easier to just use floss and replace every couple of days.

The media reactor is a personal preference if you want to get the extra efficiency from your carbon/GFO that you'll get from a reactor vs running them in a bag. Keep in mind, you cannot really see inside the back sump section, so it will be hard to fine tune the flow through the reactor.

How exactly you want to set up your filtration will depend on your tank. What type of coral do you want to keep? What fish are you planning to put in? Are you a light or heavy feeder?

redsoxbill · Feb 4, 2017

I am a light feeder, and will place a few small fish in the tank, no tangs, or fish where I can stunt their growth. Specific fish will depend on what strikes my fancy at the time, then I will research comparability. As for corals, I want to have a mixed tank with both zoa's and stony corals. Thanks for the response, all comments are welcomed.