SYoung's IM100 EXT Build Thread

[Syoung]

Hey reefers, after a long (6+ year) break I'm finally ready to get back into the hobby. Previously I ran an IM 25G Lagoon built into an entertainment center, and had a blast. I did run into issues with the lack of water volume and accessibility, so I'm hoping to fix both in this build.

Build:
- IM100 EXT
- IM APS Stand
- Sump: RFS-39 - Potentially modified

Filtration:
- Skimmer: Akula UKS-160
- Reefmat 500
- Very interested in using a roller mat rather than filter socks, but I need to modify the RFS-39 sump
- Refugium (TBD light)
- Lifeguard 25W UV

Control:
- Apex A3

Lighting:
- (2) AI Hydra 32HD

Flow:
- MP40
- Dual Sicce Syncra SDC 6.0 return pumps
- (Tentative) AI Orbit 4 Gyre Pump

Hoping to get some feedback before I make too many mistakes! Especially as I try to modify the sump for the Reefmat.

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome back from hiatus, and good luck with your build!

 

[Syoung]

But most importantly, I had to set up a water change station to support ~150 gallons of total water volume.

Here's the station I just finished:

It's dual 32 gallon containers, the left is freshwater fed from the RODI unit and the right is saltwater. Unfortunately I made a mistake and didn't include a valve to the saltwater return. I'll fix that next week!

The plan is to use this station to pump saltwater ~50' to where the tank is. Hopefully with a Sicce Syncra SDC 6.0 it'll be powerful enough.

 

[Syoung]

Welcome back from hiatus, and good luck with your build!

Thanks Fish Fan! I'll need the luck

 

[Syoung]

First question:

Has anyone run into the impeller area of the Sicce Syncra SDC 6.0 leaking? It's very slow, but haven't been able to solve it. I've confirmed the O-Rings are in place.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[Syoung]

Made some progress this weekend.

1) Drilled out and installed a ball valve on the saltwater return for the water change setup. Now I'm able to fully control where water flows and how quickly.

2) Moved the tank into position with some friends. Not too heavy! We had 3 total but could've done it with just two of us. It's looking pretty great. It's tall with the APS leveling stand, but not too bad. One of the cats has been very curious .

3) Modified the sump to accept the Reefmat 500 roller mat. I didn't want to have to change and wash socks repeatedly so I committed to modifying. I think it went well, but won't know until I start flowing water.

I made a separate post to document the modifications here.

Lots of progress! Still planning to modify the return to have a redundant return sending water back to the display through a Lifeguard 25W UV sterilizer. Not sure how exactly I'll do that yet, but it's progress.

Used Neptune A3 comes on Tuesday. There really isn't much room in the stand with this sump, so I'm currently unsure how I'll wire or fit an ATO reservoir. No room available outside the stand.