UNS R90 or IM EXT 75

[Atticus811]

Hi all, considering a UNS R90 or a IM EXT 75 for my first reef tank in 6 years. I had an old Biocube and had a ton of fun but it was difficult to manage in an apartment. I’ve since moved into a house and am excited to get going again.

The tanks are similar in size and cost but have a few distinct differences. Firstly I like that the IM has an external overflow to give you the most room in the display. For the UNS, I like the sump setup a bit better with the refugium and ATO and I like the fact that it has storage and a dedicated power setup.

All that said, I’m a newb and am wondering if I’m putting too much credit on the distinct UNS benefits (mainly the fuge and power distribution setup) considering you can add these things to the IM but you can’t really make the UNS external overflow.

In either case if it was your money what would you do?

 

[shakacuz]

i'd go for the one with more water volume if prices are similar. personally would go the IM route, but thats just because i'd like to get the 112G "cube".

 

[Atticus811]

i'd go for the one with more water volume if prices are similar. personally would go the IM route, but thats just because i'd like to get the 112G "cube".

Good points! They are very similar in volume as well so I think that’s why I’m stuck deciding. I guess it mainly boils down to whether I prefer the internal or external overflow as the other items can be changed/added.

 

[shakacuz]

Good points! They are very similar in volume as well so I think that’s why I’m stuck deciding. I guess it mainly boils down to whether I prefer the internal or external overflow as the other items can be changed/added.

external. gives you more inside tank space for rock/fish, even if negligible

 

[UNS_Brandon]

let me know if I can answer any specific questions about the UNS R90.

 

[towels]

Ext75 has been great.

 

[brinicle]

Well what’s the update?! Also did you look at the Cade Reef 900 S2? Seems to fit the same profile as the UNS and IM, at a bit higher price

CADE REEF 900 S2

The 900 Series 2 model provides an incredible 85-gallon display and 105 gallons total capacity in a compact form factor. Perfect for office and professional situations, as well as that one wall at home where nothing else seems to fit! *Please note: These models are currently for pre-order and...

www.algaebarn.com

 

[Atticus811]

Haha sorry forgot to post! I ended up with the IM Ext 75. My decision came down to the fact that I wanted to maximize the space inside the tank since I went with a smaller size. Also I figured I could always switch out the sump if I found the IM to be lacking. I’m really happy with the build quality and the sump has been working well! I also had enough space to add a separate IKEA control cabinet which also stores my auto top off container so I feel like I got the best of both worlds.

 

[Atticus811]

 

[towels]

Nice. It’s a beast.

Are you using the return pump that came with the tank?
If so, what % of flow are you running?

 

[Atticus811]

Thanks! I’m still figuring out a lighting solution hence the tv mount. Considering doing some thing like a coral care gen2 but I’m not sold on trying to hang it from the ceiling since they are vaulted. Looking at some XR15s or the like as well for a back of the tank type mount. May try Reefi uno 2.0 but I’m a bit worried about the pink complaints. I was sold on the Reefbreeders meridian 24 until I saw it in person. Even messing with the sliders we couldnt get the pink out of it.

Anyway as far as the pump goes I’m only running it on level 2. I believe it goes up to 6 so I divided the max gph by that and came up with around 850gph assuming it’s linear! I also did the spin stream nozzles as they help a lot with disturbing the surface. Once I get coral in the tank I may adjust up some.

I read some complaints on the pump but so far it seems to work well. I will say it has a pretty good whine to it above level 4 so if you want max gph out of your return you may want to do something different.

Lastly, I watched a lot of cj aquariums on YouTube and he’s had pretty good luck with the pump so I’d say it’s definitely serviceable!

 

[brinicle]

Very cool! What are your other specs? Looks like maybe you did marcorocks and some epoxy? Possibly caribsea special grade sand?