IM EXT 112 build

[areefer]

I'm about 2 months into the build and I'm 8 days into the cycle with Fritz turbo start.

Hoping to make it a mainly fish and LPS tank. Maybe SPS in the future. But one step at a time.

Equipment (so far)

• IM EXT 112
• Fiji-30 sump
  • Filter floss (I'll probably add a roller mat in the future)
  • Maxspect Jump SK400 skimmer
  • Jebao DCP-8000 return pump
  • 2 x 300W BRS titanium heaters with IM Helio controller
• 2 x Jebao ELW-30M power heads
• 3 x AI blades (2 grow & 1 glow) - hoping that 3 will be enough for now. I can always add more if needed.
• Dry rock
• 3 bags of CaribSea Special Grade Arag-Alive sand

Build (so far)

The tank is setup in the living room next to the TV in an alcove. The left side is fully viewable from the sofa. There is a bit of space on the right side to view the tank from that direction.

I oriented the sump perpendicular to the front of the tank to save space in the cabinet.

Mixing Station

I'm built my mixing station in the basement and plumbed it upstairs to make water changes easier. Using the pump in the basement, I can pump water up to the DT and waste water out to our side yard.

Access behind the tank with camlocks for quick release of the hose when I'm not using it.

Next Steps:

- I'm working on adding a gravity feed ATO. I'll use a container in the cabinet connected to a float value. I'll add a sensor to a shutoff for redundancy.
- Add pods after the cycle is complete (probably SnackleBox from Dinkins)
- A couple of clowns (probably from Dr Reefs)
- CUC (not sure what yet)

 

[Chris.Reef]

Looks great!!!

 

[rock-n-reef]

Nice clean setup! I love the footprint of IM 112. Great dimension and viewing experience.

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

Great build so far, following along.

 

[areefer]

Nice clean setup! I love the footprint of IM 112. Great dimension and viewing experience.

Thanks. Your 112 build is/was great too. I reviewed your build thread when I was considering purchasing my 112.

 

[areefer]

While I'm waiting on the tank to cycle, I added a gravity fed ATO. I diy'ed a stand from an old computer monitor stand with float valve:

Next up, this rat's nest of wires:

 

[areefer]

Tank cycled and first fish in!

I got a pair of Orange Storm clowns from Cultivated Reef. They are small and still getting settled in.

 

[garyl]

Looks really nice. I love the rockwork.

 

[coralfishreef]

A 3’ x 3’ lagoon is uncommon to see. Can we get a top down shot?

 

[areefer]

Sure. Here are a couple of angles.

 

[Industry]

How are you liking the elw-30 powerheads?

 

[areefer]

How are you liking the elw-30 powerheads?

They are working well for me. I run them at about 40%. Except for brushing some algae of the front, I haven't really done any maintenance on them. The app is fine, not the most user friendly, but is functional.

The tank looks so new in those pictures. Here's an updated pic as of a month ago. I'm currently fighting some GHA issues in the sand bed and rocks.

 

[Industry]

It's a great tank size. First I've seen like that, and your coral looks happy. Thanks for the review on the powerheads.

 

[Reefried]

Wow looks good. I love a clean build. Are you still running the three lights? How high are they mounted above the tank. I can’t see them in the first few pics

 

[areefer]

Wow looks good. I love a clean build. Are you still running the three lights? How high are they mounted above the tank. I can’t see them in the first few pics

Thanks! Yes, I'm still running 3 AI blades. I have them resting right on the top of the tank on the euro bracing. You can see the front light in the picture above. They sit about 3" above the water.

 

[Reefried]

Thanks! Yes, I'm still running 3 AI blades. I have them resting right on the top of the tank on the euro bracing. You can see the front light in the picture above. They sit about 3" above the water.

Oh yes I see. I didn’t even notice them. What are your thoughts on them? Do you think of adding another glow?

 

[areefer]

I like the clean look of them and that I can rest them on top of the aquarium. They are easy to move if I need to get into the tank. One glow is plenty for my tank. The combination of 2 grows and 1 glow works well.

 

[areefer]

Quick update after another year. All corals are growing well. I'm very happy with how it's come along in the last 2 years.

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

Tank looks great