IM 50 Fusion Lagoon OR Red Sea Reefer 250

kevin21

kevin21

Active member
Hey all,

Need your opinions. I am looking to upgrade my current 28g jbj nano. I love the idea of all in one tanks as I have had such a great experience with my JBJ. That being said, what would you go with? The IM 50 fusion and Red sea have similar dimensions which I like. I keep LPS and softies, no desire to dive into SPS. I currently have a kessil a150, tunze ATO, and tunze skimmer on the 28. Would need to double up my kessil or get new lights for either system. I have enjoyed my kessil, so would look into just doubling up as it is only 36" in length.

IM 50 FUSION Lagoon:

Aquarium:
50 Gallon
Ultra Thick 8mm High Clarity Glass / Low Iron
Leveling Rubber Mat
DIMS (30” x 24” x 16”)
Flat Polished
Diamond Edge Polished
Black Silicone

Filtration:
Acrylic Filter Wall w / Dual Overflows
(2) Pre-Molded Micron Sock - Mechanical Filters
(2) Adjustable Return Flare Nozzles
476 Gallons Per Hour Pump
Designated Heater Column
Designated Skimmer/Reactor Column

Red Sea 250:

54 Gallon main tank
11 gallon plug and play sump
2.1 gallon RO container with ATO
Extremely similar dimensions to 250

Keeping in mind that the fusion lagoon will be approx $1100 for just the tank and stand. Don't really need a sump. What are your thoughts on whats best for the price? I love the look of the IM for sure, but does it make sense to spend $1100 when the red sea reefer seems to be more bang for my buck?

Thanks guys! Would love to hear experiences for anyone with these tanks. The IM 50 doesnt seem too common.
 
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If they are both in the same cost range, I would go red sea bc you get the sump. IM's (I have one) have limited space in the back and a weak stock return pump.
 
Yeah range is about the same. I get concerned about the plug and play sump. May be silly, but I feel like it’s just another thing to break or malfunction. I was torn between the two because I like the simplicity of the IM, but like the extra volume and fact I only need to upgrade lights for the Red Sea. Anyone have any reviews on the sump that comes with it?
 
First I would get on Dr Foster and Smith email list.

I was able to buy my IM 25 Lagoon without the rear chamber for around 135 bucks or so, 25% off. I was able to buy there stand for 25% off plus a 50 dollar points card off as well. My tank is 24" x 20"x 12" yes not the size you want ,but.

So if you want to buy the whole setup at one time the Red Sea is probably the best buy. I think that setup is 1200 isch.

The IM 50 Lagoon is pretty pricey plus you have to pay for an extra 150 for shipping OUCH. So with carefully planning and discounts you can save some by buying bit by bit.

The Lagoon has a totally different look, than the RS tanks, it depends also on the look you are looking for.
 
2 totally different tanks really.

RS has the advantage of a proper sump. I have an IM40 and though I have a media reactor, kalk reactor, skimmer, ATO, fuge etc its very very tight!

However the dimension of the IM40 worked perfect for my location and a underneath sump wasn't an option

Traditional vs Modern in my option. The dimensions of the RS are much more traditional, while its rimless its very safe. I love the IM Shallow Reef tanks, stunning looking but appreciate that their not everyones cup of tea.

The 50 will give you the opportunity to create something really unique in my opinion which is why I would plumb for that
 
Even the dimensions of the red sea, for a 54g main tank volume, is a unique size at 35.5 inches long. If you think about it, a standard 55g tank is 48 inches long with I believe a 12" width. Which I would never want again (had one in the past).

I do love the look of the IM 50, and am used to the chambers in the back as it is very similar to my JBJ. As long as the sump isnt faulty on the Red Sea, and is simple to use, I wouldn't have a problem with the switch though. Correct me if I am wrong, with the red sea sump, there will be room for the skimmer, heater, and auto top off right? The top off would go into the main section of the sump where the return pump is?
 
How bout a SCAquarium 36" x 24" x 16" with a Ghost overflow. This the same dimension of a Cad Light 70. I would buy Cad Lights upgraded stand, I believe that Cad Lights has a warehouse in New York. The SCAquariums are very popular with a big fan club, they are local for me.
 
You'll have to buy a return pump for the Reefer so add on another $100 at least. It's nice to have a sump so you are not beholden to the small chamber dimensions on the IM. That said, all your current equipment should fit the IM and it is a nice looking tank. I have been no help :)
 
Custom build

Custom build

kevin21 said:
What are those custom builds?
Click to expand...

Yes it is but it will NOT cost you an arm and leg, they do so many ghost overflows I think it is a part of the purchase, making the tank shorter just means a longer wait. You could get a quote, when I find their club thread I will link it for you. He also sells Eco Tech and Ai lights as well.

That is the tank that I am leaning towards.
 
Thanks for the info guys, and the red sea comes with the return pump I believe.

Definitely share the link on the custom build if you find it.

Smatter, that is the exact issue I am having!! Can't make a choice as to what is nicer, better, and better run.
 
Thanks for the link, it worked! Ill research a bit on them.

Anyone with a red sea reefer 250 that can comment on the sump set up and all stock equipment? How is the skimmer?
 
That is actually a game changer, I thought it came with the skimmer and return pump. So you are looking at a few hundred on top of the original cost anyway.
 
Look for an SR-60. I love mine and I actually downgraded to this from my Elos 120XL. The IM AIO is just less work in my opinion.
 
kevin21 said:
That is actually a game changer, I thought it came with the skimmer and return pump. So you are looking at a few hundred on top of the original cost anyway.
Click to expand...

Affirmative. People are picky about their skimmers and pumps so Red Sea left them out. To be honest, if I could do it over I would buy the Aquamaxx 57g cube and just run a 9004, heater, ATO, and a couple 6040s. No muss, no fuss. AIO would be my second choice. Sumps are nice but an unnecessary complication. There's something to be said for simplicity.
 
I do love simplicity. Don't want to go quiet that big and expensive as the sr-60. I may just got with the IM 50 tank and stand. Get an additional kessil, keep my skimmer, and go from there. I have to agree with the sump complicating the red sea reefer a bit. Still can't find anyone with the fusion lagoon 50 though.

Dainese954, any noise issues with your sr-60? Any complaints?
 
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