Nate's IM 20 Nuvo Build Thread

[nate16]

Hi Guys,

Wanted to start a build thread as I've just started ordering equipment. I'm getting back into the reef game and doing it right this time. My last tank was a 150g and I just didn't have the money to stock it, or the time to keep up with it.

I want to have this new tank up and starting to cycle when I move into my new apartment 3/1 - I will be ordering more items as the date nears, don't want to waste warranty of items just sitting around.

Here's the build so far:

Equipment:
Tank: IM Nuvo 20 (will order closer to 3/1)
Stand: Girlfriend gets to pick based on decor of new apartment... I've learned to pick my battles.
Controller: 2016 Apex with WXM (likely buy WXM used and order Apex closer to tank start date)
ATO: IM Hydrofill TI + Pump (Order closer to launch or buy used)
Return pump: 1x MJ1200 or 2x MJ900 (help me decide)
Skimmer: IM Ghost / eShopps / CAD / Tunze (help here too)
Flow: MP10wdq (order closer to launch or buy used)
Lighting: xr30w Pro G4 (Order Closer to launch)
Reactor: IM Reactor (add down the road)

Ordered/Owned stuff:
RODI: BRS 5 stage RODI Unit - Already have in storage
Light Mount: RMS mount - Ordered $70 used
Heat: NeoTherm 75w - Ordered 31$ amazon
Media Baskets: 2x InTank Baskets - Ordered 75$ from InTank
Rock: 20lbs BRS Reef Saver Rock - Ordered 52$ BRS
Sand: 10lbs Fiji Pink Aragalive - Ordered 24$ BRS
Salt: 10kg Aquaforest Reef Salt - Ordered 33$ BRS

I will be updating this as I continue to order stuff. Please give suggestions and comments on the build, I've spent way too many years building tanks off craigslist with mediocre equipment. I want to do it right this time.

-Nate

 

[nate16]

Debating ditching the IM Hydrofill for an Apex controlled custom ATO with breakout box and also setting up a float sensor for the ATO container to know when to refill it.

 

[nate16]

Decided I'm ditching the Hydrofill and will use the APEX FMM module for ATO when it comes out. Should be out before the tank starts.

 

[weiser5150]

good luck with your build.I have a fusion 20 and love it but they are somewhat harder to get dialed in.

 

[nate16]

Thanks Weiser!

Update:

Picked up a brand new IM desktop reactor on ebay for 81$
MJ1200 on amazon for 28$

More to come!!

 

[nate16]

Reefmail came today:

Received 20lbs of reef saver rock -- wow this stuff looks AWESOME
bag of pink fiji aragalive
intank media baskets + filter floss
neotherm 75w

We are on our way!

Also just picked up a WXM for 80$ from a member on here.

Pretty much got all the low dollar items now either delivered or on order. Apex 2016, xr30w pro g4 and mp10wqd are the big hitters. Then the tank itself. And hopefully neptune releases the FMM soon!

 

[nate16]

Forgot to add, a bucket of aquaforest reef salt also showed up!

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

Sweet sounds like this is going to be a great build. Following along

 

[fscmocsaj]

Nice sounds good. Good luck I have the same tank!


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[nate16]

Got some more reef mail today:

RMS mount
MJ1200
WXM

 

[nate16]

Debating on switching to the lagoon 25 instead of the nuvo 20 ... I'm already over the tank size limit at my appt so may just stick to the 20 to keep it small. Plus I will likely be moving after my 18mo lease is up so I think keeping it smaller may be better. Any thoughts?

 

[Pastey]

Not much difference in overall volume so equipment is roughly the same. Comes own to personal preference I think. I like the footprint of the lagoon so if I had the choice, I would go with it. Moving a tank is stressful...for you and the tank. Do yourself a favor and keep it on the simpler side. SPS and other difficult to keep corals don't travel well. Other than that, if you plan on keeping the tank set up for a while, get the one you really want or you'll spend time on a tank you're not 100% satisfied with no matter what.

 

[nate16]

I've moved plenty of tanks in my past. It is always a nightmare haha. The worst was Boston > Philadelphia with multiple tanks during the winter.

I'm still debating between both. I honestly like the footprint of the 20 a bit more from pictures I think but I haven't seen either in person yet. Time for a trip to the LFS I think.

-Nate

 

[nate16]

Everything has been ordered except the xr30w pro and finding a stand.

Moving into the new place around 3/1

hoping Neptune FMM comes out for use as an ATO

 

[nate16]

Update on the build. Everything has been ordered and mostly delivered. Moving early to the new APT on Saturday. I will start a new build thread once I start getting everything up and running. Here's the current equipment list! Have not decided on stand/skimmer yet that's why they're not green.

 

[Zoahoarder]

Awesome. Build following along.

 

[nate16]

started packing up all my gear for the move

 

[Hemlawk]

Pretty sweet! And expensive

 

[stayjejune]

Woo! Excited to see this thing getting closer to getting set up!


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[nate16]

Thanks guys!

So I told the gf she could pick the stand if I got the new reef. Of course she chose the $250 IM stand FML -- So I bought the stand and starting to mock everything up. RODI unit installed and hooked up under sink with a 7g aqua-tainer. More pics coming later

Getting wet in the next few days