Official Innovative Marine Owners Thread

[spoon671]

Official Innovative Marine Owners Thread

there are no dumb questions!! You want to keep below the last wall of the chambers on either side. Meaning, you should see five separate in the back

I'm glad this was asked!

What are the reasons for keeping water line below the innermost baffles? Will something ruined by keeping it slightly higher?

For the record, I happen to keep my water level about 1/4-1/2" above the innermost baffles, and the only reason why I do so is because my heater fits back there vertically in the return chamber, and where I have the waterline now brings it up above the titanium barely. If you can picture that.

If I set the waterline 1/2" below the innermost baffles, a tiny bit of titanium heater is exposed. I don't necessarily think that would be a huge problem, but I just keep it high because I honestly don't know where the real water line is supposed to be.

 

[vlapinta]

I'm glad this was asked!

What are the reasons for keeping water line below the innermost baffles? Will something ruined by keeping it slightly higher?

For the record, I happen to keep my water level about 1/4-1/2" above the innermost baffles, and the only reason why I do so is because my heater fits back there vertically in the return chamber, and where I have the waterline now brings it up above the titanium barely. If you can picture that.

If I set the waterline 1/2" below the innermost baffles, a tiny bit of titanium heater is exposed. I don't necessarily think that would be a huge problem, but I just keep it high because I honestly don't know where the real water line is supposed to be.

Sometimes I'm afraid to ask thinking it's a stupid question. I am still unclear on where the water line is supposed to be. When previous response said below chamber wall on right or left. Does that mean below the black plastic dividers I see in the back chambers? I am thinking that would lower my water another 1" at least from top of front of my tank which is allready 3/4" below the top.

 

[BxS_Reefer217]

I agree, there are no dumb questions. We all are always learning something new that we don't quite understand yet. So ask away

And I keep mine just barely under the innermost baffles. You don't want it too high or you risk overflow from the back in one way or another. If I have my water level any higher than those baffles, the level of my skimmer gets too high and overflows like crazy.

 

[bizacon]

Now that is really confusing me.. Not sure what you mean. Any chance you could take a picture of yours

Sorry to confuse you. Probably didnt write that the best way. I tried taking a picture, but my camera consists of an I-phone:worried:

BXS said it perfectly, you dont want to overflow the whole back. You do not want to cover the baffles. I do not think that you need to worry if part of the heater is not covered. My heater is all the way down in the return section on the right side, fully submerged.

 

[Akrite]

This is a great thread especially for someone like me who is thinking of starting a Innovative Marine tank. It was just a little hard to follow BxS_Reefer217 post without the photos, so I hope you don't mind that I reported them.

 

[spoon671]

Okay sounds good. I will let evap take care of the water level for me back there. Just below the innermost baffle it is! My salinity is a bit low anyway.

Thanks!

 

[Akrite]

Hopefully this helps other following along

 

[vlapinta]

Perfect! Thanks so much for clarifying. I was keeping my water level much too high. I am not running a skimmer yet. I was waiting to see what IM comes up with for the 40G. They told me they have one coming out soon. I was originally going to get the Tunze 9004 but I was told it wouldn't fit in the 40. I ordered the Intank filter floss holder. Intank told me it would fit but it does not. The lip does not go over the walls in the back chamber and it is too wide.
Is there any ATO I can use with this tank that works well? I do not have a sump.

 

[bizacon]

I stole my wife's camera so you could see the back and where my water levels are. I will be using the AquaMaxx protein skimmer. It is on a 3 week back order. For ATO, I use the tunze 3155 and very pleased with it. Having a redundant system gives you a piece of mind when the tank is on original hardware floor from 1940

 

[spoon671]

Official Innovative Marine Owners Thread

A bit too high? Water line in pic is about 1/4" above innermost baffles. I will snap a box later today when water level is lower. Good informative posts guys!

 

[bizacon]

A bit too high? Water line in pic is about 1/4" above innermost baffles. I will snap a box later today when water level is lower. Good informative posts guys!

Yes too high! Get her lowered so you can see all 5 chambers separately

 

[vlapinta]

I just wanted to mention that years ago there was discussion about filter floss and it was recommended to use pillow stuffing. Someone told me to use morning glory premium polyester fiberfill. I bought a 5 lb box years ago and still have not used it up. I think I paid @$10 for the box. I have a 14 gallon Aquapod and it has been running for 8 years. I am in the process of upgrading to a 40 g Nuvo. I pull off a handful of the fiberfill and put it in the back chamber. It picks up a lot of debris. I just pull it out and toss when it gets dirty. I usually change it every 4-5 days unless it is noticeably dirty. It is cheap and works great. I also use chemipure and purigen. Just wanted to share if someone is looking for a cheap filter floss alternative. I think Walmart sells the 5# box for @$11

 

[spoon671]

Official Innovative Marine Owners Thread

I literally was just at Jo-Ann's fabrics yesterday and saw that stuff. Called "Poly Fill". That's the good stuff right?

Yes too high! Get her lowered so you can see all 5 chambers separately

Will do!

 

[vlapinta]

I literally was just at Jo-Ann's fabrics yesterday and saw that stuff. Called "Poly Fill". That's the good stuff right?



That should be the same thing. I think I bought my box in 2007 lol! That's how long it has lasted me. It is so compacted into the box that it lasts forever.

 

[moondoggy4]

Eheim also makes some wool filter floss ,Eheim Synth #21 part number 2504101 it should be used last. Rowaphos recommends to use this type in the reactors 10 bucks or so for a box I think I got it at Marine Depot or DFS.
I also like the cheap stuff from the Joann but use the Eheim stuff last.

 

[pugmommie]

Hey guys,
I am new to the innovative marine club. I just got a Innovative nuvo 16 a few weeks ago. Are the Innovative Marine Spin Stream nozzles worth it? I really want to have a random flow with out having to add other additional wave makers.

 

[bizacon]

Hey guys,
I am new to the innovative marine club. I just got a Innovative nuvo 16 a few weeks ago. Are the Innovative Marine Spin Stream nozzles worth it? I really want to have a random flow with out having to add other additional wave makers.

I had a 16 a few years ago with the spins. Started out at a good thing, but then they got stuck and did not move. If you want random flow you are going to have to go wave maker IMO. Unless you want to stand next to the outlet and unplug the pump every 2 mins

 

[M4rz]

I had a 16 a few years ago with the spins. Started out at a good thing, but then they got stuck and did not move. If you want random flow you are going to have to go wave maker IMO. Unless you want to stand next to the outlet and unplug the pump every 2 mins

+1 I currently have one koralia wave maker and am waiting for my 2 wp10's to get more flow. I also bought a cable from one of the members that will allow my Apex to control them. In terms of height of water in the sump, I usually keep mine 1/2 below the innermost baffles as my skimmer prefers it. I will also take a pic if you like?

I should really update my tank pic in this thread as well. Have just started to add corals, some snails, and am hoping to get another fish soon - we'll see how my baby clowns like a new addition

 

[pugmommie]

Thanks guys!

 

[pugmommie]

After reading some of the post here, I guess I really should lower my water level in the back of the tank!