Owners Thread: Innovative Marine Fusion 40

[BWSR]

So some of you have swapped out the OEM pump for an Eheim 2000, but has anyone tried the 3000 or 5000? They are the same dimensions, and I'm wondering how the water levels turn out, and if the 3000 running at 3/4 speed (same as 2000) is any quieter than the 2000? I want something quieter than the OEM pump.

Also, how hard is it to get the 2000 into the bottom middle chamber? I think I've read that you have to disassemble it to get it down there.

 

[mystikal]

What type of thermometers are you guys running? I picked up a deep blue professional digital stick-on from a LFS, and its basically garbage.

I noticed while I was there that they had the Protherm digital, what do you guys think? Its $7.55 on amazon.com, and the LFS had it for $30.

Went ahead and bought these from amazon:
1) Deep Blue Professional Protherm Digital thermometer-$7.55
2) API Algae Scraper Extra long- Glass (for the back glass)-$7.39
3) Signstek ATC refractometer-$24.99

Good Deal?

 

[BWSR]

What type of thermometers are you guys running? I picked up a deep blue professional digital stick-on from a LFS, and its basically garbage.

I noticed while I was there that they had the Protherm digital, what do you guys think? Its $7.55 on amazon.com, and the LFS had it for $30.

Simple mechanical: http://www.marinedepot.com/Marina_F...water_Aquariums-Marina-HG11201-FITETH-vi.html

Also running an ViaAqua 300w heater which has a built in digital thermostat, so the mechanical is mainly a cheap and reliable way to confirm the digital one is still working right

 

[Reduck]

So some of you have swapped out the OEM pump for an Eheim 2000, but has anyone tried the 3000 or 5000? They are the same dimensions, and I'm wondering how the water levels turn out, and if the 3000 running at 3/4 speed (same as 2000) is any quieter than the 2000? I want something quieter than the OEM pump.

Also, how hard is it to get the 2000 into the bottom middle chamber? I think I've read that you have to disassemble it to get it down there.

Haven't tried other pumps. Not a lot of room in there. The 2000+ fits, just barely. Its fairly quiet. The stock pump wasn't too bad for noise either.
If you try other pumps and they fit, let us know!

What type of thermometers are you guys running? I picked up a deep blue professional digital stick-on from a LFS, and its basically garbage.

I noticed while I was there that they had the Protherm digital, what do you guys think? Its $7.55 on amazon.com, and the LFS had it for $30.

Went ahead and bought these from amazon:
1) Deep Blue Professional Protherm Digital thermometer-$7.55
2) API Algae Scraper Extra long- Glass (for the back glass)-$7.39
3) Signstek ATC refractometer-$24.99

Good Deal?

I had some cheapo stick on digital thermometer for a while, then bought the Apex. Its dead on comparing with other high end digitals we use at work.

Anything is better than nothing. At least there is a base point to keep an eye on your heater controller at a glance.

 

[BWSR]

Haven't tried other pumps. Not a lot of room in there. The 2000+ fits, just barely. Its fairly quiet. The stock pump wasn't too bad for noise either.
If you try other pumps and they fit, let us know!



I had some cheapo stick on digital thermometer for a while, then bought the Apex. Its dead on comparing with other high end digitals we use at work.

Anything is better than nothing. At least there is a base point to keep an eye on your heater controller at a glance.

Does that mean you're running a 2000? If so, did you have to take it apart to get it down there?

Also, how do you like the Ghost skimmer? I'm so tempted to send mine back and get a 9004, but I really want the cleanest look.

 

[Dapg8gt]

Does that mean you're running a 2000? If so, did you have to take it apart to get it down there?

Also, how do you like the Ghost skimmer? I'm so tempted to send mine back and get a 9004, but I really want the cleanest look.

The dc3000 pump fits perfect down there only thing I had to do was screw the output on when it's installed.. Super quiet and a decent bump in flow.. Fits like a glove TBH and I'm really glad I did it, I can utilise the reduced speed while in feed mode controlling it through my reef angel.

The 9004 is a no brainer for me looks wise, it's basically sitting flush and pulling some nice crud for a nano skimmer. With all the so so to negative reviews performance wise on the ghost I didn't even think twice to overlook that as a viable option to the 9004 I got with the tank

 

[OsiViper]

Well, was rinsing mine out today and noticed this.

The tearing of the black plastic was from me, i felt a loose piece of glass and wanted to see how bad it was.

It doesn't make it half way through the glass and don't see anymore cracks leading from it. Would have preferred to get a new tank, but already broke up and tossed out both shipping boxes it came with (stupid i know).

Decided to put RTV on it and tape over with black electrical tape to hide it. I have had a chip in a couple different tanks like this and never really seen a problem

 

[BWSR]

The dc3000 pump fits perfect down there only thing I had to do was screw the output on when it's installed.. Super quiet and a decent bump in flow.. Fits like a glove TBH and I'm really glad I did it, I can utilise the reduced speed while in feed mode controlling it through my reef angel.

The 9004 is a no brainer for me looks wise, it's basically sitting flush and pulling some nice crud for a nano skimmer. With all the so so to negative reviews performance wise on the ghost I didn't even think twice to overlook that as a viable option to the 9004 I got with the tank

The only concern with the 9004 is that is has a 4w motor, and the Ghost midsize has a 6.5w and only about an inch less width, so I'm thinking it has the potential to be as good if not better, once it's broken in and tuned. *shrug* Guess we'll find out

My ghost did come cracked, so they are sending me an entire new unit - pretty good support right off the bat.

 

[OsiViper]

Also decided to change some stuff up with my setup.

Ditched the stock return pump and decided to go with the Jebao DC3000 since I can directly control the speed with Apex.

And Ditched the 2x Jebao WP10.. Decided to try something new, was debating the MP10 with the new Quiet drive, but figured hey, those new Maxspect Gyre's have been getting awesome reviews and would only need 1 for the entire tank.. So I'm going with the Gyre XF130 instead.

 

[Reduck]

Does that mean you're running a 2000? If so, did you have to take it apart to get it down there?

Also, how do you like the Ghost skimmer? I'm so tempted to send mine back and get a 9004, but I really want the cleanest look.

I got it in there in one piece.
Ghost is ok. Not the best, but it works....

 

[Reduck]

Well, was rinsing mine out today and noticed this.

The tearing of the black plastic was from me, i felt a loose piece of glass and wanted to see how bad it was.

It doesn't make it half way through the glass and don't see anymore cracks leading from it. Would have preferred to get a new tank, but already broke up and tossed out both shipping boxes it came with (stupid i know).

Decided to put RTV on it and tape over with black electrical tape to hide it. I have had a chip in a couple different tanks like this and never really seen a problem

Email, write, call and get it exchanged...tell them you'll send it back in the box of the new one... This is going to be weak point. You don't want it blowing out!

I had a very similar chip in my jbj and it leaked. Badly.

 

[OsiViper]

Emailed IM to ask if the chip would be bad or if I can just live with it. Had someone email me back within an hour letting me know they're sending me a new tank.

Sad though.. I was looking forward to filling it and getting it running tomorrow!

 

[Reduck]

Emailed IM to ask if the chip would be bad or if I can just live with it. Had someone email me back within an hour letting me know they're sending me a new tank.

Sad though.. I was looking forward to filling it and getting it running tomorrow!

I went through 2 bad jbj shipments and then waited a month for the IM to come in. It'll be worth the wait. What would be worse is having 40g of sw on your floor. And any livestock gone.
Just not worth it.

 

[mystikal]

Anyone running the IM hydromax ATO? Looks pretty slick

 

[Mrs Fish]

Perhaps I should have specified that I need to know what's inside the cabinet - shelves, dividers, etc. The link is very useful, but doesn't show how the shelves line up ... I have a feeling it's divided into four !?? Which would make it impossible to mount that DJ strip!

 

[Reduck]

Perhaps I should have specified that I need to know what's inside the cabinet - shelves, dividers, etc. The link is very useful, but doesn't show how the shelves line up ... I have a feeling it's divided into four !?? Which would make it impossible to mount that DJ strip!

Yes, it's divided neatly into four sections. The shelves do come out. There is a vertical support up the center bisected by the two shelves.
Not near it now for a pic. Sorry.
Have you looked at isobar strips? They are more traditional sized and could mount easily on the back wall.
Also, are you planning on a controller? They normal contain power bars too.

 

[Mrs Fish]

Thanks Reduck ... SUPER helpful. I was looking at a controller (APEX), but the tank location is a REALLY long way from the router and I decided to wait for a wifi version (I know we have all been waiting for a wifi version). This will be my fourth reef over 20 years ... not looking to get back into hard corals in a big way, but I have chosen equipment carefully so I can add a controller easily should an upgrade come out!! Choices, choices ... I've been saving a long time to get exactly what I want !! LOL ! (2nd mortgage!!) I will research isobar strips as my power strip option - just looking to NOT make the same mistakes as before. I am amazed at how technology has progressed in just 5 years (the time I've taken a break from reef keeping!)

 

[Reduck]

Thanks Reduck ... SUPER helpful. I was looking at a controller (APEX), but the tank location is a REALLY long way from the router and I decided to wait for a wifi version (I know we have all been waiting for a wifi version). This will be my fourth reef over 20 years ... not looking to get back into hard corals in a big way, but I have chosen equipment carefully so I can add a controller easily should an upgrade come out!! Choices, choices ... I've been saving a long time to get exactly what I want !! LOL ! (2nd mortgage!!) I will research isobar strips as my power strip option - just looking to NOT make the same mistakes as before. I am amazed at how technology has progressed in just 5 years (the time I've taken a break from reef keeping!)

You can easily plug a $25 wifi adapter into the net port on currect apex and do everything. Except firmware updates. I've had mine running like that since day one. i plug my MacBook into it directly for firmware loads. I think I did that twice in the last year. Everything else is done from my iPad or iphone.

 

[Mrs Fish]

Do you have a recommendation for a wifi adaptor!? Mother's Day is coming

 

[OsiViper]

Heard back from IM. Theyre sending me a new one via a freight company
So it will be strapped down to a pallet. Guy said it was safest way to ship it