25 gallon lagoon IM build

Saltyfox · Sep 5, 2019

’ll be starting a 25 gallon lagoon aquarium from innovative marine in the next few months and I would love some tips on the best equipment to run. Skimmer will have to fit In the back AIO section. I would like to keep the build fairly low budget although it’s almost impossible on this hobby. I’m not sure on lights/ATO and I will likely go with an mp10 but wouldn’t mind finding a decent wavemaker for less money but I’ve been out of the hobby for awhile and not sure what’s out there. Planning on keeping everything but SPS and clams.

Saltyfox · Sep 6, 2019

Any suggestions on flow, lights and ATO Would be appreciated, likely going with a few Jeboas but not sure what style would be best suited,maybe the rw8’s? Or should I get one of the sine models? I’d like to just get one light and would like it to be under 250 is that possible?

Daniel92481 · Sep 6, 2019

Lagoons are nice, I used to have one with a Kessil 160. You won’t be disappointed. I would do the Smart ATO. As far as a skimmer, IM makes a desktop DC one that fits in the back. I’ve heard they work well. I ran mine without one though, just relying on water changes.

Brandon Smith · Sep 6, 2019

Unless you are traveling a lot and not be home much, I wouldn't use an ATO at all. I personally have an AI Prime HD over my Lagoon 25. Depending on what you plan on keeping, would determine if need more light then that. I will probably add 1 more AI Prime HD soon myself. I have a skimmer, which is the IM Ghost skimmer. I don't really like it, but it does work. I would recommend the filter baskets over the filter socks they come with.

For flow, reef breeders have a new wave maker that doesn't take up much room and provide awesome flow. You could also go with a gyre of sort as well. I have four of the jebao cross flows in a 116 gallon frag tank and I love them. Cobalt heaters work nice because of their size also.

Saltyfox · Sep 6, 2019

I’ll check out the Kessil thank you, I’m leaning towards the aquamaxx nano skimmer but I might just go without one and do 20% water changes a week.

Saltyfox · Sep 6, 2019

Brandon Smith said:
Unless you are traveling a lot and not be home much, I wouldn't use an ATO at all. I personally have an AI Prime HD over my Lagoon 25. Depending on what you plan on keeping, would determine if need more light then that. I will probably add 1 more AI Prime HD soon myself. I have a skimmer, which is the IM Ghost skimmer. I don't really like it, but it does work. I would recommend the filter baskets over the filter socks they come with.

For flow, reef breeders have a new wave maker that doesn't take up much room and provide awesome flow. You could also go with a gyre of sort as well. I have four of the jebao cross flows in a 116 gallon frag tank and I love them. Cobalt heaters work nice because of their size also.

Awesome I’ll check out that heater, I’m gone most of the day and sometimes a couple so I’ll check out that smart Ato, thanks for the suggestions!

Brandon Smith · Sep 6, 2019

How do you plan on cycling your aquarium when you get it?

Mike Porreca · Sep 6, 2019

I would give a +1 to the smart ato. I have one for my IM 40 and I couldn’t imagine ever going without it. I run an MP10 and two VCA random flow generators. I have one side of the back compartments a filter sock and the other side the media rack, also a sicce 1.5 return pump. I honestly couldn’t be happier, except I wish it was bigger.

lbacha · Sep 6, 2019

I have the black version of the 25 lagoon (no AOI section) and I run 2 icecap gyre 1k’s. I have them running vertical in the back corners of the tank and get great flow and they cost half of what a mp10’s does.

Saltyfox · Sep 7, 2019

Brandon Smith said:
How do you plan on cycling your aquarium when you get it?

I’m not entirely sure yet if I’m going to go with an additive/neutralizer or just let it go it’s course on its own. I’m not really in a rush so I’m sure it will be sitting full with just rock for a second anyway. What do you recommend?

Saltyfox · Sep 7, 2019

lbacha said:
I have the black version of the 25 lagoon (no AOI section) and I run 2 icecap gyre 1k’s. I have them running vertical in the back corners of the tank and get great flow and they cost half of what a mp10’s does.

Very nice I’ll check them out.

Brandon Smith · Sep 7, 2019

Saltyfox said:
I’m not entirely sure yet if I’m going to go with an additive/neutralizer or just let it go it’s course on its own. I’m not really in a rush so I’m sure it will be sitting full with just rock for a second anyway. What do you recommend?

BRS has a video on a 4 month cycle. I personally love Fritz Turbostart.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=%23&ved=2ahUKEwizoN7p7r7kAhXHT98KHV_JDrgQwqsBMAF6BAgJEAk&usg=AOvVaw0VTJzWxrN8ZFOD4xbU2nov

Saltyfox · Sep 7, 2019

Brandon Smith said:
BRS has a video on a 4 month cycle. I personally love Fritz Turbostart.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=%23&ved=2ahUKEwizoN7p7r7kAhXHT98KHV_JDrgQwqsBMAF6BAgJEAk&usg=AOvVaw0VTJzWxrN8ZFOD4xbU2nov

Very nice I’ll check it out

Tyler White · Sep 8, 2019

For ATO purposes on the AIO IM tanks i have the hydrofill setup IM makes and it keeps the water level very consistent in my IM40 the pump is a bit loud though for my taste.

Saltyfox · Sep 8, 2019

Tyler White said:
For ATO purposes on the AIO IM tanks i have the hydrofill setup IM makes and it keeps the water level very consistent in my IM40 the pump is a bit loud though for my taste.

10-4 I’ll check it out

Saltyfox · Sep 21, 2019

There she blows. I got it for three hundred from premium aquatics.

Saltyfox · Sep 21, 2019

Well 320 and 60 for the lid

Saltyfox · Oct 12, 2019

I’m wondering what the best biological media is guys, I’m thinking I’m gonna go with the brightwell cubes or spheres. Also how much should you use in a 25? Do they ever need to be changed/taken out?