IM 25gal Lagoon Build Questions

[vokrey09]

Hi, I just bought an IM 25 gal Lagoon. I was hoping to hear from anyone that has experience with this tank on the different equipment they use/used.

I've heard of people using all different types of setups. two return pumps and no powerhead, one return pump, and a powerhead.. two media baskets vs one media basket.

What would you recommend based off your experiences. (Any comments at all are encourage lighting especially for this size reef tank)

Thanks

 

[Chrisfish]

Bump

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

I had the taller version of this tank (the IM40) and always ran it with 2x return pumps, just for redundancy, and then had a gyre in the tank. I also swapped out the filter socks for the InTank filter pad baskets (not the full media baskets).

The only tough thing was to find a skimmer that worked well and would fit. I had the Tunze 9004 (I think that's the model) and always had a tough time getting it consistent enough.

Also check out Drew's Lagoon. It seems like he's not updating his social media anymore, but his tank is definitely the gold standard for the IM25 model.

 

[vokrey09]

I had the taller version of this tank (the IM40) and always ran it with 2x return pumps, just for redundancy, and then had a gyre in the tank. I also swapped out the filter socks for the InTank filter pad baskets (not the full media baskets).

The only tough thing was to find a skimmer that worked well and would fit. I had the Tunze 9004 (I think that's the model) and always had a tough time getting it consistent enough.

Also check out Drew's Lagoon. It seems like he's not updating his social media anymore, but his tank is definitely the gold standard for the IM25 model.

Thanks for this. I have seen his tank on youtube! Wish he were still making content.

Think I have to go with 1 return pump to make room for the chiller pump I have to set up :/

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

Why would you need a chiller? Are you running halides or something?

 

[vokrey09]

Why would you need a chiller? Are you running halides or something?

I don't have central air where I live and we only run the window units when people are home ://///

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

Where do you live though? Unless your tank is getting above 82F then I wouldn't worry about it tbh.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Hi, I just bought an IM 25 gal Lagoon. I was hoping to hear from anyone that has experience with this tank on the different equipment they use/used.

I've heard of people using all different types of setups. two return pumps and no powerhead, one return pump, and a powerhead.. two media baskets vs one media basket.

What would you recommend based off your experiences. (Any comments at all are encourage lighting especially for this size reef tank)

Thanks

We have quite a few customer that use our 1/2in Random Flow Generator™ Nozzle with this tank and run without powerheads.

it works well if you have a large enough return pump or run dual return pumps. If you purchased this system new and you got the one that comes with the MightyJet 538 DC return pump, the you're all set to run dual 1/2in RFGs

Innovative Marine & JBJ AIO | Vivid Creative Aquatics

vividcreativeaquatics.com

 

[James Harvey]

I've had the 25IM lagoon up as a mixed reef for 14 months. I run two Eheim 600 pumps instead of stock pump (use the stock pump for water change). I replaced the filter socks with media inbaskets. I use the Fugemax Light and converted the second chamber in the back to a fuge that has worked great. I started with the tunze 9004 skimmer but was hard to dial in. Reefbreeder V2 lights.

Flow has been *really* tough for me. I've tried MP10, and various koralia's I have lying around. I'm currently using the MP10 at 25% on the back side, and a koralia 240gph in a corner for dead spots. SPS is growing great, some LPS is doing well, leathers and zoas are just stable.

 

[vokrey09]

Where do you live though? Unless your tank is getting above 82F then I wouldn't worry about it tbh.

I live in Philadelphia, PA. It gets pretty hot in our place. Thermostat can read 86 on very hot days. Would just rather set the small chiller to 77 and not have to worry. Wish we had central air but for now this will have to do

We have quite a few customer that use our 1/2in Random Flow Generator™ Nozzle with this tank and run without powerheads.

it works well if you have a large enough return pump or run dual return pumps. If you purchased this system new and you got the one that comes with the MightyJet 538 DC return pump, the you're all set to run dual 1/2in RFGs

Innovative Marine & JBJ AIO | Vivid Creative Aquatics

vividcreativeaquatics.com

I actually bought this used and it came with you RFG's! Excited to try that. However it did not come with a return pump, would one Sicce Syncra 1.0 (251gph) be enough? Or two Syncra 0.5's (185s). Open to other recommendations! (the mightyjet is a little out of my price range right now :/

I've had the 25IM lagoon up as a mixed reef for 14 months. I run two Eheim 600 pumps instead of stock pump (use the stock pump for water change). I replaced the filter socks with media inbaskets. I use the Fugemax Light and converted the second chamber in the back to a fuge that has worked great. I started with the tunze 9004 skimmer but was hard to dial in. Reefbreeder V2 lights.

Flow has been *really* tough for me. I've tried MP10, and various koralia's I have lying around. I'm currently using the MP10 at 25% on the back side, and a koralia 240gph in a corner for dead spots. SPS is growing great, some LPS is doing well, leathers and zoas are just stable.

Interesting to hear about your flow problems. Thats kinda why I'm giving so much thought to what return pump setup I choose. (two vs one, and what strengths). I'd like to avoid have more than 1 power head in the display. Anything youd change to acheive that? Maybe the random flow generators will help me

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

I actually bought this used and it came with you RFG's! Excited to try that. However it did not come with a return pump, would one Sicce Syncra 1.0 (251gph) be enough? Or two Syncra 0.5's (185s). Open to other recommendations! (the mightyjet is a little out of my price range right now :/

For two 1/2in RFG, the single Sicce Syncra 1.0 (251gph) would be a bit under powered. But two of the 0.5s would work really well

 

[James Harvey]

I live in Philadelphia, PA. It gets pretty hot in our place. Thermostat can read 86 on very hot days. Would just rather set the small chiller to 77 and not have to worry. Wish we had central air but for now this will have to do

I actually bought this used and it came with you RFG's! Excited to try that. However it did not come with a return pump, would one Sicce Syncra 1.0 (251gph) be enough? Or two Syncra 0.5's (185s). Open to other recommendations! (the mightyjet is a little out of my price range right now :/

Interesting to hear about your flow problems. Thats kinda why I'm giving so much thought to what return pump setup I choose. (two vs one, and what strengths). I'd like to avoid have more than 1 power head in the display. Anything youd change to acheive that? Maybe the random flow generators will help me

I think the majority of my flow issues stem from my rock layout and desire for thick sand bed. Keep me posted how the RFG turns out, i've always considered pulling the trigger on those!

 

[vokrey09]

I think the majority of my flow issues stem from my rock layout and desire for thick sand bed. Keep me posted how the RFG turns out, i've always considered pulling the trigger on those!

Will do! Can you elaborate a little more on your rock work being an issue? And how deep of a sandbed you have?
Would like to learn so I don’t make a similar mistake.

Thanks

 

[James Harvey]

I have a 1.5" sand bed. The rock work is in an atoll (i guess) formation...I'll attach a picture, sorry for the blue. I get flow issues in the back corners and on the sand bed in the middle (due to my rock work). I'll probably buy a set of RFG this weekend...Otherwise I really love the simplicity and ease of this tank.

 

[vokrey09]

I have a 1.5" sand bed. The rock work is in an atoll (i guess) formation...I'll attach a picture, sorry for the blue. I get flow issues in the back corners and on the sand bed in the middle (due to my rock work). I'll probably buy a set of RFG this weekend...Otherwise I really love the simplicity and ease of this tank.

Thanks for the explaination. I have the same APS stand, very nice looking setup you have! Glad to hear about the simplicity, thats exactly what I'm looking for in this downgrade from my 40gallon w/ sump.

Hope the RFG's work for us both!

 

[vokrey09]

I have a 1.5" sand bed. The rock work is in an atoll (i guess) formation...I'll attach a picture, sorry for the blue. I get flow issues in the back corners and on the sand bed in the middle (due to my rock work). I'll probably buy a set of RFG this weekend...Otherwise I really love the simplicity and ease of this tank.

I will say I've heard the RFG reduce the ammount of flow from the return pumps, but this reduction of gph may be worth it if the random flow finds its way to your dead spots.

I've decided to go with one Jebao DC2000, with 528gph, tee'd off to the two RFGs. Really hoping this will be enough flow for the tank to avoid having an in display powerhead.

If not, do you feel the MP10 is overkill? (I've always wanted one, so even if it is overkill, may have to splurge to keep the clean appearance I'm going for)

 

[Kellie in CA]

We have quite a few customer that use our 1/2in Random Flow Generator™ Nozzle with this tank and run without powerheads.

it works well if you have a large enough return pump or run dual return pumps. If you purchased this system new and you got the one that comes with the MightyJet 538 DC return pump, the you're all set to run dual 1/2in RFGs

Innovative Marine & JBJ AIO | Vivid Creative Aquatics

vividcreativeaquatics.com

Get the MightyJet 538 and you are set, I have this exact set-up and it works great. I have a mixed reef that doesn't demand really heavy flow. So nice to have no powerhead in the tank!

 

[vokrey09]

Get the MightyJet 538 and you are set, I have this exact set-up and it works great. I have a mixed reef that doesn't demand really heavy flow. So nice to have no powerhead in the tank!

Nice to hear this, as the Jebao I just ordered is just under that at 528gph. Do you run it on full power? Do you use the stock nozzles?

 

[Kellie in CA]

Nice to hear this, as the Jebao I just ordered is just under that at 528gph. Do you run it on full power? Do you use the stock nozzles?

I use 2 Random Flow Generators. Usually the pump is on full power. My rockwork is fairly minimal and open, so it does the job just fine.

 

[jcolliii]

Don't forget about latent heat of vaporization. Evaporation absorbs heat and removes it from a system. That heat is later released during precipitation - that's why thunderstorms and hurricanes work the way that they do and only during the times of the year with relatively warm water. So the open top will actually help to cool your tank to below ambient air temps. But, you can increase this effect with a small fan - I wouldn't imagine that you would need a chiller. Someone used to sell a pretty nice looking clamp on fan that made almost zero noise.

I totally dig my tank. For flow I had been using one of the newer Jebao SLW-10's. They make ridiculous flow, but I have it dialed back to around 4 or so. But that was producing sort of a unidirectional current even on the sine mode. So I just ordered a second one so that the flow will be more alternating. I love my SLW-10 - it is so quiet that I can barely hear it even with my ear directly above it. Super quiet, easy to adjust, and I can't wait to play with the slave mode.

I would suggest leaving space behind the rockwork. With the footprint of the 25, that is not difficult to do. That makes it tough for detritus to build up behind the rock.