IM Fusion 80 vs RS Reefer 350

[Bobika]

Hello all, I am in the market for a new AIO tank and was really interested in the RS Reefer 350. It’s design and function really appealed to me however I have not had a tank with a sump before having only dealt with a Coralife 29g biocube.

I heard building it was challenging and that when they delivered they simply dropped off several large and heavy boxes but I was pretty set on it and was going to pull the trigger on ordering it from Bulk Reef Supply until...I went to my LFS and saw the Innovative Marine Fusion 80.

The IM is a package deal that includes tank, stand, IM ghost skimmer, 4 bags live sand, 2 x kessil 360’s with goosenecks, water, and cover all for $2500 OTD. The reefer 350 is $2349 but I’ll need a skimmer, return pump, and the sand which will probably cost around another $400. The cover for the IM is just a bonus.

I’m only 6 months in on my current tank and the IM is kinda like a big biocube so i think it would be pretty easy to set up and it would come pretty much assembled. The reefer on the other hand will take a lot more elbow grease and time.

I’ve heard that the IM limits you because there is no space to add any other doodads like a reactor but on the flip side the sumpless set up is cleaner looking and fool proof (almost).

What are your thoughts?

 

[Xandernfs]

I have a RSR250 and I don't think it was that much of a challenge. I like the idea of being able to customize whatever I want. IMO, you may want to look at a tank with a sump. You'll prolly end up thanking yourself in the long run. Sumps are A LOT more versatile in terms of adding things and hiding things too. The hydra 26's are very good lights too!! If you wanted to keep it a little more cost effective, you could get an AC pump and prolly find a used skimmer too. But I would suggest a DC pump. I have the Varios-6 running my 250 and it is dead silent.

 

[ontop27]

I 100 percent would never go sumpless again...

 

[Highgrade]

Both are nice but I believe IM is going away from the IM 60/80 size tanks. Go with the Red Sea.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Both tanks are really solid IMO and I'm a bit biased towards the Innovative Marine line, I haven't had any issues out of my 20 since I got it over two years ago. That deal is also pretty good even though the Ghost Skimmers aren't really all that good.

Innovative Marine does make internal reactors that fit well with their tanks, they are a bit noisy (at least mine is) but overall they do the job as intended. There's also several hang on back varieties that you could use with the tank.

I know a lot of what I've said so far makes it seem like I'm rooting for the IM tank, but honestly my next tank will probably be a Red Sea sumped tank or something similar. Sumps may seem scary at first but they are so much easier to work in. I've dropped things in the rear chamber of my IM tank several times and you literally have to take the whole setup apart to go after whatever you dropped, heaven forbid something alive gets back there too. The SR-80 is probably easier to access than my Nuvo 20 is, but I would still go with the sumped system after dabbling with AIO tanks for 3 years now.

 

[Bobika]

Thanks for the reply’s. Most of what you all were saying has been really what’s been keeping me from going with the IM. The price and convenience was pulling me towards it but those are some good points towards going with the RSR350.

Nautical_nathaniel, I actually experienced dropping the screw to the lighting cover for my Biocube in the return pump chamber and it was a ***** getting it out! Haha!

95% towards RSR! Maybe my LFS can work with me on a package

 

[Highgrade]

Thanks for the reply’s. Most of what you all were saying has been really what’s been keeping me from going with the IM. The price and convenience was pulling me towards it but those are some good points towards going with the RSR350.

Nautical_nathaniel, I actually experienced dropping the screw to the lighting cover for my Biocube in the return pump chamber and it was a ***** getting it out! Haha!

95% towards RSR! Maybe my LFS can work with me on a package

You can sign up for the BRS group buy this weekend and get 10% rewards back on Red Sea. If so do it quickly, since the group buy enrollment ends later today. PM me for more details.