IM Nuvo 100 Complete - Questions

[crabgrass]

I am trying to plan out ideas for a larger tank - thinking about a Nuvo 100 (EXT or INT). I understand the differences between INT and EXT (still considering what is best for our house). I have never plumbed a tank before, so this should be an experience.

Questions:

• It seems like the "Complete" version of this is semi-preplumbed. And has a pre-built sump & pump. Meaning, i still have to connect pieces, but its more like connecting legos then designing it myself
• Do I have an option (or how would I) install a UV Sterilizer with it?
• It comes with one pump - do people typically run two, or just have a second as a spare on hand?
• 1 300 W heater, or two?
• Skimmer recommendations?
• Sump comes with container for Media Ball filtration. Is that typically adequate?

Thanks,

Keith

 

[blaxsun]

A1: More or less, yeah.
A2: Yes, you need to either revise the plumbing to have it inline or run it off a separate pump.
A3: Either.
A4: I'd go with a Helio heater of between 350-400 watts (either a single 350-watt or 2x 200-watt).
A5: I like my Nyos, but there are tons to choose from.
A6: With filter socks and a skimmer, yes.

 

[crabgrass]

A5: I like my Nyos, but there are tons to choose from.

Thanks! What size of skimmer would you get?

Other basic/must haves would you add to get rolling (Doser, reactor, UV?, etc). Not looking for Cadillac necessarily, but a solid setup for mixed reef.

 

[blaxsun]

Thanks! What size of skimmer would you get?

Other basic/must haves would you add to get rolling (Doser, reactor, UV?, etc). Not looking for Cadillac necessarily, but a solid setup for mixed reef.

I like my Nyos, but there are a ton of other good skimmers: Bubble Magus, Nyos, Red Sea, Reef Octopus, etc.

Red Sea makes a good 2/4-head dosing system - but there are also many other dosing options. For UVs I like AquaUltraviolet (a 25-watt model would work great for your system).

 

[crabgrass]

Lighting and Wavemaker suggestions? Could 2x Hydra 32's handle it, or need more for a mix reef (not heavy/fancy SPS).

 

[brclark82]

I’m looking into the IM170 EXT but similar overall setup…I think I’m going to go with RedSea DC skimmer and ATO with the option to add a RedSea return pump in addition or in replacement of included pump at some point if necessary.

Looking at the Nero 5/7 wave makers and AI blade lights with possible addition of some Radions or Hydras later if/when I start to add SPS

For lights I also considered Photons or by the time I get my tank the Meridians will be released. Maybe the Reefi UNO’s.

 

[brclark82]

The one thing I don’t like is the fact that, from what I can tell, there is no way to fit a fleece roller into their sumps the way they have the chambers laid out so socks is the only option. They have some of the largest sumps on the market, and overall were a selling point for me until I realized the first chamber isn’t big enough to accommodate a roller.

I am also considering a Waterbox at this point as well but not sure if it’s a deal breaker or not.

 

[crabgrass]

The one thing I don’t like is the fact that, from what I can tell, there is no way to fit a fleece roller into their sumps the way they have the chambers laid out so socks is the only option. They have some of the largest sumps on the market, and overall were a selling point for me until I realized the first chamber isn’t big enough to accommodate a roller.

I agree. I am looking at RS Reefer 350 in comparison (same length of tank). The Max version has basically everything I would want (minus doser and UV). I just don't like the lights, and I like the construction of the IM a lot better.

 

[brclark82]

I agree. I am looking at RS Reefer 350 in comparison (same length of tank). The Max version has basically everything I would want (minus doser and UV). I just don't like the lights, and I like the construction of the IM a lot better.

Check this model out, I’m leaning towards the larger version

INFINIA Reef 150.4

Waterbox Aquariums® takes pride in hand-crafting stunning glass display aquariums that are renowned for superior cleanliness and quality.

waterboxaquariums.com

 

[crabgrass]

Yeah, I was looking at the 110 or 150 as well. I am assuming they can fit a roller?

 

[brclark82]

Correct, I am looking at the Red Sea rollers and they will fit

 

[crabgrass]

Correct, I am looking at the Red Sea rollers and they will fit

looks like 150 and up fit. 110 still have 4" sock.

Now you are making my decisions more difficult and expensive, lol

 

[blaxsun]

Lighting and Wavemaker suggestions? Could 2x Hydra 32's handle it, or need more for a mix reef (not heavy/fancy SPS).

It would probably be fine for a mixed reef, yes.

 

[brclark82]

looks like 150 and up fit. 110 still have 4" sock.

Now you are making my decisions more difficult and expensive, lol

All of them come with 4” socks but it’s a removable bracket that will let you adapt to a roller even the 110 but the 150 is closer to the display size of the IM100

 

[crabgrass]

Here is a summary of tank components (RS, vs NUVO, vs WBs).. there are pro's/cons to a lot of stuff.. am I overlooking anything?

​

 

[crabgrass]

It would probably be fine for a mixed reef, yes.

Would something like this be better:

2x AI Prime HDs (have one already), 1x Hydra 32 w/ 2x BladeGrow/Glow or Reefbright lights (blades covering mid-section of the tank)?

 

[crabgrass]

Here is a summary of tank components (RS, vs NUVO, vs WBs).. there are pro's/cons to a lot of stuff.. am I overlooking anything?

​

I am really looking for a 4' Tank. Here are the pros/cons I can see comparing these:

Red Sea 350

• Best $ (even with the more expensive RS Gyres). Could add an Apex and be cheaper than other models
• Seam Issue (jury is out for G2+'s???)
• Inadequate ATO Reservior (additional reservoir would be required)
• Lowest water volume
• Max version isn't much more cost effective for me - and don't like the LEDs that come with it

NUVO 150

• Built Solid, no horror stories
• Highest water capacity
• No ReefMat (looks like maybe able to fit a Klir 4 in sump)
• Need ATO Reservoir (doesn't look like its in the sump)
• Assumes full Hydros setup

WB110

• Similar All-In cost profile to RS 350, higher Water Capacity (+20g)
• No Reefmat - however can fit Klir 4 in sump
• Assumes full Hydros setup
• Newer tanks - don't have the (good/bad) track record of RS or NUVO
• Assumes full Hydros setup

WB125

• $500 more than WB 100, 15 more Gallon Capacity
• Works with ReefMat 500
• Lower height profile (16" vs 20") - limit how much of a "mixed reef" that can be built
• Newer tanks - don't have the (good/bad) track record of RS or NUVO
• Assumes full Hydros setup

WB150

• Highest water capacity (tied with NUVO 150)
• Most expensive setup - $400 more than NUVO 100 (primarily driven from Reefmat). Like for like they would be the same
• Newer tanks - don't have the (good/bad) track record of RS or NUVO
• Assumes full Hydros setup

 

[blaxsun]

The glass is thicker on the newer Red Sea G2/G2+ tanks, and they now feature armored seams - so they are definitely an improvement.

If you get the Red Sea tank and gear (ReefMat, ReefDose, ReefSkimmer, ReefWaves and ReefRun pump) they all connect via the ReefBeat app - which is effectively a virtual controller. Then you don't necessarily need to drop any $$ into a Neptune controller.

 

[crabgrass]

The glass is thicker on the newer Red Sea G2/G2+ tanks, and they now feature armored seams - so they are definitely an improvement.

If you get the Red Sea tank and gear (ReefMat, ReefDose, ReefSkimmer, ReefWaves and ReefRun pump) they all connect via the ReefBeat app - which is effectively a virtual controller. Then you don't necessarily need to drop any $$ into a Neptune controller.

Yep, that is what I am debating right now. Leverage RedSea ecosystem to basically do everything Hydros or Neptune can do. Other options would be to bump up the capacity / water volume and still be $ competitive with the others.

How are the RedSea gyres vs others? Would two be adequate (and nothing else), in a 4” tank, assuming there aren’t caves?

Good to know about the g2+s.

 

[blaxsun]

Yep, that is what I am debating right now. Leverage RedSea ecosystem to basically do everything Hydros or Neptune can do. Other options would be to bump up the capacity / water volume and still be $ competitive with the others.

How are the RedSea gyres vs others? Would two be adequate (and nothing else), in a 4” tank, assuming there aren’t caves?

Good to know about the g2+s.

The Red Sea gyres are made by Maxspect, but they're actually better constructed (they have a break in the cord so you don't have to completely unravel it back to the controller). I run a pair of ReefWave 45s on my Red Sea 750XXL.

IM makes a nice 15-gallon Hydrofil external RO reservoir that will last you 1.5-2 weeks (this is what I also use). The IM Helio heaters are the best (most reliable, safest, etc.) heaters on the market right now - so if you want a plug-and-play heating system that won't fail you - get one of these (I also run the Helio).

I run Nyos skimmers because I also run ozone, but if I didn't I'd probably get the Red Sea DC 600 skimmer (quite a lot of features and the cleaning/auto levelling feature is pretty neat).

A ReefMat 500 is a must if you hate washing filter socks (I did) or if you plan on any extended vactions.