Justin's lagoon 25 build

Justin Simmons · Jul 9, 2017

hi everyone! This is my second attempt at a build. My first attempt with a 60 cube hit an unexpected snag when the tank cracked during the cycle.
I was lucky to pick up this lagoon 25 a few days before my cube mishap, so now this build gets my full attention while shopping for a new cube.
First thing a must say is this tank is beautiful! I was drawn to the shallow reef style and I'm not disappointed. I was going to build my own stand for it but decided to take a chance on one of the new APS stands. I'm very happy with my choice. It took me 20 minutes to assemble and it is much better than the old MDF stands, and very lightweight too.

Equipment:
IM 25 lagoon
IM Nuvo APS stand
Ecotech Radion xr30 pro with RMS mount
Sicce Syncra silent 1.5 return pump (delivered tomorrow)
Finnex HMO 100 watt heater
25 lbs. dry reef rock
20 lbs caribsea special grade live sand
Maxspect gyre xf130 powerhead

The maxspect gyre is a test during the cycle to see how bad it kicks up sand. If it's too much(which I think may be the case) I'll be ordering an ecotech vortech mp10 for it.

Future plans:
ATO (first priority)
InTank media basket
Skimmer (still deciding which one)

I figure this is a good start. I'll be filling it up tomorrow and will have more pics and updates then. I look forward to sharing this experience with everyone.

xjiang7 · Jul 9, 2017

IM does make good tanks

Justin Simmons · Jul 9, 2017

xjiang7 said:
IM does make good tanks

Yeah, I was very surprised. I've seen pictures but they are even better in person.

Reab · Jul 10, 2017

Im curious how the gyre will do, I just picked this tank up from a local reefer. I have an mp40 on it now(way too much flow, its on the lowest setting) and looking into a replacement for it. Debating between the gyre or sticking with echotech

Gsreef · Jul 10, 2017

I just bought a used one for really good price im excited to get it going

Justin Simmons · Jul 10, 2017

Reab said:
Im curious how the gyre will do, I just picked this tank up from a local reefer. I have an mp40 on it now(way too much flow, its on the lowest setting) and looking into a replacement for it. Debating between the gyre or sticking with echotech

I'll be sure to post my results

Justin Simmons · Jul 10, 2017

Got it filled up. Now I wait for it to clear up to straighten up the sand bed and rock. Should be cycling in no time...

Daniel@R2R · Jul 11, 2017

Woot! Water is in!

Justin Simmons · Jul 12, 2017

Here is an updated pic of the tank. It's been cycling for a couple of days now.
I turned on the gyre to see how it would do, and I'm quite surprised that it isn't causing a sandstorm. I have it at 20% power and have a ton of flow throughout the tank. Im still not sure if I like it yet, but having no sandstorm is definitely a plus.

brett_schn · Jul 24, 2017

any new updates?

Justin Simmons · Jul 25, 2017

Just installed a tune osmolator nano today. Everything is coming along nicely, and I couldn't be happier.
The cycle is coming along nicely. I tested Saturday and got 0 ammonia, nitrites were at 2 and nitrates were at roughly 10. Hopefully it won't be long and I'll be able to start stocking it up.
I'll have updated pics tomorrow after work

Justin Simmons · Jul 31, 2017

New update:
My experiment with the maxspect gyre has uncovered an issue. Over time it pushes all the sand off of the glass and makes an impressive sand dune up against the rock. Although I love the flow it produces, It is a bit much for this tank.
On that note, my vortex mp10 should be here mid week along with a neo therm 100 watt heater, an InTank media basket, and the mesh screen kit.
The reason I'm getting a new heater is that I'm not impressed with the finnex. It fluctuates too much for my liking(+/- 3 degrees). I like the finnex heaters for larger tanks but for some reason the smaller heaters haven't been as good for me. It is now banished to my water change heater
I'll have new pics as soon as I get the mp10 installed.

Reab · Jul 31, 2017

Thanks for the update, I too have decided to go with the mp10 for the space and easily adjustable flow. Cant wait to see pics! Youll have to let me know how you like the media baskets, I don't currently use them but definitely debating it

Justin Simmons · Aug 11, 2017

Justin Simmons · Aug 11, 2017

The media basket and filter floss holder

filter floss holder installed

Media basket installed

Full tank shot with mp10 installed

Just installed the mp10, InTank media basket, and the InTank filter floss holder. Here are some updated pics.
It turns out that my finnex heater stopped working. I installed the neotherm heater and now my temperature doesn't fluctuate more than .1 degree. I'm very happy that I picked it up.
As far as my cycle is going my parameters are:
0 ammonia
.05 nitrites
30+ nitrates
7.5 Kh
7.8 ph

It's very close to finishing and I'll be able to start stocking

Justin Simmons · Aug 13, 2017

Well, it's officially cycled!
New readings:
Ammonia. 0
Nitrites. 0
Nitrates. 50+
Kh. 7.5
Ph 7.8

I'll be doing my water change in the next 2-3 days and heading to my LFS Thursday or Friday to pick a cuc and maybe a firefish if they have one. If not I'll be ordering one.

Now the real fun begins

Yubo · Aug 13, 2017

Which section did you install the neotherm?

Justin Simmons · Aug 13, 2017

Yubo said:
Which section did you install the neotherm?

Facing the tank it is the second chamber going right.
You can see it in this picture in the second chamber next to the overflow

Reab · Aug 13, 2017

How do you like the intank products?

Justin Simmons · Aug 13, 2017

Reab said:
How do you like the intank products?

So far, I love em. I hate filter socks, and these allowed me to get them out. The products are very well made, and easy to put in or remove.

The media basket has a removable shelf so you can add larger items into it if need be.

I'll be sure to keep you up to date on them.