Justin's lagoon 25 build

Reab · Aug 13, 2017

I was looking at the filter socks that im makes for these tanks but don't know how well they would clean out. I used to run filter socks but between the cost of laundering them and the hassle, filter floss has been my go to

Justin Simmons · Aug 13, 2017

Reab said:
I was looking at the filter socks that im makes for these tanks but don't know how well they would clean out. I used to run filter socks but between the cost of laundering them and the hassle, filter floss has been my go to

Yeah they are a pain. I soak them in a container with vinegar and water for a night, and rinse them out with a hose afterwards, and then let them air dry.
I'll keep them around for emergencies and when I pull the basket/ filter floss holder to clean them. Other than that they stay put away.

SashimiTurtle · Aug 13, 2017

Stick with the inTank baskets... I have an IM 14g peninsula that came with the filter sock and its a pain in the... it's aggravating to clean. I bought the inTank media basket and would never go back to a sock.

Justin Simmons · Aug 13, 2017

Robin Haselden said:
Stick with the inTank baskets... I have an IM 14g peninsula that came with the filter sock and its a pain in the... it's aggravating to clean. I bought the inTank media basket and would never go back to a sock.

That was exactly the reason I went with the media basket. I hated filter socks with my old system.

SashimiTurtle · Aug 14, 2017

Yea you did good with the baskets. I like the IM tanks. I think once I get to the point I want to upgrade my nano, I'm going to get a lagoon. Not sure what size tho, maybe 50...

I'm looking forward to seeing your tank progress. Looks good so far.

Wesley42079 · Aug 15, 2017

Nice build thread. I just recently hooked up my IM 25 Lagoon, so I will be following your progress.

Justin Simmons · Sep 2, 2017

Full tank shot

My first inhabitants

Current parameters:
Ammonia. 0
Nitrites. 0
Nitrates. <10
Ph. 8.3
Dkh. 8.6
Salinity. 1.026

It's been awhile since I've updated. Been a rough couple weeks. I was getting weird readings with my test kits, and thought I was going through another cycle. On a hunch I took a sample to my LFS to get tested and come to find out my nitrate, and nitrite reagents were bad. Now I've got good reagents and I'm back on track.
After doing a couple large water changes I was ready for some inhabitants. I just picked up a couple blue legged hermits since my tank isn't very dirty, and I'll pick up other CUC as I need them. I ordered a firefish that will be here Thursday. I'll have more pictures then.

Justin Simmons · Sep 16, 2017

First fish is in. This was during acclimation.

After release

Ignore the water spots on the tank

It has pretty much stayed in the open all day, which was cool. I figured it would disappear for a few days.

Up next will be a pair of clowns and some frags. More pics and info as it comes

Blue Spot Octopus · Sep 16, 2017

Looking good, nice fish, this tank is on my short list.

Justin Simmons · Sep 16, 2017

Blue Spot Octopus said:
Looking good, nice fish, this tank is on my short list.

Thanks. I have been nothing but impressed with it. I've always loved the shallow reef tanks and had to give it a shot.

My future plans include a much larger version of a shallow reef tank.

Justin Simmons · Sep 20, 2017

After 3 days of hiding my firefish is finally starting to hang out in the open. Just a few minutes at a time but it's better than nothing.
I'll try to get a pic on the next couple of days.

jtietz · Oct 1, 2017

Justin Simmons said:
After 3 days of hiding my firefish is finally starting to hang out in the open. Just a few minutes at a time but it's better than nothing.
I'll try to get a pic on the next couple of days.

Fire fish like to jump. I have a 25 nuvo as well and as much as i like the open top its a shallow tank. I pulled the trigger and got a diy screen lid from brs. You dont want your fish carpet surfing. I figured id leave the lid on for the majority of the time. But when people come over or its picture time ill remove the lid. But nice setup we have very similar systems.

Justin Simmons · Oct 1, 2017

Same here. The screen top was a must have before my firefish.
Here's a picture of my firefish. It comes out every day now. Definitely a change from hiding all day