IM 25G Lagoon Tank Build

[Synthesis]

Hello Everyone,

So I am finally putting fingers to keyboard and starting a build thread that started back in late March with the purchase of the 25G IM Lagoon Tank. I thought ahead and made sure I snapped photos along the way of everything I was doing...

In fact, thinking ahead is actually the single biggest reason it's taken so long to get started. I researched everything half to death even though this is not my first reef tank. I left the hobby 10 years ago as life took me in another direction. Oh how the technology sure has changed...and yet the basics haven't changed at all.

Why did I decide to go with a 25G Lagoon? Size, clean look and less maintenance and upkeep was the first thoughts. Of course less maintenance and upkeep isn't actually true with less water volume. So scratch less maintenance and add bigger challenge to the list.

I personally love the lagoon style tanks. If done right they really do look great. So here is to hoping I can do it right.

I am looking to do a mixed reef with fish. Bare bottom is the goal to help with nutrient control. Skimmer and reactor (biopellets) and live rock will drive the filtration. Although I am seriously debating the skimmer. ATO and dosing will be done to help reduce overall maintenance (ATO is actually a must here).

For lighting, the 26HD Hydra will support the corals.

More to come. It's really good to be back!

[Synthesis]

Because it's a lagoon the bare bottom approach seemed logical. I don't want a snow storm and honestly I like the idea of lower nutrient build up potential. Will certainly get me closer to ULM tank.

I am going with an mp10qd for flow. Although I will say these pumps are not as quiet as they lead on to be. Vert...vert..vert...
Ok no more pulsing modes for you!!

The Skimmer I am using is the IM desktop ghost. Fits really nicely and is pretty much hidden. I love that. But ..this thing is noisy. Almost out the window noisy. Looking to see if it's a pump problem or not. Makes me consider a skimmerless tank even more.

Still working on getting photos added. A clunky process..

[Synthesis]

So here is a photo of the tank cycling. This was prior to the mp10qd.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DsiR6sLUD7qSgZjy5

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DsiR6sLUD7qSgZjy5
As you can see, I was battling a number of different algaes out of the gate...

The tank is temporarily setup in my garage while I build the tank stand. More on that later.

[Frogger]

Right by the breaker box, convenient, in case you need to add a few more electrical outlets.

Wish mine was near a breaker box.

[Synthesis]

Haha. Only temporary. It's been sitting there longer then I have wanted it to. Water evap right by a breaker box is not recommend...

It was supposed to be very temporary...

[Synthesis]

What does everyone else use to embed photos in their posts. I seem to have got it to work if I share a link via Google photos but others have the image right in their post...

[WarDog]

I use Flikr. Upload pics to there, then copy the BB link and paste it here using the postcard icon with the mountain on it.

[DKoKoMan]

I have had success with IMGUR as well.

[Synthesis]

When it all started. Tank in box, April.2nd

https://flic.kr/p/PetAv2
https://www.flickr.com/gp/18875262@N00/kxoxG7

https://flic.kr/p/PetAv2

[Synthesis]

I have used flickr and google photos. Using the postcard icon. The photos do not display?

[davej]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4836/31001266627_d26bf1d852_z.jpg

When on Flickr you need to copy location from the BBCODE tab, its the one on the far right.

[Synthesis]

Thanks Dave. I see why I couldn't figure it out. It looks like the BBCode is only available when you use the regular browser version and click share (You get 4 option tabs with the last one being BBcode). I cannot find it anywhere on the flikr app or the mobile browser version. So will have to make sure I use the standard browser version from now on to grab the images.

Not the greatest start to my Tank Journal lol.

[mike31154]

I currently use Microsoft One Drive for photo sharing on forums. Free storage to a limit & need to use the "embed" feature to get it to work on most forums. Consider wood diffuser skimmer if u want quiet. Old school but does the job.

[Synthesis]

Some photos taken about a month or so ago:
Mystic Monti
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dOwqwJZoaPrbXQEMratq06U8-mMkWDI4mZoidkakT_vFl0BdZY47HyrDmUVxflzJDxTvo9f3mH-dWinHfcUzs0CvBGFo6ubO2ihSfLsTDuKfUBEAOG_PNN-EuCyp4K5Zl65MVHVtE_I=w800

[Synthesis]

Rastas
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/MDEaRduwBHnXyyRrafyccKtcnpf4BFpUlC-bZq9m2WxAEADf5OgAlKUC104jV1xVQOHeGxE3i4fpuSKbLfKml MQOMbQuE8JbaRFRiSRlV3E04Lf_az_o4XsaE1B4TkiYx5gkWH7 WEJg=w800

Duncan
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/hlw-sABuXTzb0jMtIsX547dR30ZuzsyTsdPWEHyIoX0B5bVGwXFE2p WPrkJJIFNsUw_9iWoIz8Rv-dPTRUAJrzVIjgx7NzAbemC0J2_IzfcZB_a-v7SHzoy89RP7kQLhm4F7dJXFWEs=w800

Hammer
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/D2fgJ5rrd9rmf27L89JVCw3ycxMZaGBEfQT3a8UoZRU90t92Ce lQiCiLlVSK46yecbGdEywGiJ-ymzmboUDWz_uM8i2RkTqTYOZmAKBMOGIa6-kX5WPWf64pHKM7mmI8yY5TW_TrSKk=w800

[Synthesis]

Started building the tank stand. I didn't like anything available for the IM Novu 25 Lagoon. So had to build my own. I work in the tech sector so woodworking is not really my cup of tea. Nonetheless, I designed everything on paper and went slowly.

Here we go..
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DMjUymeC5bau-xBveGHdF0dO8E3vQmhux4vAOH-wTdXi8BuaUSKBI4uXju7Xpu2XGKYsMBWjt4S2sU0551PX1n3Yd BtRt9PwWCs2Gg0DPmTiza8Ijvjyzu67JWjFKUTNEIjqtTIb340 =w800

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iQxojUEzrY_lF8mLU9g8p1CSxB3wKSYNT5UvyymnU3koW7VTk2 Akck9K9EU77wdIy6nL1LjFMfXUdLCXgALb6s4cSpz02ed4EnvT oi7NL7YMTKKVU81MVpnaQrI_4okwrEftnQrWjbA=w800

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CG5rjHuGHCnIpC5eUlvRG7m3ttluRpnlaDZB-nND3JRsZdj9e8L1CV90eJ8S-HFMpSpJC7dWoWj20gjLWHyu-9S4zLYHgtpEcN_Ba9NKZjos-LisY9iHnnhlbLsqlGtyxZKznRLpNME=w800

[Frogger]

Looks good

[Synthesis]

Finished the stand the other night. Decided on a white wash stain with a clear coat sealant.

<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipORUs7Juvdc67tjVwd9yCSvsE8p89JIIS6YaSH6b0Xyt-aRtNScMIfDdf-qk5SYjQ?key=RFQtYWJpdzdHNElkNk1faExXNF9TRDdOeVVXY2 ZR&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0wUoZvpkvI5Ydz2xn9mgTJNee4Fmz_M-_BTc7dBTmPocL9tzkuJRWTouObokEFh27fcqn9g8XB4y1EaVMI xP7ugSxwqvzbpjmG7wX3aLJlva4tNfOPUg8VzrRzkYtSwlOl2-3isBnf0=w2400' /></a>

[Synthesis]

Hmm, the embedded photo didn't work...

[Synthesis]

Here are the photos I tried to upload previously. All moved into the house and ready for fish and corals now! Slowly....I mean....

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4849/46154321722_d21a64c74b_n.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2djuXRC)[/url]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4825/46147457192_76a49006a1_n.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2djuXRC)[url=https://flic.kr/p/2diTMgE]

[Frogger]

Looks like a nice clean setup. Good luck, keep us posted

[Synthesis]

Looks like a nice clean setup. Good luck, keep us posted

Thanks! Will do. Will probably be asking for plenty of advise in the coming weeks 😊

[Synthesis]

With the wind storm coming to Vancouver, it has me looking at battery backup for the Tank. What does everyone use for their power backup?

I have been looking at some of those APC battery backup units that are often used for computers and electronics. Vortech has one for their mp units but it's pretty darn expensive and only provides power to the mp.

[kyl]

Most APC / UPS back ups of that type will only run equipment for a few hours due to a low amp hour battery. The difference with the ecotech units etc is they are strictly a 12v DC draw from the battery, while your UPS is going DC > AC > DC (pump transformer > Pump, and there is an "overhead" for that process to take place.

If you want to emulate the ecotech example, it's extremely simple to DIY with a 12/24v deep cycle battery and a float charger. There are numerous examples on other forums, just google "diy ecotech battery backup". The only thing special about the Ecotech release is the mark up they're able to charge for a couple SLA batteries and a float charger.

[Frogger]

Costco sells a Lithium Ion Goal Zero battery backup. I have one and have tested it it will run a 10 to 20 watt pump for over half a day.

[Frogger]

The other great option is an inverter and an AGM Deep Cycle Marine Battery, or scooter battery. Scooter batteries are cheap and designed exactly for this kind of use.

Computer battery backups are only designed for short use.

I believe Ice Cap battery backups will only work on DC Pumps.

[Dash]

My husband used my tank as an excuse to buy this huge generator on sale last year at Home Depot. Dang was it ever loud when we fired it up! We got an PHEV car this spring and there is a built-in doodad for this very purpose. So we were able to sell the generator thank goodness

[Synthesis]

Most APC / UPS back ups of that type will only run equipment for a few hours due to a low amp hour battery. The difference with the ecotech units etc is they are strictly a 12v DC draw from the battery, while your UPS is going DC > AC > DC (pump transformer > Pump, and there is an "overhead" for that process to take place.

If you want to emulate the ecotech example, it's extremely simple to DIY with a 12/24v deep cycle battery and a float charger. There are numerous examples on other forums, just google "diy ecotech battery backup". The only thing special about the Ecotech release is the mark up they're able to charge for a couple SLA batteries and a float charger.

Awesome thank you so much! I appreciate the video you sent me as well. Will look into doing the DYI! Do people also run these for their heaters to maintain temp?

[Synthesis]

My husband used my tank as an excuse to buy this huge generator on sale last year at Home Depot. Dang was it ever loud when we fired it up! We got an PHEV car this spring and there is a built-in doodad for this very purpose. So we were able to sell the generator thank goodness

A PHEV might blow the bank for this tank build....but thanks for the suggestion :biggrin: :wink:

[Synthesis]

The other great option is an inverter and an AGM Deep Cycle Marine Battery, or scooter battery. Scooter batteries are cheap and designed exactly for this kind of use.

Computer battery backups are only designed for short use.

I believe Ice Cap battery backups will only work on DC Pumps.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Certainly some things to look into keep me busy. Yeah I scraped the computer battery backup idea pretty quickly given what it's primary purpose was.

[Synthesis]

I have been looking at measuring the PAR levels in my tank from the light. Does anyone know where you can rent them? Any reefers here have one laying around they could lend?

Can't see any reason to buy one for the minimal use it will get.

[Synthesis]

Noticed today my Trochus snails spawning. Water was all cloudy. Really fun to watch. Hoping some little ones appear. Did some research and I don't think it has any negative impact on the water quality?

Also a month back I noticed what appeared to be a few tiny mysis shrimp hanging out under a rock in the DT. Now there are easily 20+ little mysis cruising around and picking up ditritus and bringing it back to a colony. Like ants. Very fun to watch these little ones cruise around and work haha.

My amphipod population has exploded as well. Fun with bare bottom tank watching these critters running around under the rocks.

[Synthesis]

Update:

So have been dealing with bryopsis lately. I have my nitrates and phosphates both testing at 0. Which I am certain is leading to some color fade in my corals. Most noticeably the SPS. I have been physically removing it and I think I have it under control. I also have some red algae, which looks like a macro algae that is growing on the rocks. Which is collecting some kind of other algea and looking brownish. You can see it on the photo below on the single rock on the left side.

On a side note....water and electricity don't mix. I electricuted myself during a water change. Long story short, I spilt some salt water on the power extension cord that I had my return pump plugged into. When I was done, I went to unplug the pump and bam.. electricity started flowing through me. Could hear it in my ear! I managed to let go and stumble backwards. It sure woke me up! Thankful I didn't have any body part in water at the time! In ally years of owning an aquarium..this has never happened to me before.

I decided to learn from this and order a new server rack 8-channel switch. And will have this mounted up in the top part of the stand. This way I can control the power that runs to the pump that returns the new water to the tank. Lesson learned.

Updated photo:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4822/32043129857_95dec39e0e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QPxq9a)

[Synthesis]

So its been a while since I posted an update. A lot has happened.

First, I installed the power bank in an attempt to save my life in the future. It fit better then I thought it would.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7863/33188072128_51f8121e80.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SyHxA9)[/url]

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7833/32576667457_8fae966f0e.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SyHxA9)

This has made water changes so much easier. Not sure why I hesitated to get something like this. Cost me 54$ with shipping for this. Worth every penny.

Added another fish, a clown goby which has been a lot of fun to watch. Very active. Never thought I would be seeing the clown goby hosting all my corals over the clown fish...

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7834/46603624435_35a6ffa02f.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RCFWhi)

Added a Tyree toadstool which is doing really well:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7927/47466323632_db62b0861b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2e1cKU8)


Added a frogspawn:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7827/46603646385_c207193e02.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2fjrjjd)[url=https://flic.kr/p/2e1cSqz]

All my other corals are doing well. Trying to manage some algae which has been a challenge yet my phosphates and nitrates are undetectable. I have also been trying to get my parameters in check lately as my tank seems to be consuming alot of alkalinity. Calcium and Mag are fine but I am having to dose alk daily at about 2ml (red sea pro foundation alk) a day right now to maintain 9dkh. But its much better then before when it was reading 5dkh before I started clueing in on it. Funny enough, other then some coloration with my SPS...all the livestock was fine. But still, felt like an amateur not staying ontop of the params like I should have.

[Reyphox]

Did you kill all the byropsis?

[Bblinks]

Tanks looking great. Glad to hear you are okay from the electrical shock. Been there and done that lol

Fluconzole for bryopsis, pretty straight forward on how to use it. Save yourself some grief and give it a try, should work wonders.

Keep up the updates.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Electric shock therapy... better than coffee if you really need to wake up and cheaper than a Grande at Starbucks ������

[Synthesis]

Did you kill all the byropsis?

Almost. Small amounts are lingering. The bigger nuisance to me is this red macro type algae and bubble algae. I will have to get a good photo of the red algae to see if you guys can identify it for me as I cannot online.

My nutrients are always undetectable so not much I can play with there. Which is probably a good thing. Just let this tank mature.

Overall, the tank is really healthy. Flourishing sponges, a colony of mysis shrimp, large community of copepods, reproducing snails etc. So the ecosystem is healthy. It may not be perfectly spotless and clean but it's a thriving ecosystem that...knock on wood...has rewarded my efforts with zero tank losses.

But I am starting to add SPS as part of my mixed reef vision. So things are about to get more challenging.

[Synthesis]

Tanks looking great. Glad to hear you are okay from the electrical shock. Been there and done that lol

Fluconzole for bryopsis, pretty straight forward on how to use it. Save yourself some grief and give it a try, should work wonders.

Keep up the updates.

Thanks for the recommendation. Will certainly look into this. I must admit that medicating the tank just feels wrong but looks like it's been very successful with killing off bryopsis.

Nice to see some of the long standing canreef members stopping by and commenting :biggrin:

[Thanhk87]

I also have bryopsis and i never medicate the tank. I just cut back my feeding by half and 30mins off my light timer and that seem to work.
I dont have direct sunlight but i do know i get a bloom in the summer time.
I just know this seem to work for me.


Sent from my LG-H873 using Tapatalk

[Synthesis]

Figured i would give an update. Tank is doing really well these days. Still battling with some small patche of bryopsis but its very manageable. My bigger issue is bubble algae and emerald crabs seem to be worthless for this. Any thoughts on curing this??

My flickr account is all screwed up otherwise I would have some new tank shots to show off.
I have added 8 SPS since my last update:
Cali tort
RR Pink Cadillac
Red Planet
Pink Lemonade
Red Diablo
Orange Setosa
Purple Voletta
Green birdsnest

Couple new fish: Royal Gramma, Purple Firefish Goby
Lost a fish: Yellow clown goby :sad:


Everything seems to be happy though. I have struggled to maintain my parameters unfortunately. One particular area is Calcium which is baffling me. I use IO Reef Crystals and do a water change about every 2 weeks now. But my Calcium is ALWAYS around 600. My alkalinity I dose daily to maintain 9dkh. Magnesium around 1400. I do not get how my calcium can be this high all the time. My red sea test kit cant even measure it thats how high it is. Never experienced this before. What could cause this?? I can't say I am overly happy with my coral growth either so something seems to be preventing the uptake of Calcium.

Thoughts?

[Frogger]

Bubble algae is a tough one. Some say Vibrant helps more say it doesn't. Manual removal is the most reliable, although this will be a never ending battle.

I once had a Sally Lightfoot Crab eat them like crazy (many many years ago).

Confirm your calcium readings with a completely different (brand) test kit. Have you tested the newly mixed salt? I know Reef Crystal can sometimes mix high but not in the 600 range.

[Synthesis]

That's a very good point to test the new saltwater. Its such a trusted saltwater that I didn't think it would mix high. I use the red Sea Pro calcium test kit and it's recently ranked best tester for calcium by BRS so I can't imagine it's the test kit. TBH, my calcium has always measured high since I owned the test kit. So at least it's consistent 😊.

I will test the calcium for the new water next time I do my water change.

[Dearth]

Emerald crabs are IMO a waste of time plus they generally will only eat bubble Algae only if nothing else is to be had plus they are known to kill other crabs, snails and small shrimp

I've had bubble algae in my tank for 4 years now I do manual removal which keeps it in check however it is very unlikely that it will be eradicated

I used vibrant twice and both times bubble algae came back with a vengeance so I am not a fan of it

personally I would manually remove what you can and if able remove rocks and scrub them and do it when you change your water. You most likely won't be rid of the algae but it will be manageable

[Synthesis]

Thanks for the feedback on the bubble algae. Sounds like I am doing everything I can then to keep it in check. It's spreading but it's not causing any harm. In areas it's building up I just remove during water change. I certainly prefer it over bryopsis which I have also been removing manually to keep in check.

I did have an outbreak of red slime algae for a period of 2 weeks. Not sure why it appeared but I decided to try out Chemiclean and I have to say that i HIGHLY recommend this for red slime algae. It completely removed it within 48 hours and it has not returned in the 2 months since. Great product.

[Synthesis]

So I tested newly made water with reef crystals and did the test. It also measured at 550ppm. This is of course higher than the Red Sea test kit will go in a single test, so what I do is add more drops to see when it finally turns blue than do the math on that. So it might not be perfect measurements but it's close enough. So it's the reef crystals causing the calcium to be high. I mix at 1.025 specific gravity.

This is strange...wouldn't someone else experience this? I have been using reef crystals since inception and have always had calcium really high. So i know it's not a result of a bad bag. It does say right on the bag that it has added calcium.

Would the high calcium impact SPS growth in a measurable way? My alk, ph and magnesium are all at ideal levels.

[Sidius]

Nice tank build!

How have you liked the bare bottom tank? I'm debating going that route with my tank upgrade. I like the natural look of sand but the maintenance on it is annoying.

With regards to the bubble algae.. I'm fighting off a small outbreak of it as well. I started using Vibrant twice a week at the recommended dose and it's made a huge difference. I'm not seeing any new spots and what's there is dying off slowly. I added an emerald crab as well in the hopes it would help but so far I've seen no evidence the crab has touched it.

[Synthesis]

Ok managed to get my flickr account fixed. So here are some tank photos taken back on July.8th before my big SPS purchases :)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48238025137_a5af4edda7.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2guCuhz)[/url]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2guC4BB]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48237942141_2ee70753bf_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2guCuhz)

Both the green chromis's passed within 2 weeks of being added. Was disappointing. I am also in the process of losing my clown fish. He suddenly stopped eating and has got really skinny. I tried many types of food. My other 2 fish ate everything without issue.

[Sidius]

Ya I had the same thing happen with a Banggai Cardinal. I lost one during a lengthy power outtage (30+ hours) that was eating like a champ and the one I bought to replace him, would not eat anything I tried. Though you mentioned he suddenly stopped eating so I'm assuming he was eating everything previously?

The tank looks great!

[Synthesis]

Ok so here are some up to date photos

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733888837_16f4af1ec3.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hfrVhH)[/url]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733382818_3ca7eb8459.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hfrVhH)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733720841_1a943bc37e.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hfpjSf)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733724686_8c9fa37f74.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hfr4me)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733391313_5130b6f9ba.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hfr5uw)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48725258893_ae010d41c1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hfpnoH)[url=https://flic.kr/p/2heFFUz]

[Synthesis]

UGH...I seemingly cannot get my alk to stabilize in my system. Picked up the Kamoer X1 in an attempt to help with this and its only made things worse in that my alk just keeps climbing (which is strange because i am auto dosing the same amount as manual dosing per day).

To my surprise, my SPS corals have not shown any signs of stress yet. And my alk is currently running on the high side at 12dKh....which is 3dKh higher then 'normal'.

All part of the fun challenges that come with this hobby :biggrin:

[Synthesis]

Updates:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48959924137_0e697304d3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hAqpH4)[/url] (https://flic.kr/p/2hAqpH4)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48959921542_7278000f82_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hAqoWj)[url=https://flic.kr/p/2hAqoWj]

[gregzz4]

Are you still having Alk issues?

What are all of your tank readings from tests?
What are your maintenance procedures?
What are you dosing?

Tell us about everything you can think of

[Synthesis]

I managed to get my alkalinity back down around 9Dkh. But I kept it too high for too long while my nutrients got too low. So I experienced some setbacks on my SPS with stumped growth and some alk burn on some tips. It also looks like I will loose my Red Diablo, just hoping whats left of the tissue remains.

Things appear to be recovering right now and i am working on getting my nutrients (no3 and p4) up a little.

I will share some photos soon.

Luckily there has been no loss of fish, shrimp, hermits or snails so far so thats positive news.