IM NUVO INT/EXT 75 or 100?

[TeeSquared1214]

The dilemma between the two sizes would be that I have about 55” of room to place the aquarium. With the 100 being 47” this leaves about 8” of space total, likely 4” for each side. This would essentially leave the side doors unusable and removing the sump if needed would have to be done through the front. The 75 however measures around 37” leaving about 18” of space total. This would mean more space for the side doors and easier access. I would typically go with bigger is better for many reasons aside being from Texas. But I’m not sure how often I’d need to access the side doors and/or remove the sump via those doors compared to the front. Thoughts?

 

[edsbeaker]

That is a dilemma.
I have the EXT 75 and use those side doors a lot! It makes life a bit easier.
I guess you’d have to ask yourself what you would be giving up by getting the 75. IMO you really can’t put that much more in the 100 then you can in the 75. Maybe a Tomini or Kole Tang? I guess it comes down to if the inconvenience of not having as much access to the cabinet and the risk of needing to get that sump out is really worth the added space for you?

One last thing. When I was looking at photos of the 100’s cabinet, it looks like there is a stile between two of the doors. If this is the case then you won’t be able to get that sump out through the front. It would have to go in from one of the ends.

 

[Devaji]

here's a couple thoughts...

1. how about a peninsula coming out from the space into the room? ( I thought they brought back the 100 gal. pen. but looks like they did not. ) so the 200P it is then.

2. the 112 lagoon would solve your problems. you would not have the with but the total water volume.

3. redecorate the space to make room for your tank. I mean do you really need that dead animal on the wall or china hutch??

IM are great tanks. I have there 200P and LOVE it. had the RS 650P before IM is better.

good luck!

 

[TeeSquared1214]

here's a couple thoughts...

1. how about a peninsula coming out from the space into the room? ( I thought they brought back the 100 gal. pen. but looks like they did not. ) so the 200P it is then.

2. the 112 lagoon would solve your problems. you would not have the with but the total water volume.

3. redecorate the space to make room for your tank. I mean do you really need that dead animal on the wall or china hutch??

IM are great tanks. I have there 200P and LOVE it. had the RS 650P before IM is better.

good luck!

Thanks for the response! I unfortunately don’t think reorganizing the room is an option as it is our living room. Looking to make this one, and another identical one, on each side of the tv stand, a focal point for our home.

 

[TeeSquared1214]

That is a dilemma.
I have the EXT 75 and use those side doors a lot! It makes life a bit easier.
I guess you’d have to ask yourself what you would be giving up by getting the 75. IMO you really can’t put that much more in the 100 then you can in the 75. Maybe a Tomini or Kole Tang? I guess it comes down to if the inconvenience of not having as much access to the cabinet and the risk of needing to get that sump out is really worth the added space for you?

One last thing. When I was looking at photos of the 100’s cabinet, it looks like there is a stile between two of the doors. If this is the case then you won’t be able to get that sump out through the front. It would have to go in from one of the ends.

Thank you for the reply! The stocking options between water volumes was a concern of mine but like you mentioned it’s really only those two tangs, which I was hoping to get a tang but they just need so much space and I don’t want to rehome later on.

I did also see the 100’s cabinet and saw the same as you. Was hoping there was a way for me to adjust the doors to leave an opening but it doesn’t seem to be an option based on my research.

The idea was to have identical tanks on each side of our tv stand, and unfortunately one goes up to a corner if I put a tank there. I wanted these to be focal points within our living room for a relaxing yet fun space.

I also wonder too with how much space the 75 provides if I’d still be able to get the sump out or truly access it from the side . Going to give this more thought.

 

[TeeSquared1214]

Curious on other brands to look into that may meet this criteria. I’m not hard stuck on IM, but to me, the appearance and features seemed really attractive for the price.

I’ve heard mixed things about redsea, and have looked into water box and glass cages, but nothing stands out to me.

 

[TeeSquared1214]

I thought they brought back the 100 gal. pen.

I just looked and saw they did, may have to consider this just for that corner area.

 

[Devaji]

I just looked and saw they did, may have to consider this just for that corner area.

where did you see it? I looked at IM website yesterday and did not see them.

other brands to think about would be fiji cube, waterbox, cade
I have had two RS tanks. the new G2 I think are fine. ( I have a 300Xl up and running) that said i would still go IM

 

[Devaji]

Thanks for the response! I unfortunately don’t think reorganizing the room is an option as it is our living room. Looking to make this one, and another identical one, on each side of the tv stand, a focal point for our home.

so two tanks? that would be cool!

 

[TeeSquared1214]

so two tanks? that would be cool!

Yeah, however because I want them matching and I already have a freshwater 36g only one will be a mixed reef tank and the other for freshwater. Thinking the freshwater will be Amazon rainforest themed with driftwood, plants, and tropical community fish. It’s a lot to spend for a freshwater tank but at the same time, I still get the added benefit of a sump and the aesthetics. This will be my first saltwater aquarium ever, have been doing research for months. The bigger size is intimidating since the 36 is the biggest I own, but I know bigger means less instability. But also don’t want to bite off more than I can chew haha.

 

[TeeSquared1214]

where did you see it? I looked at IM website yesterday and did not see them.

other brands to think about would be fiji cube, waterbox, cade
I have had two RS tanks. the new G2 I think are fine. ( I have a 300Xl up and running) that said i would still go IM

Apologies, it was waterbox. You’re correct they only have the 200 for IM. I forgot about cade. Will have to look them up. Heard iffy things about fiji and didn’t really like their designs.

 

[Devaji]

Yeah, however because I want them matching and I already have a freshwater 36g only one will be a mixed reef tank and the other for freshwater. Thinking the freshwater will be Amazon rainforest themed with driftwood, plants, and tropical community fish. It’s a lot to spend for a freshwater tank but at the same time, I still get the added benefit of a sump and the aesthetics. This will be my first saltwater aquarium ever, have been doing research for months. The bigger size is intimidating since the 36 is the biggest I own, but I know bigger means less instability. But also don’t want to bite off more than I can chew haha.

I would go for two IM 112 1 FW the other mixed reef. that would looks so good.

WB are good tank too. I have there 2420 that I was going to do a FW planted in but decided not to.

also have a look at planet aquarium & pro star two more option for you.

still think IM is the best bang for the buck tho also really nice nice tanks and stands.

 

[TeeSquared1214]

Pulled the trigger on one IM INT 100 for my first reef tank!! Super excited! Will be posting a build thread once it arrives in a few days! Waiting to purchase the matching one for my freshwater tank until a little later to ensure I don’t drain my wallet on two projects haha.

I chose the 100 because of several factors.

More water volume and fills out the space more.

Accessing the side of the sump will be more of a requirement on the reef tank due to the myriad of modifications you can make. I will have access to one side and the entire front for the reef.

However with the freshwater, the sump will less likely be as advanced, and require minimal side access after setup. So that will go in the other side of the TV stand to match aesthetics, and this one is closer to the window, which I am less concerned about sunlight and algae in the freshwater, as I’ve had it near a window before with great success!