Innovative Marine 170EXT build thread! My dream tank

[trembsreef]

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to share my progress and build for my new Innovative Marine 170EXT!

This is my dream tank, and can’t wait to get this thing going, but obviously, patience is key!

I received the tank Saturday April 13th, and got it on pieces of 4x4 in the garage for the movers, and the stand in place and assembled.

My initial thoughts on the stand and glass quality was great! The tank looks overbuilt, and the stand compliments it very well, and is super sleek!

Time to get the tank exactly where I want it, and get it levelled!

Follow along for more updates, gear lists, getting it wet, etc!

Thanks and happy reefing

 

[trembsreef]

Getting this tank out of the garage, through my 30” doors, down the stairs to the basement, and onto the stand was extremely nerve wracking- I couldn’t watch.

The only way to get this done, was on its front panel, onto a piano skid, ramped onto the deck, into the house and down the stairs.

I was worried about doing all this on the front panel, but man, this glass is tough!

 

[trembsreef]

Tuesday, April 16th.
I had my brother in law come over after work to help me with getting the tank and stand levelled. (Huge shoutout to him, he’s been the muscles of this project)

This is a temporary thing as we got it to where we want, and now we are leaving it until water goes in, and then make any tiny adjustments (if possible- heavy! lol)

I also added Govee Smart LED strip lights under the stand. Of course there are a couple faulty LED’s on the strip, which is driving my ocd wild, but you can only tell if you get on your back and look under the stand, so it shall stay as is! OCD BEGONE!

Can’t wait for the next steps

 

[kevgib67]

Beautiful tank, can’t wait to see life in it.

 

[trembsreef]

After much anticipation, the plumbing has arrived!

I’ve been a bit overwhelmed with the thought of the project, but it’s time to tackle it!

I’ve gone with Blue PVC and grey schedule 80 joints for a cleaner look!

Stay tuned to see my plumbing skills (or lack thereof)

 

[Nburg's Reef]

I’ve had mine running for almost a year now. Great tank and I have no regrets on it. You’re gong to love it. Biggest issue is finding magnets that work with 3/4” on the sides and the back is even thicker with the added acrylic piece

 

[trembsreef]

Figured I would do my equipment/planned equipment list.

I may be forgetting things, but I’ll update this as I remember/add things!

Equipment already owned for the build:

LIGHTS:

-Ai Hydra 64 x2
-Ai Hydra 32
-AI Double Arm Kit
-AI 60” HMS Rail
-AI HMS Brackets

REFUGIUM:

-Tunze eco chic fuge light

SKIMMER:

-Bubble Magus Curve 7

RETURN PUMP:

-Ecotech Vectra L2.
I’m currently running the S2 on my smaller system and I love it, so I’ll stick with it. I couldn’t fit 2 pumps in my sump, so I’ve gone with the L2

SUMP:

-E-Shopps AR300

WAVEMAKERS:
-2x Maxspect Gyre XF350 Cloud edition

HEATERS:

-2x BRS 600watt titanium heater coils

ATO:

-Neptune ATO system
-Trigger systems 10g reservoir
I’ve seen a few “iffy” reviews on the ATO, but since I’m going to be running full Neptune system, I figured I’d give it a shot

Controller:

-Neptune Apex A3 System

HEATER CONTROLLER:

-inkbird wifi controller

EQUIPMENT I STILL NEED TO BUY:

-I may add a pair of MP60 on the back wall in the centre if I need anymore flow, but we shall see

My 2 MP40 wouldn’t stay on the back wall, even with the smallest size gaskets

Like I said, I may be missing things here, but I’ll update this as I go!

 

[X-37B]

Figured I would do my equipment/planned equipment list.

I may be forgetting things, but I’ll update this as I remember/add things!

Equipment already owned for the build:

LIGHTS:

Ai Hydra 64
Ai Hydra 32

SKIMMER:

Bubble Magus Curve 7

RETURN PUMP:

Ecotech Vectra L2.
I’m currently running the S2 on my smaller system and I love it, so I’ll stick with it. I couldn’t fit 2 pumps in my sump, so I’ve gone with the L
SUMP:

E-Shopps AR300

WAVEMAKERS:

2x Ecotech MP40
I plan on putting these on the back wall, I’ve gotten the gaskets so hopefully they stay with how thick this glass is

ATO:

Neptune ATO system
I’ve seen a few “iffy” reviews on these, but since I’m going to be running full Neptune system, I figured I’d give it a shot

Controller:

Neptune Apex A3 System

EQUIPMENT I STILL NEED TO BUY:

-AI Hydra 64
-AI Double Arm Kit
-AI 60” HMS Rail
-AI HMS Brackets
-Neptune Trident
-Neptune Trident N&P
-Neptune DOS
-2x Maxspect Gyre XF350 Cloud edition
-Additional Rocks and substrate as I have a lot already, but need some more for this build
-I may add another MP40 or MP60 on the back wall in the centre if I need anymore flow, but we shall see

Like I said, I may be missing things here, but I’ll update this as I go!

Nice! I also have the 170.
Mine is 17 days wet with live rock.Take alook at the sea sweeps.
I only need to run 2 with Tunze powerheads for al the acro flow I need. Check my thread and get a build thread badge for your build too.

 

[trembsreef]

Nice! I also have the 170.
Mine is 17 days wet with live rock.Take alook at the sea sweeps.
I only need to run 2 with Tunze powerheads for al the acro flow I need. Check my thread and get a build thread badge for your build too.

Great build!

I’m so excited to get this wet, but I know I’ll thank myself later for being patient.

How do I get the build thread badge? I’m new to this, lol

 

[X-37B]

Great build!

I’m so excited to get this wet, but I know I’ll thank myself later for being patient.

How do I get the build thread badge? I’m new to this, lol

Go here for your badge!
Thread 'Your Build Thread Badge is now a link! Everyone's badge is gone!' https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/y...is-now-a-link-everyones-badge-is-gone.641789/

 

[trembsreef]

Go here for your badge!
Thread 'Your Build Thread Badge is now a link! Everyone's badge is gone!' https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/y...is-now-a-link-everyones-badge-is-gone.641789/

Cool! Thanks so much!

 

[Northern Flicker]

Sell the little Hydra32, use that cash for the Aquatic Life T%HO hybrid fixture, mount your 2 Hydra 64s on it, bada bing bada boom

 

[Nburg's Reef]

2 things, MP40 will work on back but you need to do something to keep the dry side in place. They will eventually shift or fall off even tho they power the wet side fine. I used sticky zip tie mounts and zip ties to make a dry side ‘pouch’ which is also nice so when I clean the wet side, the dry side stays in place too.

Other thing is if you go bare bottom, using a Tunze stream 3 (you have to get the stream3+ version with thicker magnets) to blow down the back of the tank is awesome. Keeps my tank bottom super clean.

 

[trembsreef]

2 things, MP40 will work on back but you need to do something to keep the dry side in place. They will eventually shift or fall off even tho they power the wet side fine. I used sticky zip tie mounts and zip ties to make a dry side ‘pouch’ which is also nice so when I clean the wet side, the dry side stays in place too.

Other thing is if you go bare bottom, using a Tunze stream 3 (you have to get the stream3+ version with thicker magnets) to blow down the back of the tank is awesome. Keeps my tank bottom super clean.

Awesome, I appreciate the tips! Thank you

 

[trembsreef]

This feels like a massive relief
(or maybe that’s the fumes of the pvc cement?)

I got the plumbing complete, it’s a pretty basic job, but it’s my first EVER tank plumbing job, so I feel accomplished and proud of myself.

I have extra pvc, joints, and unions if I ever decide to add anything else.

Now I just need to get my Vectra return pump plumbed into the system and it’ll be time to water test!

We’re getting closer……

 

[trembsreef]

Sell the little Hydra32, use that cash for the Aquatic Life T%HO hybrid fixture, mount your 2 Hydra 64s on it, bada bing bada boom

The aquatic life fixture has always been a future plan.

I’m not going to worry about it for the first while, but down the road I’ll use both 64 and the 32 with the fixture!

 

[Rappa]

This feels like a massive relief
(or maybe that’s the fumes of the pvc cement?)

I got the plumbing complete, it’s a pretty basic job, but it’s my first EVER tank plumbing job, so I feel accomplished and proud of myself.

I have extra pvc, joints, and unions if I ever decide to add anything else.

Now I just need to get my Vectra return pump plumbed into the system and it’ll be time to water test!

We’re getting closer……

Plumbing came out nice and clean. Good job for your first time!

 

[trembsreef]

Plumbing came out nice and clean. Good job for your first time!

Thank you! Greatly appreciated!

 

[trembsreef]

Today we took the plunge, and put everything to the test!

Water test day…

Yes, I know, very gutsy to water test it in the house, but it was the only option, and we wanted to make sure all the plumbing was secured, as it was my first time ever fully plumbing a tank.

All of our rocks and sand are here. We’ve gone with mostly Aquaforest rock, and caribsea shapes life rock and arches. We’re also using a lot of rocks from our already established 75 gallon tank to help with the transfer and cycle.

We’re going to let this water test run for 24 hours and as long as there’s no leaks, we will begin siphoning out the water, and beginning our aquascape.

Return pump has been plumbed, and I’m glad I went with the larger Vectra L2 as I can keep it running on a low setting for longevity.

My maxspect Gyre xf350 cloud edition package has also arrived.

The finish line is getting closer and closer…..

 

[SumpinFishy]

You are being very patient with this and Thanks for sharing the equipment list.
I am looking at the 150EXT now. I kind of dread the build plumb and water test in the garage only to drain, unplumb, and then move it... I laughed at your note thinking.. I will probably risk it in the living room for water test. No guts no glory... . I'm looking forward to seeing you next posts