Innovative Marine 200-gallon INT Build

[VikS]

Hey everyone, I have a question. I have the option of either getting live rock or Marco ReefSaver shelf rock. The liverock is cheaper than the shelf rock... so I don't know if it's even worth getting dry rock anymore. I would appreciate some suggestions thanks.

Main consideration will be pest control. A lot of people start from dry only and seed it to avoid introducing unwanted pests.
If you are not worried about that, go with all live.

Ome more reason for using those shelf rocks is to be able toaquascape in the way you want and create your own structures. I assume this is not as easy with live rocks.

 

[Mr. Fishy Fish]

Main consideration will be pest control. A lot of people start from dry only and seed it to avoid introducing unwanted pests.
If you are not worried about that, go with all live.

Ome more reason for using those shelf rocks is to be able toaquascape in the way you want and create your own structures. I assume this is not as easy with live rocks.

Lol, point 2 is what I'm worried about. I have a dream, ya know! The only hitchhiker I'd be worried about is Aiptasia. Thanks, I'll think about it and let everyone know.

 

[Mr. Fishy Fish]

Here's a pic of the stand after I put it together.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Now we're talking! Getting the show on the road...

 

[VikS]

Here's a pic of the stand after I put it together.

View attachment 1823973

Looks good. What’s the situation with the bottom. I heard it’s a false bottom and not water proof and people trying to figure out what to do about it.

 

[Mr. Fishy Fish]

Looks good. What’s the situation with the bottom. I heard it’s a false bottom and not water proof and people trying to figure out what to do about it.

I was unaware of that. I'm not sure what you mean by "false bottom", what should I be looking for? I can take pics of the bottom if you'd like.

 

[Mr. Fishy Fish]

Now we're talking! Getting the show on the road...

You know it . I'm in love with it, I'm glad I didn't grab one of the used tanks I was looking at before. The IM Nuvo and APS stand are aesthetically appealing.

 

[VikS]

I was unaware of that. I'm not sure what you mean by "false bottom", what should I be looking for? I can take pics of the bottom if you'd like.

I just read that the bottom is a plyboard just sitting there and folks did not feel comfortable putting their sump on it. There were also couple of post where people reinforced the bottom with 2x4 and sealed it before putting their sump on it. Not sure it that is still true with these bigger tank stands.

 

[Mr. Fishy Fish]

I just read that the bottom is a plyboard just sitting there and folks did not feel comfortable putting their sump on it. There were also couple of post where people reinforced the bottom with 2x4 and sealed it before putting their sump on it. Not sure it that is still true with these bigger tank stands.

I don't know what the material is, but it's definitely flimsy. However, the bracing is directly under it to support any sump I put in. The only way that thing (the plyboard as you called it) will not hold is if I put something in between the bracing instead of on them. I can see how it would be a concern to some people, but honestly, a piece of plywood under it would negate any concern they may have. You'll see what I mean when you get your Nuvo. That reminds me, what's up with your Nuvo?

 

[MERKEY]

Oh man love the build thread, thanks for sharing!!

 

[VikS]

I don't know what the material is, but it's definitely flimsy. However, the bracing is directly under it to support any sump I put in. The only way that thing (the plyboard as you called it) will not hold is if I put something in between the bracing instead of on them. I can see how it would be a concern to some people, but honestly, a piece of plywood under it would negate any concern they may have. You'll see what I mean when you get your Nuvo. That reminds me, what's up with your Nuvo?

Sounds good. That seems easy.
I have a mid Nov ship date unfortunately. So patiently waiting and preparing the house for it. I am in no rush and am enjoying all the IM builds. Keep the updates coming!

 

[Mr. Fishy Fish]

Oh man love the build thread, thanks for sharing!!

It's my pleasure, thanks for following along

 

[Mr. Fishy Fish]

After going through hell to get a company to move the tank, I finally found a company who knew exactly how to deal with the situation. All it took was two strong guys, one-shoulder dolly, and now the tank is officially on the stand. I still need to sanitize (vinegar) and sterilize (let it sit for 72 hours post sanitization) the tank, so excuse me if it looks a little messy. Here's a pic.

 

[VikS]

After going through hell to get a company to move the tank, I finally found a company who knew exactly how to deal with the situation. All it took was two strong guys, one-shoulder dolly, and now the tank is officially on the stand. I still need to sanitize (vinegar) and sterilize (let it sit for 72 hours post sanitization) the tank, so excuse me if it looks a little messy. Here's a pic.

View attachment 1830469

Look good! Looking forward to seeing it filled up and lit! Are you done with the aquascape?

 

[Mr. Fishy Fish]

Look good! Looking forward to seeing it filled up and lit! Are you done with the aquascape?

Thank you. Also, no I have not done the aquascape yet, I've been too busy with my QT setup (link is in my signature).

 

[Mr. Fishy Fish]

Update 6.0
​

1. I will complete the plumbing in the next 24 hours.​
2. The baffles for the sump will be ready tomorrow, so I should finish the sump in approximately 48 hours.​
3. I have my first fish in QT the video is below. More details in my QT thread (the link is in my signature). ​

 

[AshwinRavi]

great build thread and good progress! i just got the 200 INT as well, waiting for the delivery... good luck!

 

[AshwinRavi]

are you planning to go bare-bottom or sand? if sand, how many bags are you planning to get

 

[Mr. Fishy Fish]

are you planning to go bare-bottom or sand? if sand, how many bags are you planning to get

I'll need sand because of the wrasses and sand sifting gobies. I'm going to use 120-140 lbs of sand for a 1.0-1.3 "" spread.

 

[TreyC2010]

Awesome build and very thorough description. Exciting!