IM EXT 75 Build Thread

[hllb]

We are moving into our new house in under 2 weeks, so I need to get the tank up and running. I ended up getting the IM EXT 75, a tiny upgrade from my current 65g. The tank was in stock so it shipped the day after I ordered it. It was supposed to be delivered a week after ordering it but they had a truck issue and then a storm hit, so it took an extra 5 days.

These are really well packed and the crates are so nice, how they come apart, with the metal tabs. Everything looks like it’s in great shape.

 

[hllb]

Started working on it today. The stand is really nice - but the directions kind of suck. The videos they put out are much more helpful. I still had the side door opening the wrong way and didn’t realize it until I went to put the other side on. It was easy to switch though, without tearing everything apart. Even with the mistake, it took 1 hr and 10 minutes to put together. Not bad at all. It’s very nicely made but I wish it weren’t so tall. It’s so much taller than I realized with the leveling feet frame (41.25” vs the 36” I expected). And I’m short so maintenance will really be a pain. Oh well…I need a bigger step stool, I guess. Or maybe I don’t need the leveling feet stand. I’ll have to really think about that.

 

[hllb]

Definitely like the side doors. Maybe I’ll actually clean my sump this time.

 

[hllb]

Spent some time yesterday dry fitting the plumbing. It’s a great setup and easy to do, but some actual instructions would have been nice. There was a diagram, but it reflected their old kit, not this one. Even something as simple as which order to install the pieces in would have helped. Do the main/secondary drain lines first, then the returns with the emergency drain. But it seriously takes like 10 minutes to dry fitting if you do it in the right order.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along! What are you planning on doing with the tank once you get it fully set up?

 

[hllb]

Following along! What are you planning on doing with the tank once you get it fully set up?

I'm transferring over my 65g mixed reef tank that I've had up for about 3 years. Doing this because we're moving and a new tank is just easier.

 

[OriginalUserName]

The IM plumbing and stand are very easy to put together. Good luck with the new tank!

 

[hllb]

Hanging at the new house today working and babysitting running water. Not exactly a great setup for water, but I’ll make it work.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Hanging at the new house today working and babysitting running water. Not exactly a great setup for water, but I’ll make it work.

Looks better than my setup! I have all my stuff crammed underneath our bathroom sink, haha.

 

[hllb]

We are getting a new washer & dryer that’s stackable so I’ll have just enough room for my two 10g brutes I use for water changes. I’ll get a shelf up for the booster pump. My laundry room in the old house was huge so I’ll have to be much more organized here.

 

[hllb]

I didn’t get as far today as I hoped because I forgot stuff I needed when I went to the house. I ran some water (not nearly enough lol), installed the return pump and got the tank in its final position, and rinsed the substrate and got it in the tanks (which is such a PITA in the winter since you can’t do it outside - the photo of the towel in the sink with milky water is from me rinsing - gross!). Friday I’ll try to get the tank filled and hopefully nothing leaks - the bulk heads in the overflow are good. I’m also setting up a 15g in my office - an upgrade from the 10g I currently have.

 

[hllb]

Made good progress today. The 15g is ready for fish - I was surprised the water cleared within 2 hours or so of turning the pump on. I have the main tank filled to just under the returns and the sump filled to about 8”. I didn’t want to turn it on tonight right before I was leaving in case there was a slow leak. I’ll test it out tomorrow and hopefully do the transfer on Sunday. Also found a great silicone piece on Amazon to help protect the floor behind the tank too.

 

[hllb]

Today I moved over the livestock from my small tank. It went mostly smooth, but my boxer shrimp lost his claws. He seems fine otherwise though.

I also got the big tank running and had some issues. Seemed smooth at first but man it was noisy. Posted about it, someone helped me realize I didn’t put the extensions on the drain plate in the sump. I was able to wrangle those on without too much trouble, but then had a major leak. I thought it was a glued joint, but it was from a bulkhead in the overflow (luckily). I fixed that and now just hanging out to make sure it stays fixed. I really debated about getting the EXT bs the INT and have to say I’m glad I got the EXT. so much easier to fix the leaky bulkhead.

I may wait until Friday to move the livestock instead of doing it tomorrow. Tomorrow feels like I’m rushing too much.

 

[tsharpe291]

I have the same two tanks, looks great! side note, are you the browns fan or did the garage walls come that color?

 

[hllb]

I have the same two tanks, looks great! side note, are you the browns fan or did the garage walls come that color?

They came with those colors, and yes, he was a Brown’s fan lol

 

[tsharpe291]

They came with those colors, and yes, he was a Brown’s fan lol

that's a die hard fan, good luck with those tanks

 

[hllb]

that's a die hard fan, good luck with those tanks

Thanks! I need luck with repainting the garage too. Even the floor is orange, so I guess Halloween theme?

 

[tsharpe291]

Thanks! I need luck with repainting the garage too. Even the floor is orange, so I guess Halloween theme?

sounds fitting since the browns franchise has been TRICKING fans out of their money and support for years,lol

 

[hllb]

Today was the big move. All the rock, coral, and livestock made it over. I had a giant green encrusting monti that had grown onto 3 rocks. That had to be broken apart and I ended up breaking a lot of it off. It is super unhappy, so we’ll see if it makes it. Not all the rock could be submerged so I’ve got a fair amount of coralline dying off.

I didn’t see my strawberry crab. I haven’t seen here for more than 6 months - maybe even year. I think she might be gone. If she is in there, I’ve had her for more than 5 years. So I had her at least 4 - not a bad run.

And funny story, some time ago - maybe 6 months? - I put a coral banded shrimp in. Never saw him again. Guess who I found today? I have another one in my small tank. Both of them instantly threw their claws when I caught them. Poor guys.

I still have to set up my ATO and dosers, but did get my lights, skimmer, and CO2 scrubber set up. I’m waiting on a custom lid to arrive in a couple of weeks.

Not tank related, but we also got 3 of 4 cats moved over (long story on the 4th) and both dogs. One cat hasn’t come out from under the couch but the others are adjusting.