Something exciting has happened- I am doing a completely new tank build!
While I still maintain to run my 180 Gallon reef. The current inhabitant and the system set up just seem to not allow me to keep what I have really loved to- clams. I feel that when I have been doing previous tank builds I have been cutting corners for the sake of frugality and chose less than ideal lighting, filtration and water movement equipments.
I have been blessed to work with a very profitable company with steady income the last several years. With the little bit of savings I had earned I decided it’s time to start with a new system that uses only (what I know of) “top of the line” products. And also I want to keep this tank more or less of a “gem” tank that isn’t humongous in size. So after months of studying and planning, I have decided to go with Innovative Marine 50 gallon fusion lagoon aquarium set up. For lighting and water movement, I decided to go with Ecotech Marine products, and an Aquamaxx hang on the back skimmer for nutrient export. I will address each of these equipments with their own deserving review.
I ordered the entire setup from Marine Depot. The Light, pumps, and the skimmer came in regular UPS delivery. But due to its size and weight, the tank had to arrive via freight shipping. It was an additional $150 I had to pay for the shipping cost.
If you ever order this from an online vendor- please have some patience. Unlike regular UPS daily parcel pick up. The freight pick up only happens once a week or so. So this tank actually did not leave the Marine Depot’s shipping facility until a week after the item has been ordered. Unfortunately I had to be on the road during the original delivery time. But the freight service was very flexible and was able to work out a proper delivery time for my return.
Another caveat on ordering- I have been working in the aquarium trade for a long time and have always been able to handle tanks as large as 75 gallon on my own (there is a technique to it, but I would not recommend it unless you are physically fit and really know what you are doing). But this 50 gallon tank is HEAVY AF! The glass came in much thicker than I thought it would be, so the algae magnet I have originally ordered almost didn’t work. And the low carbon clear glass also makes it denser and heavier. I guess I probably could have lifted on my own if I really wanted to. But knowing this thing costs so much I would hate to trow my own money away by cracking or chipping it. So please make sure you have someone there to help you unbox, and move/set up the tank.
Overall I am very impressed with how both the tank and the stand were packaged. They both arrived without a scratch despite having traveled half the country.
If there is any suggestions I can provide to innovative marine, is to please peel off the sticky backing on the tank’s divider and maybe replace it with a cardboard if scratching is the concern. I have a genuine hate to stupid manufacturer slapping sticky material onto surfaces that will ultimately be part of something you want to look at. Because that means a lot of unnecessary time you will need to invest in removing the sticker carefully, or scrubbing afterwards to get rid of the gunk.
The cabinet came assembled in a box, which I am so thankful of. I have been shopping IKEA furniture for many years and as much as I don’t mind putting cabinetry together on my own, I really prefer to have it come assembled so I don’t have to worry about gathering the tools and flipping around the manual. The storage space in the cabinet is surprisingly spacious. I was able to fit all the electrical plus some basic supply (food, razor blade, etc) in just 1/4 of the space. The other 1/4 now houses all the carton for all of my Ecotech Martine products for any future use (move or resell). And half of it is simply empty now. I am not topping off water manually on a daily basis. I am just waiting for the day I am getting sick of manual top off to purchase an auto tipoff system and place it in that space.
It has now been two weeks since the tank has been up and running. I am very happy with the tank. It looks clean, slick design, and the pumps are quiet. As a matter of fact the pumps are quite powerful that even without a wave maker, one should be able to keep some of the basic fish/corals with no trouble at all.
The tank does come with two filter socks but no filter medium of any sort. I actually purchased a box of ceramic as my filter medium to place in the back. There is sufficient space in the back for heater, and even a hang in the back skimmer. Though the way the water flow is designed you might get a lot of micro bubble back in the tank with the skimmer. I am currently using the tactic of spilling the skimmer into the filter sock to sort of solve this obstacle.
If you are looking for a small/medium size aquarium for a small room or office. And that you don’t mind the price tag. I think it’s a beautiful rimless, thick, but very clear glass aquarium to consider.