Temporary return - IM Nuvo 40mini mixed reef

[evoIX_Reefer]

Long story short -- Go to: start here if you want to jump to the build!

I was preparing to move to Florida and live that life until....

My son got into Bergen Academy (also, St. Joe's and BC) and make no mistake there was no question that getting into this school and program means great opportunity to challenge him academically that most schools cant compare.

It has been a great decision and he is loving it. It is extremely tough and school days are LONG but he is making his way with high goals for college.


Ok...not so short.

I sold off all my old equipment and bam I have been stuck here since with no tank. Bought an evo again but now mainly sits in my driveway covered.

But took the plunge recently and the journey of headaches began!!

This was supposed to be a "budget" build.

So I jumped and found a decent deal for a RedSea Max Nano that I could use to hold me down for 2 years. Started buying equipment, doing this and that. I planned om a floating aquascape with Finally, I was ready to fill with water and BAM found a leak(drip). So plab B.

Start here

Onto the build! Plan B.
Found an insane reefer with crazy amounts of tanks that never joined the forums and just did it hidden. Cant believe there are some people like that out there.

TANK: IM Nuvo 40 Mini

Lighting
Radion XR15 G5 Blue

Control
Apex EL with EB832, PH, ORP and Temp probes
Neptune Trident Alk, Ca, Mag
8outlet surge protector with individual switches
3 outlet app controlled - Govee
FZone ATO (siliconed the top of the sensor since there were reports of water getting in and causig it to eventually fail. Hoping it helps!) - I'll end up replacing it with a RedSea ATO+ once it fails.

Flow/heat
MightyJet Return
Jebao SLW20
hygger 200watt titanium heater with controller

Nutrient export/control
Bubble Magus MiniQ (bought for the RS NANO) - I'll just underskim so I can keep nutrients up

In transit
IM fleece roller (manual)
IM aquashield 11w UV

Media: keeping it simple with Chemipure Blue

Bought Tropin Marin BioActif

Future:
All for Reef via a DOS
Trident NP monitor?

Goals:
2 wrasse - Lubbock and Pink Streaked
2 designer clowns
Midas Blenny
firefish?

This tank will be heavy LPS with a few things I wanted to keep before and aim for it again.


Must haves
CC21 Tails
NYK
Hellfire
Joker
HolyGrail
Dragon Soul
JC Holy Canoli

Hologram Hammers
Splatter
Toxic Hammer
Gold

Pink Octospawn


Nice grafted monticap on backwall
Yellow Submarine favia
Beachbum favia
Jellybean Chalice

Simple but always liked the bubblegum digi
A waltdisney
TSA Bill Murray
TSA Purple Pillow
ORA Red Planet

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

Here is the scape I came up with.

I like the flat rock but wanted different levels so added some rock on top and then a side island for lower par coral.

Not 100% sure how I intend to place coral right now since I am doing heavy LPS (Euphyllia).

One idea is using the acrylic rod method to create different height in the corals.
The flat rock has some great natural holes that I can add epoxy putty and the acrlic rod to provide anchor.

**Need a par reading

 

[Albert Mexwel]

What an inspiring journey, both with your family and your reefing adventure! Congratulations to your son for his incredible academic opportunity—Bergen Academy is no small feat. It’s also fantastic to see your passion reignited with this tank build. The IM Nuvo 40 Mini setup sounds like a dream, and your coral and livestock wishlist is top-tier. Despite the challenges, your dedication to creating a vibrant LPS-heavy reef is clear. Best of luck with Plan B—it’s shaping up to be stunning! Can't wait to see the progress!