Innovative Marine 30gal Micro Nuvo Tank Build

I recently purchased Innovative Marine's 30gal Micro Nuvo from Marinedepot. As with all and many purchases I made from them it shipped fast and all in one piece. The outer box was a little soggy in the bottom but that's probably due to the Chicago weather at the time. But the box inside, which was protected by styrofoam peanuts was dry and secure. (Sorry no pics... too excited and my first build thread)

It's an AIO and it looks great. However, I have a few things I'm not in love with.
1. One of the media basket's handle was broken (no biggie but I paid good money for it and I should at least get everything perfect.
2. Washed the tank/checked for leaks. It passed, however, I did not like the silicone job. There were little beads that came off. Seal is still good but just the little remnants was annoying and took time to take out.
3. The white acrylic that separates the tank and the sump is nice but the white that covers the sides of glass on the sump side looks cheap. It's just an applique. The other side had a small tear/scuff. (will post pics later) Would have been better if it was all white acrylic or if it was frosted glass. (new to the hobby and don't know if frosted glass would have any negative effects on marine life)
4. The pump has some high pitch white noise to it. Will inspect later.

Other than that I'm pleased with it.

Didn't get to take as many pictures as I hoped but at least I have something. But will make up with an onslaught of pictures as I progress.

Here's the sump.



Keeping the media basket elements in for now. (mechanical sponge, carbon sponge, phosphate sponge). The right side I just dropped the mechanical sponge and where the basket is suppose to be I will install a Hydor Slim Nano skimmer. Heater would go in the second chamber from the left. Ordering a Jager 100w. Any suggestions on what I should add? I plan on adding some rubble.

The Sand I'm using.


Caribsea Base rock was bought from Marinedepot. Not that pleased with it but it'll have to do for now. It's 10lbs and all three pieces are pretty heave compared to my previous setup where I had all live Bali rock and they were very light compared to these.
From the great reviews I've read I plan on purchasing a bunch of rock from reefcleaners.





The light I'm currently using is by UP Aqua its just temporary so I can see things a bit better until I get my JBJ Unibody LED.

I decided not to purchase a stand because I wanted a wider area to put wallet and such on since it will be next to my bedroom door. So I sprang for a neat solid wood dresser. I purchased a silicone fondant mat to put under the tank to protect the wood. (pics to come)

Here's a timelapse video of the setup.

Thanks for looking!

 

Sounds like you're off to a good start! I love that sand- have it in mine too.