Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion Modification: Pro Skim and ATO

The Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion series is purpose-built for modders — Innovative Marine publishes drop-in accessory dimensions and the rear chambers are designed around their own Pro Skim and ATO kits. This innovative marine nuvo fusion modification guide draws on two decades of reef builds at Gensou Aquascaping in Everton Park. Across the Fusion 10, 14, and 20 the same logic applies: install the matched Pro Skim, add the MightyJet return and AccelaPump ATO, and the tank performs well above its price point. The fit is tighter and cleaner than any third-party mod on comparable tanks.

Quick Facts

• Models covered: Fusion 10 (38L), Fusion 14 (53L), Fusion 20 (76L)
• Rear chambers: three — skimmer/media, heater/return, designed for IM accessories
• Recommended skimmer: IM Ghost Skimmer or NYOS Quantum 120
• Recommended return: IM MightyJet 538 (Fusion 10) or 900 (Fusion 14/20)
• ATO option: IM AccelaPump with Hydrofill TI optical sensor
• Singapore tank price: Fusion 10 $380, Fusion 14 $500, Fusion 20 $650 approximate
• Full mod build: $900-1,500 depending on size and skimmer choice

Pro Skim Installation

The IM Ghost Skimmer Nano is designed to fit chamber 1 of the Fusion 10 and 14; the Ghost Skimmer Standard fits the Fusion 20. Installation is drop-in — no silicone or baffle modification required. The skimmer pump body sits in the chamber and the air line routes through a pre-cut lid slot. Tune water level to 165mm in chamber 1 after the return pump has been running 24 hours at target output.

MightyJet Return Upgrade

Stock Fusion tanks ship with either a MightyJet or a budget return depending on region. The MightyJet DC 538 (Fusion 10) and DC 900 (Fusion 14/20) provide variable flow via a stock controller with ramp, feed, and night modes. The return chamber fits either with no bracket changes. Connect the controller cable through the rear slot and mount the controller on the back of the cabinet for easy access.

AccelaPump ATO System

Chamber 3 is the ATO target location. The IM AccelaPump with Hydrofill TI optical sensor clamps to the chamber side glass without silicone — the clamp grips the 8mm Fusion glass securely. Run tubing to a 9-litre Hydrofill reservoir in the cabinet. The Hydrofill TI optical sensor is more reliable than float switches in a saltwater environment; expect three to five years of service before replacement.

Media Chamber Setup

Chamber 2 holds filter socks or the IM Filter Cup system. Use 200-micron felt socks for initial particulate capture and a 100ml media basket of RowaPhos or Seachem PhosGuard mid-flow. Skip the stock bioballs — they become nitrate factories in marine tanks. Replace with a small Marine Pure block for biological capacity without trapping detritus.

Wavemaker Additions

Fusion tanks ship with modest flow. Add a Sicce Voyager Nano 2000 on Fusion 10, a pair on Fusion 14 and 20 opposed for gyre flow, or upgrade to AI Nero 3s for app control. Magnet-mount pumps hold firmly on the 8mm Fusion glass. Target 30-40x tank-volume flow including the return for mixed reef, higher for SPS-dominant layouts.

Lighting Pairings

The Fusion 10 pairs cleanly with a single AI Prime 16HD on the IM Ghost Arm bracket; Fusion 14 takes a single Prime or Kessil A360X; Fusion 20 benefits from two Primes or a single AI Hydra 26HD. Programme via myAI with a standard AB+ spectrum ramping to 60-70% intensity over an 8-hour photoperiod. The IM Ghost Arms integrate cleanly with Prime mounts.

Common Problems

Microbubbles from the skimmer reaching the return pump are the usual complaint on un-modded Fusions. A sponge pre-filter on the return pump intake solves this without adding chambers. Overheating in Singapore ambient rooms pushes Fusion 10s to 29°C easily — a clip-on fan or small TECO TK500 chiller teed into the return line holds 25-26°C comfortably.

Related Reading

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All In One Reef Tank Comparison
Best Protein Skimmers Nano Reef
Nano Reef ATO Setup Guide
Nano Reef Lighting PAR Requirements