AIO or Sump for a beginner?

[Patrick M Bodega Aquatics]

Hello! I am looking to start my first saltwater aquarium after 10+ years in the freshwater world and I am very new to the sump concept. Do you recommend a AIO (specifically a Waterbox 50.3 or 65.4) or a sump system (something like a Waterbox frag or Marinex). Thanks!

 

[Uncle99]

Sump is larger.
Can be sectioned off for different water treatments and fuge.

 

[Macbalacano]

Personally, I really think a sump will give you more flexibility/options/room as you progress in the hobby and as your tank grows more mature!

Having a sump is just as simple/complex in my experience as an AIO.

 

[Specific Ocean]

I cast my vote for sump.

The plumbing and set up for a sump it confusing and a bit difficult, but once you get it working, it's pays off

An AIO is easy but requires a bit more maintenance and there's not much room for additions.

 

[AnotherReefHobbyist]

I would recommend AIO for a beginner, just as far as simplicity goes. Although in a tank of that size I would say go with a sump whether a beginner or not.

here’s my vote for sump! ( plus all the cool kids have sumps , well I don’t, but I guess I’m not a cool kid )

 

[Brewski262]

My vote for sump.. as you grow in the salt world you can add way more to it down the road vs an AIO your limited to what it comes with.. plus if you ever upgrade tanks that's just another piece of equipment that is transferrable. You also get more water volume in your system which is a strong benefit

 

[ReefRusty]

+1on sump

 

[1guydude]

I will vote sump. I would say hang on back equipment or aio but you will go sump eventually anyway.
D

 

[Research Monkey]

I went with an AIO 20 gallon as I wanted to start with something smaller. I think if I would have started with a 40 gallon + tank I would have went with a sump. Hell, I can already see a 100+ gallon tank in my future and i've only been at this a few months.

 

[Zwogle]

I’m glad I started off with an AIO, it simplified what I could add, only so much space and focus on the basics of water changes. Depending on the size you want to start with, a AIO where a 5 gallon weekly water is more than enough to keep up with parameters and nutrient export really streamlines the maintenance.

 

[Jeffcb]

Sump.

 

[DarkReefer]

I went with an AIO 20 gallon as I wanted to start with something smaller. I think if I would have started with a 40 gallon + tank I would have went with a sump. Hell, I can already see a 100+ gallon tank in my future and i've only been at this a few months.

LOL I'm in the same boat. Bought a Waterbox 70.2 and already want something much larger, but I also want a nano!

+1 sump, it's a bit to get your head around though (at least it was for me!)