AIO Tank recommendations please, Thinking about getting back in the game.

[jabberwock]

After a blowout/meltdown awhile back, I am considering a return to the hobby. I had a tank crack and following a frantic livestock rescue mission, and a significant loss of time and dollars, I hung it up. I had a 32 gallon AIO, and I would be somewhere in the same ball park size wise. Slightly bigger, slightly smaller would be ok, but not a cube configuration. I found that I do not like the vertical nature of a cube configuration. I would be looking at a YWG, some type of fire fish, a possum wrasse, cleaner shrimp and CUC. Maybe one or two additional TOTALLY PEACEFUL fish (code for no clownfish). I do like a sand tiger conch too. I saw a AOI conversion kit for a 40 gallon breeder from Fiji Cube and I am intrigued by that. Anyone have experience with those? Any other recommendations are welcome. Thanks for looking.

 

[Woodyman]

@Tenecor Aquariums has an AIO drop in for 40B as well. They also have a full lineup of AIO tanks as well.

I recently picked one up, it's still early in the setup game, but some images and a review are in my build thread.

 

[blaxsun]

You could look at the Fluval line, ie: 13.5 Evo or 32.5 Flex?

 

[jabberwock]

@Tenecor Aquariums has an AIO drop in for 40B as well. They also have a full lineup of AIO tanks as well.

I recently picked one up, it's still early in the setup game, but some images and a review are in my build thread.

Great! I will check them out. Thanks

 

[jabberwock]

You could look at the Fluval line, ie: 13.5 Evo or 32.5 Flex?

Oh Yes, the Fluval 13.5 is on my radar. Maybe it is a little on the small side though? I have a 15 gallon flex I used for fresh water and I really just do not like the curved front. Too much of a pain to clean. The Flex 15 will probably be my hospital tank if I rebuild.

Thanks you for the suggestions!

 

[jabberwock]

This is the direction I am leaning. Any red flags?

30L NUVO Fusion PRO 2 AIO Aquarium Bundle - Innovative Marine

A Small Slice of the Ocean with Sophistication and Style! Build a welcoming environment for yourself with the most advanced AIO in its class. Keeping in line with the features of their award-winning successor, the Fusion 30 Long has super-wide display making aquascaping fun and the redesigned...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Reefahholic]

I like Innovative Marine. They continue to build sweet AIO’s.

 

[Bpp124987]

Innovative marine tanks are, imo, wonderful. Great stands too, which matters a lot!

 

[polyppal]

This is the direction I am leaning. Any red flags?

30L NUVO Fusion PRO 2 AIO Aquarium Bundle - Innovative Marine

A Small Slice of the Ocean with Sophistication and Style! Build a welcoming environment for yourself with the most advanced AIO in its class. Keeping in line with the features of their award-winning successor, the Fusion 30 Long has super-wide display making aquascaping fun and the redesigned...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

yup, go for an innovative marine with the Maxijet return pump

 

[jabberwock]

I appreciate the responses. I am almost ready to pull the trigger.

 

[jabberwock]

I think I will go with the 25 lagoon! Tank is 23.62 inches wide, the stand I already have is 23.75 inches wide... Is that too tight?

 

[Bpp124987]

You’re probably good but the im stands are soooooooo nice and worth it

 

[Who me?]

Cobalt C-Vue 18 gallon AIO.

They also make a 40 gallon and 50 gallon but both are currently out of stock.

 

[Who me?]

Also have you considered not going AIO?

If you want the simplicity of no sump, you can just drop a hob filter on the tank. Oase now makes one with built in heater so you won't have any equipment in the display.

 

[jabberwock]

I appreciate the suggestions! I love to be able to come to this site and tap into soooo much knowledge and experience! I have identified a potential additional stand, so I may not be so limited by dimensions. The search continues...

 

[BrotatoSalad]

This is the direction I am leaning. Any red flags?

30L NUVO Fusion PRO 2 AIO Aquarium Bundle - Innovative Marine

A Small Slice of the Ocean with Sophistication and Style! Build a welcoming environment for yourself with the most advanced AIO in its class. Keeping in line with the features of their award-winning successor, the Fusion 30 Long has super-wide display making aquascaping fun and the redesigned...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I have had a lagoon for 5 or 6 years at this point. Set it up in college, moved it with me when I moved out, drained and sat in a corner for a year, and recently refilled. The glass thickness seems "over-engineered" and the seals are clean. Based on my experience, I could definitely recommend any of the AIOs from IM. The only downside is you're fairly limited on skimmers if you want to add one.

 

[bnord]

Good, make your decision wisely. I have a 15 gallon water box and my son has a 40 gallon innovative marine. Particularly like the stand on the I M. Both these tanks are top drawer and don’t think you can go wrong with either company

 

[jabberwock]

I have had a lagoon for 5 or 6 years at this point. Set it up in college, moved it with me when I moved out, drained and sat in a corner for a year, and recently refilled. The glass thickness seems "over-engineered" and the seals are clean. Based on my experience, I could definitely recommend any of the AIOs from IM. The only downside is you're fairly limited on skimmers if you want to add one.

Good pointers. Thank you, I am going with a light bio-load (just a few peaceful fish). Not really planning on a skimmer. Can anyone talk me out of that decision?

 

[jabberwock]

My wife has recently approved of revisiting this "healthy hobby"... if not cheap...

I am looking forward to it. Perhaps I will do a build thread?

 

[Who me?]

Good pointers. Thank you, I am going with a light bio-load (just a few peaceful fish). Not really planning on a skimmer. Can anyone talk me out of that decision?

I have a waterbox20 with no skimmer.
Two clowns and blue neon goby. Assorted LPS and SPS... I run purigen and seagel 24/7 and dose microbacter 7 and microbacter clean weekly. I tried a skimmer and there was very little skimmate.

I do run a skimmer in my moderately stocked 46 gallon. I dry skim and pull almost a full cup every week of dark sludge.

If you truly intend on keeping the stock low, a skimmer is almost useless.