AIO vs Sump

[Swbvegas]

I'd like to start a new tank. I'm debating on AIO vs Sump and I'd like to get some opinions. Also some suggestions for builds. My budget is $1,000 and I'm looking to house a clown harem tank.

Thank you!

 

[Shawn H!]

I'd like to start a new tank. I'm debating on AIO vs Sump and I'd like to get some opinions. Also some suggestions for builds. My budget is $1,000 and I'm looking to house a clown harem tank.

Thank you!

I have a waterbox peninsula 25 gallon AIO that I bought used and like it so far. It came with a protein skimmer, ATO, INKBIRD thermometer, and an MP10 wave maker. I got a really good deal on it so I couldn’t pass it up. If you don’t already have a marine tank Just make sure you account for all of the must haves. Salt, sand live rock, testing kits / meters etc. That stuff adds up quick.
I have had mine almost 2 months and have 4 clowns and a bubble tip and so far everything is good.

 

[cwerner]

If you have the space, then a sump is almost always better, speaking as someone with a 50 gallon AIO.

AIO's look very sleek and nice, they CAN look great, but in practice as you install nice equipment that actually works rather than the low-profile (and generally low performance) equipment that comes with the AIO, it will start looking significantly less sleek than before. You'll also just have so much more room in the sump.

I'm not trying to bash AIO's. Actually the contrary. IMO they're at their best with nano aquariums where space is a premium and you want a non-traditional stand and can do frequent water changes to maintain water quality without having to wear your back and knee's out carting 5 gallon buckets around.

 

[Swbvegas]

I'm sorry but how do AIO tanks make water changes easier? Don't you still have to siphon and replace even if it's not AIO?

 

[cwerner]

I'm sorry but how do AIO tanks make water changes easier? Don't you still have to siphon and replace even if it's not AIO?

They don't make them easier, they're just usually smaller, hence easier to do water changes.

 

[blaxsun]

Sump. The extra you spend now will save you $$ later on having to pay a premium for nano-sized equipment.

 

[JoJosReef]

If you have the space, then a sump is almost always better, speaking as someone with a 50 gallon AIO.

AIO's look very sleek and nice, they CAN look great, but in practice as you install nice equipment that actually works rather than the low-profile (and generally low performance) equipment that comes with the AIO, it will start looking significantly less sleek than before. You'll also just have so much more room in the sump.

I'm not trying to bash AIO's. Actually the contrary. IMO they're at their best with nano aquariums where space is a premium and you want a non-traditional stand and can do frequent water changes to maintain water quality without having to wear your back and knee's out carting 5 gallon buckets around.

I like your tank!!

 

[JoJosReef]

Sump seems to have advantages over AIO, although I've only had 3 AIOs.

Some considerations where an AIO wins:
1. Safety: if you can't afford a plumbing failure, AIOs have failsafes where the water doesn't go over the glass. All water in one box, so little chance of flooding.
2. Well, that's all I can think of

I think it would be very cool to design a tank-level AIO sump, full size. So you have your display, then an overflow that goes into a glass front/side refugium that's about 10-20 gal, with an overflow on the black back that goes into a 20-40 gal AIO sump blacked out that fits a big fleece roller/big skimmer/UV/scrubber/reactors/whatever, then big return to your display, with cutout emergency overflows all about. Whole system in one giant glass box. Stand below can be just equipment like dosing/ATO/mini fridge/freezer.

 

[7of9]

For me, it kind of depends on size. I love nano tanks and for those, I don’t need the space for tons of equipment, so I’m not sure a sump would gain me anything besides headaches. For smaller tanks, I think AIO’s are perfect, but once you reach a certain size where you’re going to want a larger skimmer or other equipment, then an AIO becomes more of a headache than a benefit.

What size tank are you thinking?

 

[Swbvegas]

For me, it kind of depends on size. I love nano tanks and for those, I don’t need the space for tons of equipment, so I’m not sure a sump would gain me anything besides headaches. For smaller tanks, I think AIO’s are perfect, but once you reach a certain size where you’re going to want a larger skimmer or other equipment, then an AIO becomes more of a headache than a benefit.

What size tank are you thinking?

Around 45 gallons.

 

[7of9]

Around 45 gallons.

That’s kind of on the cusp of going either way. I run a 32g AIO and don’t feel a sump is necessary, but if I went to 50 or above I’d probably want one.

 

[dangles]

The nano equipment is only a problem if you feel you need to actually get it!

Honestly I love my 50 AIO. If you don’t overstock or over-feed, you won’t need a skimmer. Just keep up with water changes, which aren’t as big of a deal on smaller tanks like what you want. I was listening to a Reef Therapy episode yesterday where Jake and Mark were talking about that specifically. There’s just no need for a skimmer on a small tank if you’re consistent with water changes. They suggested that even testing/dosing is much less needed - if you keep up with water changes.

AIO = simplicity, and the opportunity to cut some big costs out of the equation.

Sumps have distinct advantages. But cost savings is NOT one of them.

 

[7of9]

The nano equipment is only a problem if you feel you need to actually get it!

Honestly I love my 50 AIO. If you don’t overstock or over-feed, you won’t need a skimmer. Just keep up with water changes, which aren’t as big of a deal on smaller tanks like what you want. I was listening to a Reef Therapy episode yesterday where Jake and Mark were talking about that specifically. There’s just no need for a skimmer on a small tank if you’re consistent with water changes. They suggested that even testing/dosing is much less needed - if you keep up with water changes.

AIO = simplicity, and the opportunity to cut some big costs out of the equation.

Sumps have distinct advantages. But cost savings is NOT one of them.

I see the headaches some of the bigger tank owners have and I'm thankful I have only had nanos, even if it limits what I can keep. I don't have to worry about a bulkhead or valve leaking. I don't have to worry about which skimmer to use or all the equipment in a sump. I just feel like an AIO nano is so much more manageable, even with weekly water changes. I've seen so many people struggle when they move from an AIO to a bigger system with a sump.

I'm sure they get over the hurdle and everyone seems to love their bigger tanks with a sump once they're used to them, but if you're on a budget or newer to the hobby or just want something with a little less equipment to deal with, I love AIO's.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

i gotta say that planning and plumbing your own sump gives you tremendous satisfaction and pride that you can never get from an AIO. But not everyone cares about this, so to each his own.

For me the deciding factor would be the budget, $1000 is a small budget to buy everything independently, I think the money would go further with an AIO. Depending what size tank you want, lighting alone can take up most of that budget. Lighting on my 40 breeder cost me more than $1000

 

[Swbvegas]

i gotta say that planning and plumbing your own sump gives you tremendous satisfaction and pride that you can never get from an AIO. But not everyone cares about this, so to each his own.

For me the deciing factor would be the budget, $1000 is a small budget to buy everything independently, I think the money would go further with an AIO. Depending what size tank you want, lighting alone can take up most of that budget. Lighting on my 40 breeder cost me more than $1000

I'm currently running a 75g with HOB and canister filter that I want to upgrade. I already have lighting etc. Literally just want to upgrade my filtration for the longer term so I can continue to invest in corals and watch my fish be successful. I fully plan on upgrading equipment as needed but I have a $1000 to purchase stand+tank, I should have been more specifically.

 

[CBonito]

If you wanted to keep a clown harem with clowns and anemones, an AIO with live rock and skimmer would do. Yes.
I wouldn't go too small with it though.

If you wanted to upgrade in the future, you're kind of limited to what fits in the compartment. What else would you NEED? That's subjective and case by case. But yes you could do clowns and probably quite nicely.
I always prefer to opt for a sump.

If I were to buy an AIO at this point, I would definitely go acrylic.

This would be a beauty...and it's offered in several decent sizes. Could be a really nice display if done right.

REF#: AIO131 - All-In-One Show Tank w/ Plumbing Parts (6 sizes available)

Look no further!!! This display tank has it all. It consists of a built-in filtration system on the back end and all of the plumbing parts. Made with 3/4" thick Cell Cast acrylic Width of black All-In-One wall is 4.5"(W) Dual Flush 4" sock holder Dual Drains Dual 1/2" Bulkhead Returns All...

advancedacrylics.com

They're making my tank right now.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I'm currently running a 75g with HOB and canister filter that I want to upgrade. I already have lighting etc. Literally just want to upgrade my filtration for the longer term so I can continue to invest in corals and watch my fish be successful. I fully plan on upgrading equipment as needed but I have a $1000 to purchase stand+tank, I should have been more specifically.

That makes sense.

I spent $200 for 40 breeder $450 for stand $50 for 20 gallon sump $250 for bubble magus curve skimmer about $100 for plumbing parts so just about $1000. I am not a DIY guy and found this both easy and difficult but extremely gratifying like I mentioned.

Or you can get a beautiful 25-30 gallon AIO waterbox or Red Sea tank and stand somewhere around that price point.

It’s up to you and your style. Good luck.

 

[Conchman]

I have had a 20IM and an SCA with sump. For me, the tank I am now planning will have a sump. AIO's are ok, but I found it taxing cramming everything in...AIO's for budget maybe and ease, sumps for the rest...personal choice...

 

[CBonito]

I have had a 20IM and an SCA with sump. For me, the tank I am now planning will have a sump. AIO's are ok, but I found it taxing cramming everything in...AIO's for budget maybe and ease, sumps for the rest...personal choice...

It is, it's an unwinnable war.