Best AIO

Bran8409 · Mar 6, 2024

Out of the AIO I am in between water box and innovated marine. Which is the better of the two?

Tommy B · Mar 6, 2024

I really like my WB 25 peninsula. Build quality is on point.

TX_REEF · Mar 6, 2024

Haven't owned either, but have "researched" both. If it was for me, I'd go with waterbox.

Waterbox is a tank manufacturer, IM is an "everything reef related" manufacturer. "You can't be the best at everything"...

Bran8409 · Mar 6, 2024

Tommy B said:
I really like my WB 25 peninsula. Build quality is on point.

I am looking at 40gal plus

Bran8409 · Mar 6, 2024

TX_REEF said:
Haven't owned either, but have "researched" both. If it was for me, I'd go with waterbox.

Waterbox is a tank manufacturer, IM is an "everything reef related" manufacturer. "You can't be the best at everything"...

Ok thank you

TX_REEF · Mar 6, 2024

Bran8409 said:
I am looking at 40gal plus

Can I ask though - if you're looking at 40 gal+, why not go with a sump system? So many pros to having a sump.

steveschuerger · Mar 6, 2024

I’ve had two IM AIO tanks a Nuvo Pro 30l and SR60. Loved them both.

JoJosReef · Mar 6, 2024

2 IM AIO tanks: Nuvo 10g and Nuvo 40L (40 gal long). Love them both.

Bran8409 · Mar 6, 2024

TX_REEF said:
Can I ask though - if you're looking at 40 gal+, why not go with a sump system? So many pros to having a sump.

I travel for work. So I am gone from week to week. I feel like it would be easier to get a AIO for the convenience. Plus I am unfamiliar with sumps. Everything seems complicated about it. Scared me lol

dakoop · Mar 6, 2024

+1 on sump.

TX_REEF · Mar 6, 2024

Bran8409 said:
I travel for work. So I am gone from week to week. I feel like it would be easier to get a AIO for the convenience. Plus I am unfamiliar with sumps. Everything seems complicated about it. Scared me lol

sump actually makes things much easier. All your equipment consolidated and out of sight, easy to run auto top off (must-have if you travel for multiple days regularly), extra water volume for stability.

WhalesLovePineapple · Mar 7, 2024

TX_REEF said:
Haven't owned either, but have "researched" both. If it was for me, I'd go with waterbox.

Waterbox is a tank manufacturer, IM is an "everything reef related" manufacturer. "You can't be the best at everything"...

I'm shopping around for AIOs too. Can you elaborate on why waterbox is a tank manufacturer and IM isn't?

TX_REEF · Mar 7, 2024

WhalesLovePineapple said:
I'm shopping around for AIOs too. Can you elaborate on why waterbox is a tank manufacturer and IM isn't?

I didn't say that IM is not a tank manufacturer, I said Waterbox' primary and majority business is tanks, whereas IM provides a vast array of aquatic products. Not saying they aren't good, but I personally would lean towards a bespoke manufacturer rather than a jack of all trades. Just my opinion.

jkcoral · Mar 7, 2024

I’ve had innovative marine tanks for a decade and have been a big fan since the start. Currently have the SR-80, and it is great. I have a 30L and a 20g in the garage as well.

They are good tanks.

steveschuerger · Mar 7, 2024

jkcoral said:
I’ve had innovative marine tanks for a decade and have been a big fan since the start. Currently have the SR-80, and it is great. I have a 30L and a 20g in the garage as well.

They are good tanks.

If I ever have the proper space and cha ching I’d go SR-120 for sure.

steveschuerger · Mar 7, 2024

TX_REEF said:
I didn't say that IM is not a tank manufacturer, I said Waterbox' primary and majority business is tanks, whereas IM provides a vast array of aquatic products. Not saying they aren't good, but I personally would lean towards a bespoke manufacturer rather than a jack of all trades. Just my opinion.

Admittedly I almost went WaterBox but I’m had the package I was looking for and it was on sale , at least the first time., at BRS. Second time it was the combination of liking the product, being on sale and most importantly the right size/footprint. I will say I’ll never buy one of their Helios Heaters again. Had two failed , the second DOA.

VintageReefer · Mar 7, 2024

What’s your budget? What size tank would be ideal ?

I have a Waterbox 15 peninsula and it’s good quality

Resilient · Mar 7, 2024

Bran8409 said:
I travel for work. So I am gone from week to week. I feel like it would be easier to get a AIO for the convenience. Plus I am unfamiliar with sumps. Everything seems complicated about it. Scared me lol

In my experience having gotten a tank with a sump for the first time, everything is easier and more convenient. There is space for all the equipment under the tank. If I need to add or remove equipment, it is much simpler. If something needs replacing, I have more flexibility with what to replace it with.

I can't really think of a single thing that is made harder by having a sump...

WhalesLovePineapple · Mar 7, 2024

TX_REEF said:
I didn't say that IM is not a tank manufacturer, I said Waterbox' primary and majority business is tanks, whereas IM provides a vast array of aquatic products. Not saying they aren't good, but I personally would lean towards a bespoke manufacturer rather than a jack of all trades. Just my opinion.

I understood your point, I just didn't word it correctly.

What I meant to ask is what makes you think that waterbox is primarily in the tank business and IM is a jack of all trades?

I'm looking at both websites and they both offer tanks and additional equipment. Waterbox even makes their own salt.

TX_REEF · Mar 7, 2024

WhalesLovePineapple said:
I understood your point, I just didn't word it correctly.

What I meant to ask is what makes you think that waterbox is primarily in the tank business and IM is a jack of all trades?

I'm looking at both websites and they both offer tanks and additional equipment. Waterbox even makes their own salt.

if you check the Waterbox product listing, most of the non-tank-non-stand items are actual made by other vendors