I have a IM nuvo 25 with only sps corals running aquaforest. I down graded from a full blown stocked 210 gallon mixed reef with 55 gallon sump. So my thoughts are that the red seas arw the best but the most expensive. IM nuvo line would come in second at an affordable price. Then JBJ. And finally oceanianic. But truley none of the AIO aquariums have a wide enough sump to fit a decent protein skimmer. My next tank will have a sump again.
Greybeard
2500 Club Member
I've some experience with the Coralife Bio-Cube and JBJ tanks that look similar to the Bio-Cube.
I'd not recommend either to someone interested in growing corals. Can it be done? Sure... I've seen some gorgeous bio-cube reefs, but they don't make it easy. A big sump just gives you so many options.
If you consider the red sea systems with a full sump an 'all in one', then my vote would go that way. Waterbox makes a nice system, too. I don't know that I'd call these 'all in one' systems, but they do take care of all of the planning for you
As for true AIO system, the IM line appears to be well designed, though I've no personal experience with one.
I'd not recommend either to someone interested in growing corals. Can it be done? Sure... I've seen some gorgeous bio-cube reefs, but they don't make it easy. A big sump just gives you so many options.
If you consider the red sea systems with a full sump an 'all in one', then my vote would go that way. Waterbox makes a nice system, too. I don't know that I'd call these 'all in one' systems, but they do take care of all of the planning for you
As for true AIO system, the IM line appears to be well designed, though I've no personal experience with one.
I would stay away from an AIO with the filter built into the back of the tank. I have a Nuvo 40 and quickly found there just isn't enough room for what I want "need" to put back there. An AIO like a Red Sea Reefer with a sump is pretty nice. The best is putting your own system together...but not everyone wants to do that.
Midrats
Valuable Member
Red Sea Max tanks are nice if you are looking for a sumpless tank with a rear filtration chamber. As mentioned, being beholden to the tight dimensions of an AIO chamber can be limiting. Personally, I'd just buy a nice frameless tank and use Tunze Comline equipment. They have very small filters and skimmers that affix unobtrusively into a corner with magnetic mounts.
