best tank for my situation

[52728299]

Leakage is not an issue for rimless - especially at this size. In fact given how cheaply the rimmed ones are built, I do not believe they give you any edge.

I live in an apartment. Here is my 25g with stand and eshops HOB overflow I set up in 2019. The tank and the stand cost 500. The tank was $250 on its own. The 10g range was more like 80-90 - they are much cheaper because of the thinner glass. This was obviously pre-Covid.

I recommend this for the op

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

I recommend this for the op

Riiight lol ... $250 pre covid ... can't imagine post covid price now and in Canada

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

Leakage is not an issue for rimless - especially at this size. In fact given how cheaply the rimmed ones are built, I do not believe they give you any edge.

I live in an apartment. Here is my 25g with stand and eshops HOB overflow I set up in 2019. The tank and the stand cost 500. The tank was $250 on its own. The 10g range was more like 80-90 - they are much cheaper because of the thinner glass. This was obviously pre-Covid.

I asked a lfs about aquarium hob... he said hob have worse filtration than AIO type... is that true? or is he trying to push the sale tactic to buy AIO from him?



Someone from reddit suggested IM fusion 15g cube 15x15x15" for $150 CDN

Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion - 15 AIO Cube Aquarium - Desktop Starter Kit

Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion - 15 AIO Cube Aquarium - Desktop Starter Kit ships from Toronto, Canada

aquariumdepot.ca

A lfs like an hour away from me.. designed and built their own tank reef case studio 12g - 15x16x11" - starting at $209 CDN

It got a bigger chamber to fit any nano skimmer for example

Studio 12 All In One Aquarium Review & Set Up

Studio 12 All In One Aquarium Review & Set Up “There it is” I said to myself as I looked at the box containing my new Reef Casa Studio 12 tank sitting on the floor. Beside it was about 10 pounds of Staxx rock, just waiting to be turned into the perfect aquascape, as well [...]

reefcasa.com

the other two options are

- fluval 13.5g costs $250 CDN
- 20g long costs $80 CDN with hob or air drop in kit priced $150 CDN

 

[Sordfish]

I asked a lfs about aquarium hob... he said hob have worse filtration than AIO type... is that true? or is he trying to push the sale tactic to buy AIO from him?



Someone from reddit suggested IM fusion 15g cube 15x15x15" for $150 CDN

Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion - 15 AIO Cube Aquarium - Desktop Starter Kit

Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion - 15 AIO Cube Aquarium - Desktop Starter Kit ships from Toronto, Canada

aquariumdepot.ca

A lfs like an hour away from me.. designed and built their own tank reef case studio 12g - 15x16x11" - starting at $209 CDN

It got a bigger chamber to fit any nano skimmer for example

Studio 12 All In One Aquarium Review & Set Up

Studio 12 All In One Aquarium Review & Set Up “There it is” I said to myself as I looked at the box containing my new Reef Casa Studio 12 tank sitting on the floor. Beside it was about 10 pounds of Staxx rock, just waiting to be turned into the perfect aquascape, as well [...]

reefcasa.com

the other two options are

- fluval 13.5g costs $250 CDN
- 20g long costs $80 CDN with hob or air drop in kit priced $150 CDN

If you are talking about HOB filters that are used in freshwater tanks, they have some challenges for reef tanks. I used them for freshwater tanks in the past but their volume is typically too small for sufficient filter materials and the flow is really inadequate. I have seen posts where people made larger ones like the aquaclear 70 work for tanks in the 40g range but for the tank sizes you are talking about I would expect them to be rather poor solutions.

Also for a 15g tank, you really do not need a skimmer. Water changes are so easy (I simply use a pitcher to do my water changes) that they can take care of any nutrient issues. Your filter needs instead focuse on floss for removing particles, carbon etc. for chemical and bio media.

I own a fluval 13. I started out my reefing hobby with one. I upgraded to my current setup after a year. I simply outgrew it. It is a very nice tank and I now use it as my planted betta tank. The drawback is the lid. It is almost water tight so evaporation is minimal but it made working on the tank an awful experience. Every time I picked it up it dripped everywhere. Also The light rests loosely on the lid and so that made removing the lid awkward. And finally, I couldn’t see a thing to work on since the light needs to be removed when the lid is off. I promptly got a mesh lid and a new light which greatly increased the cost.

Fragbox is my local lfs. I am there monthly and got all my fish and corals from them. They are very nice and super willing to help. If I were buying a small tank today, I’d buy their reefcasa. It addresses all of the lid related issues with the EVO in my opinion.

I have never owned an IM tank before so I can’t comment on the tank. However I did deal with aquarium depot on a number of occasions to order hard to find supplies. They were always great to work with. If you decide to go with the IM make sure to ask them the availability- I noticed it is on back order and things are not always easy to get now.

Good luck.

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

If you are talking about HOB filters that are used in freshwater tanks, they have some challenges for reef tanks. I used them for freshwater tanks in the past but their volume is typically too small for sufficient filter materials and the flow is really inadequate. I have seen posts where people made larger ones like the aquaclear 70 work for tanks in the 40g range but for the tank sizes you are talking about I would expect them to be rather poor solutions.

Also for a 15g tank, you really do not need a skimmer. Water changes are so easy (I simply use a pitcher to do my water changes) that they can take care of any nutrient issues. Your filter needs instead focuse on floss for removing particles, carbon etc. for chemical and bio media.

I own a fluval 13. I started out my reefing hobby with one. I upgraded to my current setup after a year. I simply outgrew it. It is a very nice tank and I now use it as my planted betta tank. The drawback is the lid. It is almost water tight so evaporation is minimal but it made working on the tank an awful experience. Every time I picked it up it dripped everywhere. Also The light rests loosely on the lid and so that made removing the lid awkward. And finally, I couldn’t see a thing to work on since the light needs to be removed when the lid is off. I promptly got a mesh lid and a new light which greatly increased the cost.

Fragbox is my local lfs. I am there monthly and got all my fish and corals from them. They are very nice and super willing to help. If I were buying a small tank today, I’d buy their reefcasa. It addresses all of the lid related issues with the EVO in my opinion.

I have never owned an IM tank before so I can’t comment on the tank. However I did deal with aquarium depot on a number of occasions to order hard to find supplies. They were always great to work with. If you decide to go with the IM make sure to ask them the availability- I noticed it is on back order and things are not always easy to get now.

Good luck.

Guess the lfs was right about the hob filter lol

Yeah I already thought of not using the fluval lid anyway since the light is meh and get the mesh lid and better lighting

The IM 15g cube is a new tank coming out... that why it back ordered... coming out in October. It very similar to reef casa except it 4inches taller, 3 more gallon and $150 comparing to reef casa at $209. I rather wait fir review on reef casa to see how people like ir or not

 

[Rtaylor]

If budget is a primary concern and you’re a little handy, you can diy your own AIO very inexpensively. You just need a few pieces of cut acrylic or glass and silicone (also Weldon if using acrylic). Just another option to consider.

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

If budget is a primary concern and you’re a little handy, you can diy your own AIO very inexpensively. You just need a few pieces of cut acrylic or glass and silicone (also Weldon if using acrylic). Just another option to consider.

Yeah I'm handy but not that handy to risk it lol

Or do 20 gallon long ... ain't gonna be the prettiest thing like the usual AIO rimless look ... at least biggest volume I can do at a good price

 

[Sailaway]

Hi

i'm new to saltwater

I'm trying to decide the best tank for my situation. I live in a 600sqft so I have limited space to what size tank I can do. I'm thinking my options are:

1. fluval evo 13.5g
2. 10g standard with hob
3. 20g long with AIO drop in kit
4. 20g long with hob
5. 29g standard with hob
6. 29g standard with AIO drop in kit

I want somewhat cost effective for the tank... Like is it really worth getting 29g for example?..which mean bigger cost for sand, rock, water change, bigger/stronger filter/skimmer/wave etc ... Also better to get wider than taller tank like 20 gallon long... I am not planning to get a bigger tank, this is it lol

Is the AIO kit route more expensive overall which is $150 Canadian for the kit plus filter basket, pump, heater, wavemaker, possible skimmer and it got 2 chambers unlike the typical AIO tanks that come with 3 chambers.The HOB route got the hob filter, wavemaker, heater, possible skimmer

the HOB most likely not appealing aesthetic wise with those items hanging behind and sticking out comparing to AIO which I can put a clean rectangle shape mesh lid on top. I do like the AIO with the seamless rimless looking tanks and clearer look with the low iron glass but more $$$ lol

what are your opinions about it?

My EVO has been great so far, fairly easy but you do need to watch parameters closely since they can change fairly quickly in a nano tank.

 

[Aaron75]

I asked a lfs about aquarium hob... he said hob have worse filtration than AIO type... is that true? or is he trying to push the sale tactic to buy AIO from him?



Someone from reddit suggested IM fusion 15g cube 15x15x15" for $150 CDN

Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion - 15 AIO Cube Aquarium - Desktop Starter Kit

Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion - 15 AIO Cube Aquarium - Desktop Starter Kit ships from Toronto, Canada

aquariumdepot.ca

A lfs like an hour away from me.. designed and built their own tank reef case studio 12g - 15x16x11" - starting at $209 CDN

It got a bigger chamber to fit any nano skimmer for example

Studio 12 All In One Aquarium Review & Set Up

Studio 12 All In One Aquarium Review & Set Up “There it is” I said to myself as I looked at the box containing my new Reef Casa Studio 12 tank sitting on the floor. Beside it was about 10 pounds of Staxx rock, just waiting to be turned into the perfect aquascape, as well [...]

reefcasa.com

the other two options are

- fluval 13.5g costs $250 CDN
- 20g long costs $80 CDN with hob or air drop in kit priced $150 CDN

Lol hi! I think I had that conversation with you on Reddit!

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

Lol hi! I think I had that conversation with you on Reddit!

Raptors87? Lol

 

[Sump Crab]

29g or 40b with hob skimmer, internal powerhead, and no filter.

 

[Aaron75]

Raptors87? Lol

Lol yep!

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

29g or 40b with hob skimmer, internal powerhead, and no filter.

Can't do that big... have a small condo... only space i can do it is there..

 

[Sump Crab]

Can't do that big... have a small condo... only space i can do it is there..

29g it is then! I ran one for a number of years and loved the dimensions. I would advise against the aio drop ins as you lose a lot of valuable real estate.

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

29g it is then! I ran one for a number of years and loved the dimensions. I would advise against the aio drop ins as you lose a lot of valuable real estate.

Was told by lfs owner that hob filter are not the greatest option. It really limits me on my filtration options. If i have an algae outbreak, it’s going to take me 3x+ longer to deal with it generally.

Aio drop in kit... can't be that bad .. it 4" thick off the length... by mathematical.. it at least 25g left to play with

 

[Sump Crab]

Was told by lfs owner that hob filter are not the greatest option. It really limits me on my filtration options. If i have an algae outbreak, it’s going to take me 3x+ longer to deal with it generally.

Aio drop in kit... can't be that bad .. it 4" thick off the length... by mathematical.. it at least 25g left to play with

a 29 gallon tank is 12” front to back so adding a 4” aio filter would turn that 12” into only 8” front to back. To me that is way too “thin” front to back. If that works for you then definitely do it. I guess I don’t understand why a hob filter for carbon and filter floss and a hob skimmer for skimmate would be inferior to an aio insert. I have lots of experience runnning AIO systems, sump systems, and HOB style systems and if it were me I would run the hob style filters in a standard 29 gallon. If you want an AIO then you should buy a tank made as one at a factory as the dimensions will be thought out better considering the massive filtration system in the back.

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

a 29 gallon tank is 12” front to back so adding a 4” aio filter would turn that 12” into only 8” front to back. To me that is way too “thin” front to back. If that works for you then definitely do it. I guess I don’t understand why a hob filter for carbon and filter floss and a hob skimmer for skimmate would be inferior to an aio insert. I have lots of experience runnning AIO systems, sump systems, and HOB style systems and if it were me I would run the hob style filters in a standard 29 gallon. If you want an AIO then you should buy a tank made as one at a factory as the dimensions will be thought out better considering the massive filtration system in the back.

put the aio kit on the side of the tank ... length is 30.25"... 4" aio cut off, it 26.25" x 12"... see the pics in the link below

Fiji Cube AIO Box All-In-One Kit 4th Gen - 29 Gallon Standard

Fiji Cube AIO Box All-In-One Kit 4th Gen - 29 Gallon Standard ships from Toronto, Canada

aquariumdepot.ca

Don't know on aio vs hob ... since I'm not experience enough to know both side performances unless he trying to push a sale on me (shrug) I don't know

 

[Sump Crab]

put the aio kit on the side of the tank ... length is 30.25"... 4" aio cut off, it 26.25" x 12"... see the pics in the link below

Fiji Cube AIO Box All-In-One Kit 4th Gen - 29 Gallon Standard

Fiji Cube AIO Box All-In-One Kit 4th Gen - 29 Gallon Standard ships from Toronto, Canada

aquariumdepot.ca

Don't know on aio vs hob ... since I'm not experience enough to know both side performances unless he trying to push a sale on me (shrug) I don't know

Well that is definitely less intrusive than I had imagined I still think that a HOB filter with floss/carbon plus a HOB skimmer would give you a lot more filtration capabilities. I can see the attraction for the AIO setup though as it would look more modern and you never have to worry about a potential overflow issue from the skimmer or even clogged hob filter.

I would be suspicious of the LFS store saying that the filtration would be far superior with the AIO because that simply isn’t true. HOB skimmers are made for tanks up to 100 gallons and HOB filters can be huge too. You would add additional water volume too with these options. I could understand if the LFS said that they preferred the aio because of aesthetics and no potential of overflow but to say that it’s filtration capabilities is superior is just wrong.

In the end both set ups will be cool and I hope you enjoy!

 

[Sump Crab]

Was told by lfs owner that hob filter are not the greatest option. It really limits me on my filtration options. If i have an algae outbreak, it’s going to take me 3x+ longer to deal with it generally.

They are so wrong it’s not even funny lol. The AIO will certainly have adequate filtration and will have a sleek, modern look but to say it has more filtration capacity than HOB options is just insane. The dude is either lying or just Ill informed.

I would like to hear him say how that tiny insert has more filtration capacity than this combo:

Protein Skimmers

Shop Protein Skimmers and reactors on bulkreefsupply.com. Read reviews and compare protein skimmers and reactors.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Tidal 110 HOB Power Filter

TIDAL hang on filters are designed from the ground up to provide the aquarium with high-quality, easy to implement, comprehensive filtration. While having a system plumbed with an overflow and sump certainly has its advantages, this isn’t always practical. In some situations, space constraints...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[ASWoodsy]

I think a clown would be ok. Or a tailspot blenny. Im one of those people who killed coral with ignorance.
I had a evo 13.5 softy/lps tank that i had to take down due to a move. The tank itself looks good but i would switch out the stock light fixture because the closed lid built a lot of heat and the salt leeching was pretty heavy.

I did the same thing with my Fluval Flex 32.5 after I decided to upgrade the tank. Another thing I did (which you don’t have to do, just buy a new filter rack for the AIO on the back) was take of the AIO and connect pipes to the tank for a sump under the tank. It was a big DIY project, but so far it looks great.