Help deciding Aio or traditional

[OutsideBrian]

I am in the process of researching tanks and equipment. One of my biggest indecision’s is if I should go aio ( jbj 45, Redsea 250 etc ) or go to a more traditional tank/simp set up.

The biggest question I have is if I get an Aio what doesn’t come with it and what would end up needing to be upgraded down the road anyway.

I am looking at tanks in the 2-3 foot length / width foot print, nothing to deep say 20” for the area I want to set it up.

 

[PDR]

I have had both and I can think of no reason I would ever get another AIO tank. AIO tanks are more difficult to work on, clean, have limited space for equipment and upgrades, less water volume than a traditional sump, etc.

 

[Res_Ipsa]

Have you checked out the red sea max e series? You can get a small, traditional AIO rear sump and then add an undermount sump later if you want to add something like a refugium or other equipment.

 

[OutsideBrian]

Have you checked out the red sea max e series? You can get a small, traditional AIO rear sump and then add an undermount sump later if you want to add something like a refugium or other equipment.

Thanks for the idea. Looking at it size wise is right at what I am looking for. But at that price point could I buy a tank/sump type setup with the same quality if not better running equipment?

 

[Res_Ipsa]

@OutsideBrian - oh yeah, you’ll pay for it for a slick setup like that. It’s always best to check sites like Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, offerup, etc., and find someone moving or upgrading their tank. That’s how I found my Innovative Marine 60g for less than half the original price.

You can also buy used equipment here on the forum for lights, pumps, slimmer, etc to bring the overall costs down.

There’s plenty of successful AIO tanks here but a sump does offer more flexibility. I chose an AIO setup because it fit my needs and was the right price at the right time.