Help deciding on an aio

Davin96 · Dec 30, 2017

Hello all. I'm new to the salt world but ive been reading the forums here and elsewhere for more than a year now. I've also kept freshwater planted tanks and aquariums for more than a decade.

Anyway to the meat of my issue. I've decided on an aio to start out with and don't plan on anything difficult just softies and some lps, maybe a montipora. I'm somewhat torn between the im nuvo 20, im 25 lagoon, and the c-vue 26. I like the lagoons display dimensions the most but i dont like the im back chambers with the false floor and space beneath the chambers being either difficult to utilise or a detritus trap. As well as the issues with needing to get aftermarket media baskets etc. And need to upgrade the return pump.

I like the c-vues chamber designs and that they come with mj pumps but it only have one return line. The biggest issue though is there is barely any information out there on them.

I would appreciate any advice people have to offer. Thanks!

glb · Dec 30, 2017

I’ve had an AIO and now a 40g breeder with a sump. This is just my opinion, but I’ll never go back to an AIO. Sumps are so much easier when it comes to maintenance. Good luck!

Davin96 · Dec 30, 2017

Im aware and eventually want to end up with a 40b and sump and have plans in my head for one. But given my current living situation im not willing to do a full set up with sump and plumbing to have to break it down and move. Breaking a tank down without all the plumbing and extras and moving it is a big enough pain. Which is why im asking about all in ones, In the all in one section.

DVaDeR77 · Dec 30, 2017

I’m in your boat with what tank to get and I’m leaning towards IM specifically the lagoon 25. Just wish it was 2 inches taller. But IM either way unless u get a custom one made.

Tahoe61 · Dec 31, 2017

I like the look of IM 25 gallon Lagoon quite a bit, it would be ideal for clams and sps. I have the the IM 20 Nuvo and it's a great tank. Very easy to maintain. The IM's have the nice sleek edges and quality glass. IM's are easy to do modifications on, such as swapping out the return pump. DIY media baskets are easy to create, I would not base my decision on the media basket.