IM or Red Sea AIO: yet another sorta newbie

[Acros]

As I understand, you do not want to have a lot of maintenance and hence going for AIO.

I have an IM25 AIO now, great quality tank. I also had a 30gallon in stand sump system before this one. The in stand sump system was a lot more easier/simpler to maintain.

Light bleeds into the back chamber on an AIO and calcareous worms and stuff grow on everything, making maintenance a pain. In addition to that, the chamber are a pain to access while cleaning the tank.

In stand sumps are much easier to clean, you are more likely to do maintenance on them as it does not feel like a chore.

Edit: There are great in sump system options in the sizes you are looking at.

 

[randomnerd865]

I was in a similar situation. I ultimately decided on the Innovative Marine. I was super impressed with the quality of the tank and aluminum stand. Filtration is really good for an AIO, and the included pump is quiet and powerful. I had a particular spot I wanted my tank to fit in or I would have gotten the 50 lagoon.

 

[Hooz]

I haven't owned a Red Sea tank, but I currently have 2 IM AiOs. No complaints with either one.