Looking for suggestions - Calling nano/pico enthusiasts

[mues]

My main display has gotten to the point now where I'd like to start another smaller tank. Ideally this will house hammers, torches or similar. My 150g only has softies so I'm looking for some new terrain.

What suggestions for smaller tanks would you go with? There are so many nanos available with drastically varying price ranges that I'm unsure where to start. I'm thinking 10 gallons, preferably something AIO where maybe I just have to buy a light and some flow.

 

[jhadaway]

I'm a big waterbox fan. I had the 25g peninsula. Twas a great tank.

 

[Vinaka_vakalevu]

any of the names makes a viable small AIO. Personally I think the Innovative marine nuvo 15 cube AIO @ $119 is the best value for a small nano, add a light you’re good to go. The 20L at $169 isn’t too bad of a deal either.

 

[OrchidMiss]

I have 3 small AOI tanks.
My 10 & 20 are Innovative Marine and my 15 is a Waterbox.
I highly recommend the IM tanks! Having both brands, I prefer the IM over the WB based on glass thickness, AOI setup, and everything that comes with the tank.

 

[Mhamilton0911]

I really enjoy my innovative marine 15g cube. Decent compartments in the back, room for many sizes of return pumps, have many options for skimmers even a fleece roller now that fits the back.

I also have the fluval Evo 13.5, but don't recommend that based on the back chambers, hard to find pumps that fit, just not my favorite design.

 

[VintageReefer]

I have a Waterbox 15 peninsula all in one, I really like the footprint and peninsula makes it look larger than it actually is

 

[mues]

Thanks for all the replies. That 20L $169 is definitely tempting.

 

[Vinaka_vakalevu]

Thanks for all the replies. That 20L $169 is definitely tempting.

I own a 15 and a 20 and have a 25 lagoon on order. the 25 lagoon is a solid option too if you have a 24 x 24 space for it. I just always come off as an IM apologist so I don't push all the things they have that I like

 

[liddojunior]

I’m a huge fan of UNS tanks

I would go for one of their AIO

Dual All-In-One Aquarium – Ultum Nature Systems

ultumnaturesystems.com

 

[mues]

I own a 15 and a 20 and have a 25 lagoon on order. the 25 lagoon is a solid option too if you have a 24 x 24 space for it. I just always come off as an IM apologist so I don't push all the things they have that I like

price difference would be only deterrent there

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

If you're still soliciting opinions Id like to submit mine. I've had an IM 10, 20L, 30, 40, and a Waterbox 20. All great tanks that I enjoyed, though I think the waterbox 20 was my favorite. Tank size was good enough to have a few fish, and it was small enough that doing a 5g water change every week left me with the cleanest tank I ever had.

 

[VintageReefer]

Some pics of my Waterbox 15 peninsula a few months apart

Snails ate my dragon breathmacro
Anemone decided to move and once it started he settled under the top shelf

 

[mues]

Some pics of my Waterbox 15 peninsula a few months apart

Snails ate my dragon breathmacro
Anemone decided to move and once it started he settled under the top shelf

Very nice looking. I've got two BTAs in my large display so likely won't have any in this. Hoping to collect some harder to keep/nicer corals in the smaller tank so my BTA can't get to them haha

 

[VintageReefer]

I regret the bta. My main tank has too many nice corals so I can’t risk it moving around in there. Always wanted the bta
So it was one of the first things I added and let him make a spot and planned to build around him. He picked a awesome spot on bottom right so I could see it every day. I fed it daily and continued adding corals. After a year he decided to go mobile and was a nightmare and would be in a new spot every day. Finally settled under a shelf :/. I regret the purchase

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Innovative marine 10g gets my vote all day. It's an excellent little tank!

 

[OrchidMiss]

This is my IM 20L

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

I have a uns 30a (Dual) AIO. You will need to replace the pump as it is a hazard. I have had simple cylinder tanks and plain rimless tanks. My favorite was the 5 gallon. Just an mp10, weekly 100 percent changes and light. Cylinders or round I just use air hose. A good lid should be used for evap. If sealed tight, add air pump and hose for oxygen exchange.

Current setup.

this was my favorite so far. Was torn down due to buying house and needing something different to match.

This last pick things went down hill after adding sand.

Don't limit to just tanks, anything can be a reef tank almost if it can hold water safely. Lol

 

[Jim Gomoll]

Love my Imagitarium 6.8g Nice desksize and place to grow out frags.

 

[mues]

This is my IM 20L

What lights are you running?

 

[OrchidMiss]

What lights are you running?

The first photo I was running a smatfarm 95w.
With the second picture, I have now changed over to an AI prime.