Need help deciding for my first reef tank

[Miamialum620]

Title says it all. I’m new to the hobby and have wanted a saltwater aquarium for some time now. The 2 biggest factors for deciding a tank right now are space and price. I had no idea until I started researching just how expensive this hobby is. I want to get some quality products without spending thousands and thousands of dollars before I even get livestock.

Since I’m limited on space the 2 tanks I’ve been looking into are the IM Nuvo Fusion 40 and the JBJ rimless 45 (either curved or flat depending on price). For those of you with years of experience with aquariums or these specific tanks I’d greatly appreciate any suggestions or input so that I can make an educated decision. I’m in no rush to pull the trigger and may even wait for Black Friday to make a purchase but at least I’ll have some plan of attack.

Here are some bundle deals I’ve found on the tanks I’m interested in...

Fusion 40- http://www.aquacave.com/innovative-marine-40-fusion-aquarium-kit.html

Fusion 40- https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/nuvo-fusion-40-gallon-saltwater-aquarium-kit.html

JBJ 45 Flat- https://m.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3730+40480+40468&pcatid=40468


Appreciate the help

 

[ReefersDelite]

I’ve got the Cobalt CVUE 45 AIO and love it. IM also make a great looking tank as well. I like that only the 3 viewing panels are starfire glass so I can (and will) drill the bottom and back panels.

 

[ddrueckh]

Long run...I don’t think you will be happy with an AIO. Just not enough space to do anything equipment wise. I would look at the Red Sea Reefer series. Better to buy once then upgrade next year.

Remember that a fusion 40 is like a 30 gallon tank. They count the back filter portion as part of the water volume. For $300 more, you get a slightly bigger reefer 170 with a sump and plumbing.

 

[Bob Escher]

I have a JBJ AIO 45 gal. As stated above they count the back as part of display volume.
I would save up your money and look for a Red Sea 170/250 or waterbox same size I think you would be much happier. You will be spending not much more money ( + - 500.00) overall in the long run

 

[Kyle Rinker]

I have the IM Nuvo 40 as my office tank. I have a 125 gallon at home. While I do agree with @ddrueckh that you are somewhat limited with all in one designs, it may not be as hopeless as you think. In my Nuvo 40, I have managed to cram in all of the Apex probes (salinity, Ph, temp, andORP), 4 dosing lines, an oversized DC return pump, a pump with a BRS dual reactor, another pump with a macroalgae reactor, a Neptune ATK (ATO), 2 heaters, a full box of marine pure spheres, and space (under the tank) for four 5 liter dosing containers and the algae reactor. I would also be able to fit a hang-on skimmer if I wanted, but my algae reactor and GFO keep nutrients already lower than I would like. To be fully honest, I have more equipment running on my IM Nuvo 40 than I do on my 125 gallon display with a 55 gallon sump. You just have to be more purposeful with the space you have

 

[Miamialum620]

Just checked out the Red Sea site and those tanks are definitely nice but dang they’re expensive.

Great points about the space in the back of the AIO eating into your gallons. I thought the number being given by the different companies was tank size not including sump in back.