Which all in one tank?

[Reefing102]

Hey all,

So my wife wants an anemone tank (she’s in love with the various BTA morphs). So I’m thinking of setting her up an AIO for Christmas to become an anemone tank. Thing is, I have no clue on an AIO system. I have either ran HOB filters or my sump system. That said here’s what I’m looking for:

Price Range: $500 or less preferred (for AIO only not
Size: 25-40 gallons
Prefer lighting included

Ive seen a few options like Bio Cube but then read their lighting isn’t the best. Then there’s the Fluval Flex but same thing. Most other brands (RedSea, Cade, Waterbox) all seem to be outside to well outside my price range unless I missed something. Any reccomendations? Are the bio cube lights enough for BTAs only?

 

[MaxTremors]

Of the more affordable AiOs, the only one that comes with lighting that will keep an anemone alive long term is the JBJ Nanocube Wifi. It’s got a decent 40watts of LEDs that are fully programmable, it also got dual returns so you can randomize the flow. With any of these tanks you’ll still need sand, live rock (I would recommend going with real live rock if possible), a heater, a wave maker, and an RODI unit (the $60 RO buddy by aquatic life on Amazon would work just fine for a small tank like this, make sure to get a pressure gauge and a TDS meter, both around $10). You’ll also need a refractometer, a good thermometer, some buckets/brute trash can, and some testing equipment (won’t need to go all out at first on this, but will need to as you get into corals and anemones).

The great thing about AiO tanks is that they are infinitely upgradable, have active DiY communities, and are perfect beginner tanks (that you can upgrade as you advance in the hobby).

Your rock is going to be the second most expensive thing, I would really recommend getting 20lbs of real live rock from KPAquatics or GulfLiveRock, it’s well worth the price.

The only other recommendation I have for you (unless you have specific questions), is to wait until your tank is 8-12 months old before getting an anemone. They just don’t do well in immature tanks. You can get fish as soon as your tank is cycled and even some hardy corals, but anemones need a stable, mature tank.

Just take things slow once you get it up and going. Feel free to ask any other questions you might have!

 

[davidcalgary29]

You can do all of that with a Fluval Evo. In fact, if you want to go fancy and get a mesh screen top and (albeit used) AI Prime and ATO, you'll still come in under five hundred bucks.

And yes, yes, 13.5g is not 25 or 40g, but the unit's small size actually works to its advantage: aquascaping doesn't take a lot of rock or substrate, and it's easy to conceptualize.

 

[Cell]

My preference would be Innovative Marine. A 25G Lagoon would fit your budget. I think they are called Fusion Pro 2 or something like that now.

 

[dvgyfresh]

Waterbox 20 cube and Kessler light , use affirm lol

 

[Reefing102]

Thanks guys! That gives me some ideas

 

[MaxTremors]

My preference would be Innovative Marine. A 25G Lagoon would fit your budget. I think they are called Fusion Pro 2 or something like that now.

That would probably be my pick, too, or a Red Sea nano, but he said he wanted one that came with lighting with the whole thing being $500 or less. With that tank you’d also need an ATO, with the ATO, sand, rock, heater, and lighting (and with the lagoon you’d need more than a single pendant light) , you’re at at least $700-$800 (nevermind all the little accessories and do-dads you need to start a tank, including those you’re up to $900-$1000). It’s a slightly better tank, but it’s just not possible to get one going with the budget he mentioned. A bio/Nanocube or Evo could be started for that budget, and they’re great little tanks, especially for people new to the hobby.

 

[davidcalgary29]

That would probably be my pick, too, or a Red Sea nano, but he said he wanted one that came with lighting with the whole thing being $500 or less. With that tank you’d also need an ATO, with the ATO, sand, rock, heater, and lighting (and with the lagoon you’d need more than a single pendant light) , you’re at at least $700-$800 (nevermind all the little accessories and do-dads you need to start a tank, including those you’re up to $900-$1000). It’s a slightly better tank, but it’s just not possible to get one going with the budget he mentioned. A bio/Nanocube or Evo could be started for that budget, and they’re great little tanks, especially for people new to the hobby.

But this is feasible for a used system. I know that it's not as much fun as buying new (especially as some elbow grease will be required to get everything up to snuff), but the savings can't be ignored.

 

[Cell]

That would probably be my pick, too, or a Red Sea nano, but he said he wanted one that came with lighting with the whole thing being $500 or less. With that tank you’d also need an ATO, with the ATO, sand, rock, heater, and lighting (and with the lagoon you’d need more than a single pendant light) , you’re at at least $700-$800 (nevermind all the little accessories and do-dads you need to start a tank, including those you’re up to $900-$1000). It’s a slightly better tank, but it’s just not possible to get one going with the budget he mentioned. A bio/Nanocube or Evo could be started for that budget, and they’re great little tanks, especially for people new to the hobby.

I assume the "$500 or less preferred" is going to get thrown out the window pretty quickly once the OP starts adding things up. He also wants 25-40G tank so I guess he will need to decide what is more important, staying within budget or getting his wife what she wants. You cant stick too many BTAs in a 10 or 15G tank.

 

[Reefing102]

Definitely not against used. Also definitely not new to the hobby just not used to AIO tanks

 

[Reefing102]

Okay so budget update is closer to about $1000 as I’m thinking I want to go with something with a true sump. That said, I’m liking the complete set ups that come with the sumps.

I checked out Waterbox (which falls outside the budget) I haven’t checked any other brands. As for size, still thinking the same size for display (25-40 gallons ish). Any recommended brands in this price range? Or are they’re any “knock off” brands that work just as well?

 

[polyppal]

gonna be hard pressed for a quality tank W light at that price point. Id get an Innovative Marine w a Kessil for an anemone tank.

Note: IM tanks are cheaper on their website and I don't believe you have to pay sales tax there

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[Reefing102]

Thanks! I just took a look at their site, might be because I’m on my phone, but I don’t see any that come with the sump or did I over look them?

 

[polyppal]

Thanks! I just took a look at their site, might be because I’m on my phone, but I don’t see any that come with the sump or did I over look them?

if you want a true AIO, the sump is built into the back of the tank. Look at the 'Fusion' line. The mighty jet pumps are pretty good too, just pick up a Kessil 160 or Prime 16 and your set