Why no quality small (5-8 gal) AIOs?

[FishyFishFish]

I can probably guess the answers, but I'm interested in other people's thoughts anyway. I have been on the lookout for a small tank for my bedroom; something in the 5–8 gallon range. Aside from the Fluval Evo V (which is a weird size), the only other AIO that I can find in that size are the Lifegard tanks, or the UNS30A which doesn't seem widely available. Some of the bigger manufacturers used to sell smaller tanks (Waterbox used to have a 7g cube) but not anymore.

Maybe it was due to a lack of demand in previous years, but there does seem to be a sizeable interest in these small tanks now. Things are now hitting the market in the 0.3 gallon to 1 gallon sizes (and people are buying), so I think a 7 gallon AIO would sell like hot cakes.

Do you think there is a demand out there for these small tanks? Would you buy one?

 

[carmodpg]

why not go with a 10 gallon Innovative Marine AIO?

 

[FishyFishFish]

why not go with a 10 gallon Innovative Marine AIO?

Too big.

 

[nereefpat]

Marineland makes a 5 gallon portrait. I don't love its dimensions, but it's sort of an all-in-one.

Aqueon makes small cubes. There is a 6 gallon. Not an aio however.

Edit: Oh, to answer 'would you buy one?' I've thought about it for my office, but it would likely be a fw cherry shrimp tank or something.

 

[SlugSnorter]

they are small. any back-chamber would either take up too much space or not have space for anything to fit inside. Get a 5 gallon tank and a HOB (hang on back) filter, heater, something to create flow.

 

[Potatohead]

I have a Lifegard seven gallon and I am happy with it. Been running about three years.

 

[DeniseAndy]

I have a Fluval 5g Spec, but nothing in it currently. Was for a tiny mantis I had at one point. Just have not gotten around to deciding what to do with it.
I also have a Fluval Edge 6g and use it for a traveling tank. It has a HOB though, not an AIO. I built the lighting for it.
I loved the look of the JBJ Cube (6g), but never had one.

 

[FishyFishFish]

Thanks for the replies. The question was more aimed at the 'quality' side, sorry if I didn't make that clear.

I have 2x 5g tanks from Petco with internal filters (currently used for QT), that I could just put a light on and be done, however, it would look a bit messy,

I'm leaning towards the Lifegard 3.8. The only thing stopping me is that they used to be available for $60 but now they are $120. It's not the cost that necessarily puts me off but the fact that this could be a cheap tank being sold for a big markup.

If one of the big manufacturers (Waterbox/Red Sea/IM etc) made something smaller for $150 or so, then I would jump in. Waterbox sells a Clear Mini in 6-gallon size but, unfortunately, it's not available as an AIO.

I still think there is a market for smaller AIOs but that's just a gut feeling with no data to back up that belief.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Oh, quality. I have liked the Fluval Edge a lot. I mean mine take a beating and have been great for 8 years. I have three I will rotate around for traveling. But these things are moved full of water and animals, carried up stairs, driven to events, lifted up and down a lot (full). They have not missed a beat.

 

[FishyFishFish]

Oh, quality. I have liked the Fluval Edge a lot. I mean mine take a beating and have been great for 8 years. I have three I will rotate around for traveling. But these things are moved full of water and animals, carried up stairs, driven to events, lifted up and down a lot (full). They have not missed a beat.

I like Fluval tanks (I have 2 Evos) and I like the size of the Edge. The only things I would be concerned about on that are cleaning the inside of the top glass, and the lighting.

Do you use it for saltwater? Any corals?

 

[DeniseAndy]

Here is a video of it. Yes, it is an educational tank with tons of corals, crabs, fish, snails, urchin, etc. The top glass is a pain to clean, but kids love looking down at the corals and no hands in tank is perfect. I found this little magnet cleaner and it is super with these tanks.

 

[DeniseAndy]

The magnet is not showing up.

Orlushy Mini Aquarium Magnetic Brush, Glass Fish Tank Cleaner Algae Scraper Without Scratches for Freshwater and Saltwater​

 

[Fish Think Pink]

At aquashella Dallas last October there was a new small company taking orders for tiny AIO cubes... people were raving!!!

I was considering one to sneak some shrimp onto my desk... but was told no... sorry I don't remember their name, but expect someone out there may know

 

[FishyFishFish]

There is a 1 gal tank from Oceanbox Designs, which looks really nice, but it costs $350 without heater or LED

I've been looking around this afternoon. I might end up trying a HOB filter on my 5 gal Petco tank, otherwise it will be the Lifegard; I've looked at the Edge posted above, but the maintenance looks too much of a pain for my laziness.

I still can't find any small 'quality' AIOs, which is a shame. As you suggest from the response at Aquashella, I'm sure the demand is out there.

 

[KK's Reef]

At aquashella Dallas last October there was a new small company taking orders for tiny AIO cubes... people were raving!!!

I was considering one to sneak some shrimp onto my desk... but was told no... sorry I don't remember their name, but expect someone out there may know

PNW Customs is the brand, I believe.

 

[KK's Reef]

There is a 1 gal tank from Oceanbox Designs, which looks really nice, but it costs $350 without heater or LED

I've been looking around this afternoon. I might end up trying a HOB filter on my 5 gal Petco tank, otherwise it will be the Lifegard; I've looked at the Edge posted above, but the maintenance looks too much of a pain for my laziness.

I still can't find any small 'quality' AIOs, which is a shame. As you suggest from the response at Aquashella, I'm sure the demand is out there.

I have the Lifegard 3.8. Perfect for on top of a desk. It was selling online at the time for $80, but I happened to find it locally at an LSF for $50.

If I had more desk space, I'd have gone with the 7 gal version.... just to have more room for coral. But the 3.8 gallon size is a perfect small tank.

 

[FishyFishFish]

I would jump at the Lifegard 3.8 at $80, let alone 50. They are currently selling for just short of $120!

 

[DeniseAndy]

Wanted to put this out there for this thread. I have custom designed a 6g display almost 2g sump area tank for my traveling system.
I hope to work with one of our members on here to get it built. If anyone would be interested in the design and build, let me know and we together can do this.
My design is based for being able to travel with the tank, but it can be altered to have an open top instead of the rimmed, lidded style.
Personally, I love the design and concept as the sump area actually fits items needed and wanted for the tank.

 

[Woodyman]

I would jump at the Lifegard 3.8 at $80, let alone 50. They are currently selling for just short of $120!

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5, 8, & 13 gallons.

 

[DracoKat]

I have a 7 gallon AIO made for freshwater tank that I thought was nice. I am using it for my dwarf seahorses. I bought it off petco not too long ago.. I can't find it on their website anymore to grab the info for you