All-in-one Tank Options

[S Helinski]

Hi Everyone,

I'm thinking about purchasing an "all in one" aquarium for my new place in El Paso.

I know of the Oceanic Biocubes, JBJ nanocubes, Redsea Max, and Solanas...

Could anyone recommend one over the other?

Also, are there other options I'm unaware of?

Anything closer to 50 gallons?

Any suggestions on creating a low height--large surface area aquarium? Anything like that sold "all in one?"

Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks everyone!

Steve

 

[5380]

CAD makes a 50 gallon reef ready cube.

 

[block head]

i wouldn't do it again. overpriced, low quality. just drill a cube and use a real skimmer/sump

 

[titoav15]

I had a jbj nano, not the best parts= nothing special. Its a lot more rewarding and fun to build your own!

 

[cjrudy]

It is very difficult to keep a cube without a sump.

 

[jacksonpt]

I can't offer any suggestions, but did have a different experience than most of the people who have comment so far.

I had a 12g aquapod for about 2 years that was GREAT. Yes, I did a few of the more basic mods right off the bat, but thought it was a great setup. Incredibly convenient, self contained, easy, simple, etc etc etc.

I would do it again in a heartbeat if I wanted a smaller/simpler setup. I've also thought about DIYing an all-in-one type setup.

 

[hmello@bermexin]

If I were to ever go bigger than my 29 biocube I think I would just by a standard tank and create my own AIO.

 

[redrider911]

I like my BC 29. I've have better luck with coral than my old 90 gal. You can turn one of the sections in the back into a fuge, skimmer in the other, intank media basket for cabon and gfo. All I do is change a little bit of water once a week. Cheap and easy, and I get to enjoy the tank instead of testing/dosing etc. The downside, they are cheap and flimsy. The acrylic scratches if you look at it funny.

 

[Tonynlo]

If you decide to go the DIY route. Here is one of my favorite low height tanks.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1823130

 

[5380]

I like my BC 29. I've have better luck with coral than my old 90 gal. You can turn one of the sections in the back into a fuge, skimmer in the other, intank media basket for cabon and gfo. All I do is change a little bit of water once a week. Cheap and easy, and I get to enjoy the tank instead of testing/dosing etc. The downside, they are cheap and flimsy. The acrylic scratches if you look at it funny.

Just an FYI it's actually glass! don't take a non-diamond bit to that tank.

 

[Jacwil]

Just an FYI it's actually glass! don't take a non-diamond bit to that tank.

+1!

I've had a BC14g and currently set a 25g cube Ecoxotic up at my wife's office...it's primarily a Solana.

I like the Eco but it's kind of a pain to access and maintain the compartment area. Also...it comes with a cpl of plastic bottles they claim is a built-in ATO system. Don't be fooled, it doesn't work lol.

 

[redrider911]

Glass? really? How the heck does it scratch so easily? I can use a regular mag float on it then?

 

[Jacwil]

Yep..regular "for glass" mag float will be good to go.

 

[ir_danno22]

JBJ's stock filtration basket is not that great at all. i eventually ditched it for a hang-on-back fuge from CPR. The Red Sea and Solana AIO's look pretty decent, and if I had the money would probably check out the ELOS systems.

 

[Eastamherstbias]

I owned the JBJ 28 gallon for 1.5 years and really liked it before moving to a 65 and then a 120 gallon.

 

[GvineReefer]

Love my Red Sea Max. I upgraded the skimmer to a Tunze 9002 immediately and would never look back. I did an LED mod as well and have enjoyed it so far. Pretty care free and easy tank, I'd highly recommend it...

 

[Johnny C]

IMO the Solana is the nicest of them all (based on overall bang for your buck, size and appearance). My opinion is a little biased though.

PS- The Cadlights and Elos are both awesome tanks, but unfortunately neither are AIO systems.

 

[teamdulski]

Steve if your not doing anything later today or tomorrow text me to come see my setup.

 

[mr86mister]

I loved my Solana. Easy to take care of. I modded the back and took out the skimmer. Weekly 5 gallon water change and I was able to grow SPS with the 150w lighting that comes with the full system. I've had the Biocubes, Aquapods, Nanocubes, and I like the Solana by far.

 

[mymicroreef]

Aio

Aio

I have an AIO tank that I created from a standard 30g tank. I made a divider with an overflow and sectioned off 1/3 of tank, (20g display side, 10g fuge). Display side has 35lbs LR and trace of sand on bottom. Fuge has deep sand bed (~4"), mangroves, chaeto, skimmer, heater, and return pump. I like this setup for two reasons: ease of operation/maintainance and I really enjoy observing what's going on in the fuge.