All-In-One Vs. Choice Build
- Thread starter Aurora D.
- Start date
Re: All-In-One Vs. Choice Build
heres a link to my custom 30g build
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1269511
i like custom builds over all-in-ones due to the fact that you actually get to select every piece of equipment and build it to your particular specs. all-in-ones usually require some sort of modification to get what you want out of it. unless of course you have very little needs from an AIO. theres also a certain pride that comes will building something from nothing. thats what led me down the custom build road.
the higher end AIOs like the RSM and JBJ 28g HQI and Finnex are generally nice, but lack in highly efficient skimming abililites. it really just depends on what your goals are, in terms of livestock and budget.
HTH
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11700291#post11700291 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aurora D.
I would like to know what everybodys opinon is on wether to get a all in one or a Tank using custom components. BTW if you have a Choice Built tank less than 40g please tell. TY
heres a link to my custom 30g build
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1269511
i like custom builds over all-in-ones due to the fact that you actually get to select every piece of equipment and build it to your particular specs. all-in-ones usually require some sort of modification to get what you want out of it. unless of course you have very little needs from an AIO. theres also a certain pride that comes will building something from nothing. thats what led me down the custom build road.
the higher end AIOs like the RSM and JBJ 28g HQI and Finnex are generally nice, but lack in highly efficient skimming abililites. it really just depends on what your goals are, in terms of livestock and budget.
HTH
Last edited:
HumbleLobster
Should be Quarantined
When I was looking at getting into nano reefing, I considered getting an all in one. However, after doing a few months of research and reading, I decided to do a custom build. I think that I am much happier for doing it that way. I think that as long as you read and research before you buy, you can keep your mistakes fairly low, whether its in equipment purchasing or livestock.
controlguy
New member
All In One here. The main reason is they look sweet, customs always looked scabbed together to me. I like tanks to look like a piece of furniture not an aquarium.
icepick96
New member
I own a finnex 30. If I would do it all over again I would have went with a custom build. Then you have the freedom to do what you want. For the most part I think the all in ones are overpriced. A person with a little bit of knowledge and a lot of drive could make themselves an incredible tank. Search the board if you don't beleive me. A lot of nice custom tanks out there.
dzeadow
Premium Member
That's tough to say. Most all in ones are well over $100 right? I just did a 20L custom all in one for way less than $100. Of course I already had the skimmer and lights, so I guess it's a toss up depending on what you go w/ for the parts. You could retro the lights for cheap, and most nano's don't even go with skimmers so it might be a wash. But I was able to make a refugium that's 2.5"x24" in the back of the 20L... I doubt a pre-built will have that. Plus you're limited on tank sizes. With a custom you can make whatever size you want from a pico to whatever.
All custom here. Personally, I didn't like the curved edges on the all in one tanks and didn't like the lighting options. I took a standard 20H and made myself an external overflow so that I could run a sump. You can do some creative things with standard tanks of if you're adventurous, get some acrylic and make yourself a tank. A big factor as well was price. The nanocubes/aquapods were all well over $100 and I put together my 20H w/ overflow for $50. All said and done, I had an entire system including a custom sump for $75. I'm a DIY'er so I enjoy tinkering.
If you're brand new to reefing, the all in ones are quick and easy so that may be an option to explore.
If you're brand new to reefing, the all in ones are quick and easy so that may be an option to explore.
MayoBoy
Movin' on Up
I'm doing a custom - mainly because I have most of the stuff sitting around:
my old sump will be the tank
I have a WavySea and a choice of Eheim 1250, Mag 7 or Mag 9.5
a bunch of walnut that will become the stand and canopy
heater, plumbing for quick water changes, etc.
The only thing I need to buy are the light and a new heater. Personally, I think skimmers are a waste on a nano as water changes will accomplish the same thing.
my old sump will be the tank
I have a WavySea and a choice of Eheim 1250, Mag 7 or Mag 9.5
a bunch of walnut that will become the stand and canopy
heater, plumbing for quick water changes, etc.
The only thing I need to buy are the light and a new heater. Personally, I think skimmers are a waste on a nano as water changes will accomplish the same thing.
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