Back from a decade of silence...

[YellowDesmo998]

Hello All,

I've been away from the hobby for some time and am about to jump back in with both feet. Since my last reef setup, a lot has changed for the positive, and I'm eager to learn all over again.

I'm focusing on another mini-reef in the range of 25-45 gallon. During my last go round, I had a Nano Cube after down selecting from a 110g reef setup. The smaller tank worked better for my lifestyle, allowing for a healthier eco system.

What are the desirable smaller all-in-ones on the market today? I see that JBJ is still in the business, along with Aquatop, which I hadn't heard of before until a recent visit to a local shop. With the expectation that I will likely supplement lighting with something from AI or similar, what is recommended?

My plan is some softies, an anemone, and a mated parir of clowns and a cleaner shrimp or two. Nothing too fancy.

Thank you in advance!

 

[griss]

I’ve never done an AIO so, I really can’t give an opinion but welcome back and when you get started, please start a build thread. I love following along with new builds.

 

[Reefing102]

Welcome back!

There’s plenty of brands in the AIO business now. You have the “traditional” brands such as JBJ and Coralife Biocube. Other brands that offer AIO are:

Aquatop (as you mentioned)
Innovative Marine
Waterbox
Cade (I think they have an AIO)
Planet Aquariums Tideline Series
IOAOI (not sure if they delve into the larger AIO)
Waterbox
Fluval
Red Sea (not recommended just based on known leak issues with primarily their larger systems)

Except for RedSea, I can’t say I’ve seen too many issues with many of the above brands, that’s not to say there aren’t any, but yea. Definitely be sure to research each system as some brands offer a tank only option (allowing you to customize everything else from the pump to the light, etc.) others offer the tank and pump and then you pick the light, and others like coralifes Biocube come with everything including (basic) lighting except for maybe a heater, rock and sand.

Hope this helps some!

 

[JohnL]

I've been away from the hobby for some time and am about to jump back in

Welcome back

 

[Uncle99]

Hello All,

I've been away from the hobby for some time and am about to jump back in with both feet. Since my last reef setup, a lot has changed for the positive, and I'm eager to learn all over again.

I'm focusing on another mini-reef in the range of 25-45 gallon. During my last go round, I had a Nano Cube after down selecting from a 110g reef setup. The smaller tank worked better for my lifestyle, allowing for a healthier eco system.

What are the desirable smaller all-in-ones on the market today? I see that JBJ is still in the business, along with Aquatop, which I hadn't heard of before until a recent visit to a local shop. With the expectation that I will likely supplement lighting with something from AI or similar, what is recommended?

My plan is some softies, an anemone, and a mated parir of clowns and a cleaner shrimp or two. Nothing too fancy.

Thank you in advance!

Fluval EVO, 13.5 is super common sold as a package.
The inhabitants you want will fit well in that.
Enjoy!

 

[YellowDesmo998]

Thank you, all! You've given me a lot to start some research.

 

[Guygettnby]

I personally like Innovative Marine
40 NUVO Mini Fusion PRO AIO Aquarium. I have had 2 of them, only sold one from lack of space and I'm currently still running one. Has been a very easy setup and a solid size tank for a nano setup. It has ample space for a decent skimmer, can be upgraded with multiple different kind of media basket designs or even a refugium if you so chose.

Had bought mine from BRS, but they no longer sell this exact setup. Still available elsewhere though. Here is the listing so you.can see what it atleast looks like and comes with. I do recommend getting a 2nd media basket though. Makes things a bit easier. Also would recommend a skimmer and I believe that the aquaready HOB 1.5 is perfectly matched to it. Have had 1 in each of the 2 tanks, never an issue and just works.

40 NUVO Mini Fusion PRO AIO Aquarium Bundle

A Small Slice of the Ocean with Sophistication and Style! Build a welcoming environment for yourself with the most advanced AIO in its class. Keeping in line with the features of their award winning successor, the Fusion 40 Mini has generous display space for aquascaping and a redesigned filter...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Guygettnby]

Old pictures, need to take better of the new setup, but atleast shows them and what is capable of with that setup. Same stand, same kind of tank, same kind of skimmer (aquamaxx version before they became aquaready) different lights though. New tank for now will not have SPS. It's staying lower light corals, anemone and clowns. Any questions, let me know and I will help where I can. Have found a few slight modifications that work well.