Thinking about returning to the hobby- need tank advice

[poppin_fresh]

Hi all,
I need advice please! I sold off my 180g and all my supplies about 6 years ago. I had been in the hobby for about 5 years, although never got the tank to the level I wanted to get to and it was time to move on.

I've now got an itch to return, but on a MUCH smaller scale. I'm thinking a nano is in my future, but which one? I had a 14g Biocube, but HATED the distortion from the rounded corners, so those are out.

I would really like an all-in-one for simplicity, preferably one with a decent LED that would be ok for a simple little mixed reef. Ohh, and I would like it to be reasonably priced as spending a ton of $$ is out...been there, done that.

thanks,
Jon

 

[worldcitizen93]

all in one systems are not the way to go. if you did though i would get the innovative marive 25 lagoon. nano tanks with a sump are the way to go in my opinion. check out the doogans shallow reef on RC you do something like than but simplify it. i just think that all in ones are a pain when detris builds up in the back, i currently have a nuvo fusion ten running for the last 6 months during transition while im building my shallow reef and i really dont like it, sorry to be negative but theyre crap.

 

[reefwiser]

I have a a IM Fusion 40 gallon and I love it. I have had many tanks over the 52 years of fish keeping 35 years in saltwater. I have room in the back for all the necessary equipment. There is a good thread on RC of Fusion 40 owners. Read it and good luck

 

[Amatuer21]

I think AIO's are a good way to go. You can always siphon out detris during regular water changes. Simplicity is deffinitely a plus with these systems. No plumbing needed unless you want to do a few mods which is optional. I would recommend a more rectangular tank versus square. Easier to rockscape with more options imo. The diemensions of the Im fusion 20l looks nice. I just purchased the nuvo fusion 30l, although its a bit narrow i dig the length. Lots of options for aio tanks!

 

[stash98]

How hard is it to clean out detritus in an AIO? Lol..just use filter floss and do efficient water changes while siphoning both area of the tank.

 

[ExpensiveHobby]

Anything in the Fusion Line is top of the line, but can get pricey.

If on a budget I'd grab a $40 40 breeder right now at petco and drill it. Build a stand, build a sump, find a used light locally on this marketplace.

 

[Amatuer21]

how hard is it to clean out detritus in an aio? Lol..just use filter floss and do efficient water changes while siphoning both area of the tank.

+1

 

[Learn It]

If you are going sub 20 or even 30gal, I would agree with AIO. Anything larger and things can get tricky depending on what you are trying to keep.

Are you still in VT? I am curious how the reefkeeping scene and LFS are