15 or 20 gallon tank?

[angelaf]

Hello! I currently have a new 3 gallon reef tank and I’ve fallen in love with the hobby. I plan on getting a larger tank and I’m debating between the Innovative Marine 15 gal Fusion AIO or the 20 gal Nuvo Fusion (long). I plan on keeping it mostly a coral and invert tank but I’m thinking of getting a pair of bonded clownfish. Would the 15 gal tank be an appropriate size for my plans, or would the 20 gal be better? I don’t want to go too big if I don’t have to

 

[Dragen Fiend]

As far as maintenance goes. There is not much of a difference between 15G-20G. But you will find the extra 5G opens a bit more doors as far as livestock.

I would look at the 20G IM long. Or the UNS 90LA. I really like that peninsula style tank.

 

[Sophie"s mom]

Hello! I currently have a new 3 gallon reef tank and I’ve fallen in love with the hobby. I plan on getting a larger tank and I’m debating between the Innovative Marine 15 gal Fusion AIO or the 20 gal Nuvo Fusion (long). I plan on keeping it mostly a coral and invert tank but I’m thinking of getting a pair of bonded clownfish. Would the 15 gal tank be an appropriate size for my plans, or would the 20 gal be better? I don’t want to go too big if I don’t have to

My wife has always told me get the biggest tank you can, because you will always want the next size up, so just start there in the first place.

 

[Tahoe61]

Having had both IM tanks get the IM 20 long. Equipment is going to be the same.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I have both, but only use the 15 for quarantine. Go with the 20!

 

[kfries]

I had a IM 20 nuvo that I shut down about a year and half ago. I like the tank alot, but even with coral I could wait to get a bigger one. Once they start growing they get big and want space. Go with the 20. I still use mine as a quarantine or jail tank when needed. I have a belnny that can be a reall jerk and gets put in time out on occasion.

 

[rayadog]

I personally felt like I had handcuffs on whenever I was in a long tank (and it was more narrow than not). As everything grew it was harder and harder to clean, but…

Def go more water volume if you can

 

[angelaf]

Thanks so much everyone!! I’m going to go with the bigger tank. It’ll be my first AIO and I plan on cycling it empty for a while until we get our carpet replaced with flooring lol. Is there anything I’ll need in addition to the tank for now?

 

[JumboShrimp]

To cycle, a heater would help. And aeration-- it could be as simple as pointing your return flange upward to forcefully break the surface of the water. Enjoy your time and use it wisely by watching a ton of videos. Logan at Reef Rookies on YouTube does a nice job, as do others.

 

[Avgwarhawk]

My wife has always told me get the biggest tank you can, because you will always want the next size up, so just start there in the first place.

She is a smart woman!! We have a 15 gallon and already eyeing a 30 gallon!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Thanks so much everyone!! I’m going to go with the bigger tank. It’ll be my first AIO and I plan on cycling it empty for a while until we get our carpet replaced with flooring lol. Is there anything I’ll need in addition to the tank for now?

Congrats on choosing the 20g! I would get a good quality ATO if you can! Those I find to be essentials.

 

[Mallissa]

As someone with both (at the moment) I would honestly get the 25, if you haven't already bought the 20.

 

[steveschuerger]

I’m assuming you’ve made the decision by now but seconded on 25 gallon. Still decently sized for smaller spaces but at least the IM shallow reef version gives the illusion of more space due to it being longer front to back.