AIO and new build recommendations, ~25 gal

[QualBySwim]

I started my reefing journey with an Innovative Marine 15 gallon cube in my office at work. Currently have 2 clowns, anemones, softies, and inverts. I want to open the door to adding more fish and corals, and so I want to upgrade. Thinking some LPS, a watchman goby & pistol shrimp, royal gramma or another goby. I also want to take the opportunity to start fresh, avoiding some of the mistakes I made at first from my inexperience just entering the hobby, this time starting with live rock, better aquascaping with places for fish to hide, planned-out flow, actual qt, etc. As it’s at work on my desk, I’m fairly limited by volume. I’m hoping for somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 gallons and an AIO. Looking for recommendations and suggestions. Tanks I’ve been looking at so far are the IM NUVO fusion pro 2 25 lagoon, Fijicube 32 (this might be pushing it size wise), waterbox AIO 25 peninsula, Red Sea max nano g2 peninsula. Are there any hidden gem brands I’m missing? What are the most reliable, robust, upgradable or configurable? A little lost with so many options, any input or guidance is very much appreciated!

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Fiji Cube 32 Gallon Rimless AIO Glass Nano Tank - PRO Series

Unique design and craftsmanship are in the details of Fiji Cube AIO Nano Tank Series. All Fiji Cube tanks are built with ultra-clear low iron glass. The Fiji Cube AIO Nano Tank comes with unique features that the hobbyists love about aquarium keeping. Fiji Cube uses next level up glass thickness...

www.fijicube.com

AIO 25 PENINSULA

The AIO was designed so you can keep more in your aquarium with less. Available from 20 through 65 gallons, the AIO delivers an aquatic environment for novice and professional aquarium keepers.

waterboxaquariums.com

The MAX NANO G2 Series - Red Sea

These all-in-one systems come with everything you need for a stunning home reef, sparing you from component selection or compatibility concerns.

redseafish.com

 

[GHOSTLY]

Ive got the 20g im fusion but had the option for the 25. Amazing tank any has perfect dimensions and water volume for a wide array of stuff. If it were my choice out of those options id go back to the NUVO just because of how easy it is to customize. The only issue i have with it is that they're hard to run refugiums in since of the blackout and pump formatting

 

[QualBySwim]

Ive got the 20g im fusion but had the option for the 25. Amazing tank any has perfect dimensions and water volume for a wide array of stuff. If it were my choice out of those options id go back to the NUVO just because of how easy it is to customize. The only issue i have with it is that they're hard to run refugiums in since of the blackout and pump formatting

What are your thoughts on the APS pedestal that comes with the pro kit? Does it serve any purpose, offer some extra structural stability, or should I go for just the tank and buy all the plumbing and accessories separately?

 

[GHOSTLY]

What are your thoughts on the APS pedestal that comes with the pro kit? Does it serve any purpose, offer some extra structural stability, or should I go for just the tank and buy all the plumbing and accessories separately?

Its not necessary and not worth the jacked up price point. Someone the other day asked a similar question and for the money you save on the base model you could upgrade with a lid, mat, 2 return pumps, and more

 

[ThisIsTheWay]

I actually have both the IM25 lagoon and WB25 peninsula. Both are nice tanks. Currently running the WB25 as my display and the IM25 is a WIP mushroom/zoa grow out that also holds my extra nems. I think I prefer the lagoon, mainly because it feels like I have more room to spread corals out. The IM tanks also have thicker silicone lines so they feel sturdier in my opinion. IM also has media baskets you can get to slide into the overflows so you can easily add your own filter floss and whatnot. That said, if you prefer a sleeker look I’d look into the WB peninsula.

I don’t think you can really go wrong with either, it might help to look at the tank footprint and see what fits better in your space. You mentioned this’ll be at your desk so the WB would take up less room.

Some pics of my tanks:

 

[gkprevite]

The Fiji cube is the same footprint as the I’m 25 lagoon. It’s just a little taller at 16 inches and comes in aio, internal, and external overflow. I considered the Aio but wound up going with the external.

 

[ThisIsTheWay]

The Fiji cube is the same footprint as the I’m 25 lagoon. It’s just a little taller at 16 inches and comes in aio, internal, and external overflow. I considered the Aio but wound up going with the external.

Nice! I'd love to do a sump one day but I'm not sure I have the space at the moment.