AIO or tank with sump

[PeterC2904]

So this February I plan on buying a new 50 gallon tank. I am kinda on a budget so I don’t want to go too crazy if I don’t need to. I was wondering if buying an all in one tank with the filtration on the side would work the same as buying a tank with a sump. Also what would you recommend on stocking capacity for each option.

 

[John Neuzil]

I have both and I much prefer the flexibility of the sump.

 

[KQuillan]

I currently have an AIO but I am upgrading and will be running a sump. I will let you know.....

 

[drolmaeye]

A year ago I bought my first tank, RedSea Max E-260 AIO. I am happy with my purchase, especially as the complete, AIO package was easier to digest in the beginning. I don't think I would buy an AIO again, and may convert my existing AIO to use a sump if I don't upgrade it to a new tank a year from now.

Regarding stocking, not much difference save the sump might give you better filtration (and thus slightly larger population) in the long run. For 50 gallon, I like clownfish, firefish, blenny, small wrasse, royal gramma, maybe a dwarf angel, mandarin goby, peaceful damsels like a springer, plus tons of other options others may suggest.

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

I have done both sump and AIO, I prefer the AIO myself.