Building a custom AIO insert

Mhamilton0911 · Oct 24, 2021

Hey all! I've been trying to nail down what I'd like to have in my upcoming 75g build. The stand design doesn't leave much room for a sump, there are a few options, but at 15" wide, that's not much of a sump. So I tossed around the idea of an AIO insert, but I've never had an aio tank, or even been able to really get a good look at one back there.
Question 1, what really needs to be in the back area of the aio inserts? Pump, media, space for heater, is that all?
Question 2, how large would this need to be for a 48" wide tank? I was thinking centering in the middle, maybe 18-24" wide. Is this enough, too big?
Question 3, how deep, just deep enough to fit a pump?
Question 4, I'd like to utilize removable media basket inserts, where should I look for those, and should I build the insert after I've found the media baskets I'd like to use?

I have found an acrylic dude that might be able to customize this for me based on some measurements, but I had no idea what I'm really looking for. Hopefully someone can give me some insight on AIO's?

Thanks in advance!!

eggplantparrot · Oct 24, 2021

Fijicube sumps are 15" wide.

I had the same dilemma when considering sumps for my mediocre stand and even partially builty own.

Timfish · Oct 24, 2021

Seems like a 10 or 15 gallon tank would be more than enough to equal an AIO box insert. But strictly speaking all you need is a box bigenough for the pump(s) and heater you're palcing inside it. WHat's really critical for long term success is not equipment per se but how well you maintain the microbial processes favorable to corals.

Mhamilton0911 · Oct 24, 2021

eggplantparrot said:
Fijicube sumps are 15" wide.

I had the same dilemma when considering sumps for my mediocre stand and even partially builty own.

I did look at those, but wasn't a fan of the built in ato resovior, I feel like that's wasted space in an already small sump.

I was going for lots of rock and flow, but with the aio I could also get extra equipment hidden, and mechanical filtration and spots for carbon or other things as necessary. I love the idea of the aio for small tanks, I just don't hear much of them on larger tanks.

eggplantparrot · Oct 24, 2021

Mine doesn't have a built in reservoir...?

We looking at the same things here?

Fiji 24 that I use

Mhamilton0911 · Oct 24, 2021

eggplantparrot said:
Mine doesn't have a built in reservoir...?

We looking at the same things here?

Fiji 24 that I use

That actually was one I had missed, the 2 others I had found in my size had the ato reservoir included and they were small, less than a gallon. The Fiji cube ones would be the 15 or 12 sized version to fit my stand. I appreciate you linking to that, this will definitely be a consideration.

Idech · Oct 24, 2021

I’ve just done the exact same thing and after much research, decided to go with the Tunze Comline filter 3168, Tunze osmolator 3155 and Tunze Comline 9012 skimmer.

This trio is very popular in Europe apparently, but not much talked about in north america. Tunze is great though if you have any questions.

Look at my tank, you can barely tell where the filter is. And since both the filter and skimmer are inside the tank, there is 0 risk of overflow.

(I haven’t installed the skimmer yet, as the tank just finished cycling and there is nothing to skim yet. It will be placed right besides the filter, so it will look like an overflow box. The skimmer is barely noticeable as well, besides the part that sticks out of the water).