Fluval Evo vs. Innovative Marine

LaraLouM · Jan 3, 2019

I am looking at getting a second small tank and am trying to decide between the Fluval Evo 13.5 and the Innovative Marine 14 Peninsula. There a $100 difference in the two set-ups (IM more expensive) and the Innovative Marine does not come with lights. What are your thoughts on the two tanks?

RobZilla04 · Jan 3, 2019

Is the light worth the $100 price difference, or could/should you put that $100 toward a different light. Factors to include could be mounting option, light functionality/control, tank livestock choices (coral, fish only, SPS), etc.

Tuffyyyyy · Jan 3, 2019

I don't think I'd factor in the lighting since the Fluval's light won't work for keeping corals long-term. I think for either of these tanks you'll want to pick up an AI Prime HD. Just pick whichever one you think is more aesthetically pleasing, you really can't go wrong with either choice. I'm a hardcore Innovative Marine fanboy (I've had 4 of their tanks) so I'd personally go with them.

LaraLouM · Jan 3, 2019

Ok, yeah the Fluval with the light is $150 and he Innovative Marine without the light is $250. Would the fluval light work for starting out until I upgraded the lighting system? The IM is the more aesthetically pleasing of the two.

Tuffyyyyy · Jan 3, 2019

Yeah the Fluval will be okay for a little while, but the light only puts out 16W so you're going to be limited with what corals you can put in your tank.

This is the Fluval you're looking at, correct? http://www.fluvalaquatics.com/us/product/10531-evo-aquarium-kit/#.XC4qEVxKibg

I see that you're in Knoxville, you may want to search around on the MTRC forum or whatever Tennessee Facebook groups are closer to you that might exist. Used aquariums goods are the best aquarium goods. I bet someone has a used Fluval or Innovative Marine they're looking to get rid of. I'm in Birmingham but drove to Atlanta for an IM Peninsula 20 since the ATL forums are so much more active, and it was much cheaper than buying new.