Help choosing setup for next nano reef

[ocellarisoasis]

Hello all,

I'll be starting med school this summer and am looking for advice on picking out the most optimal tank. I'll most likely be living on the second floor, and most landlords only allow 20-25 gallons, so I'm limited to a nano. In the event they allow up to 40 gallons, I'll set up a 40B, but preparing for restrictions.

I previously had both a 20 long and the IM 15. The 20L was my first reef tank and I learned a lot from it. I enjoyed the length it provided, but filtration was an issue. I used an AC70 and hygger nano for flow. The 15 AIO was great for the price point, but it felt cramped in terms of swimming space. I think I prefer shallower/longer tanks. Budget allows for all the choices below, but wondering if it's even worth getting an AIO. I wouldn't be drilling any of the Aqueons - they'd have an HOB. Finding a stand won't be an issue since I can build a custom one.
Theme will be lagoon/Caribbean with easy softies (xenia, GSP, anthelia), gorgonians, RFA, duncans, and a BTA down the line.

Options right now include:
IM 25 AIO lagoon
IM 20 long nuvo
IM 15 AIO
Aqueon 20 long
Aqueon 20 high
I would like to stock with:

- 2 clowns (either ocellaris or skunks)
- starry or tailspot blenny
- royal gramma
- YWG/pistol shrimp
- CUC

Thanks in advance!

 

[Sphyrna_gal]

Hello all,

I'll be starting med school this summer and am looking for advice on picking out the most optimal tank. I'll most likely be living on the second floor, and most landlords only allow 20-25 gallons, so I'm limited to a nano. In the event they allow up to 40 gallons, I'll set up a 40B, but preparing for restrictions.

I previously had both a 20 long and the IM 15. The 20L was my first reef tank and I learned a lot from it. I enjoyed the length it provided, but filtration was an issue. I used an AC70 and hygger nano for flow. The 15 AIO was great for the price point, but it felt cramped in terms of swimming space. I think I prefer shallower/longer tanks. Budget allows for all the choices below, but wondering if it's even worth getting an AIO. I wouldn't be drilling any of the Aqueons - they'd have an HOB. Finding a stand won't be an issue since I can build a custom one.
Theme will be lagoon/Caribbean with easy softies (xenia, GSP, anthelia), gorgonians, RFA, duncans, and a BTA down the line.

Options right now include:
IM 25 AIO lagoon
IM 20 long nuvo
IM 15 AIO
Aqueon 20 long
Aqueon 20 high
I would like to stock with:

- 2 clowns (either ocellaris or skunks)
- starry or tailspot blenny
- royal gramma
- YWG/pistol shrimp
- CUC

Thanks in advance!

Have the AIO 20L and it's a good little tank for a simple set up and keeping to small fish- I think it would be great for the livestock you mentioned minus the gramma, they may be a bit too nippy. I had an orchid dotty back that shredded my Randall's/orange stripe goby that I had to move to another set up. But the tank is nice, you have freedom with customizing your filtration in the back plus fits your heater and if you can find a small enough UV sterilizer.

Only thing is the socks! They're annoying with the specialized plastic rim getting them clean but tried them in a washer load by themselves with a bit of peroxide and it worked well, no damage to the plastic rim. Just did the load and let them air dry and they're ready to rinse and go again.

 

[Fish Fan]

Only thing is the socks! They're annoying with the specialized plastic rim getting them clean but tried them in a washer load by themselves with a bit of peroxide and it worked well, no damage to the plastic rim. Just did the load and let them air dry and they're ready to rinse and go again.

I have several IM AIO's, two 10's, two 15's, and most recently the 25 lagoon. All are great tanks, and I'm really liking the dimensions of the 25 lagoon, the front to back depth is awesome.

I don't bother with the socks. Take a look at a media basket by InTank or AquaGadget, I use these with a little Poly-Fil, which is the same as filter floss, just cheaper, found at craft stores or your local Mega-Lo-Mart for stuffing pillows.

 

[ocellarisoasis]

Thanks for the replies! Looks like it's between the IM 20 and 25 lagoon. I'll probably end up going lagoon w/ the media basket. I remember the sock being a PITA. I imagine worth the extra 30 bucks for the basket.