Help Me Pick a Tank!

[madweazl]

That isn't isolated to bow fronts and certain lights are harder on the plastic trim than others and cause the material to become brittle.

 

[Daltrey]

Regardless I would go rimless if at all possible with no bracing. Even if it meant starting out with cheaper equipment to run it.

 

[Aquaholics4u]

Watching to see what folks say! One question I have - do all in one tanks like the Nuvo have room for a fuge in the back compartment? Can you put cheoto in there and put a light on top?

 

[Jesterrace]

I'd argue that a sump on a smaller tank has immense value due to the increased water volume on an otherwise small system.

As another member noted, the 40g is a great size if it's something that will fit your needs. It's wide enough to create a pleasing aquascape but still has a relatively small footprint.

The point is that it isn't necessary and takes away one of the perks of running a smaller tank (ie less equipment and cost).

 

[Reefguy13]

Watching to see what folks say! One question I have - do all in one tanks like the Nuvo have room for a fuge in the back compartment? Can you put cheoto in there and put a light on top?

I have a IM fusion 20 and just put a fuge in there. with some chateo and marine pure blocks. Bought some cheap red LED grow strip lights on amazon

 

[madweazl]

The point is that it isn't necessary and takes away one of the perks of running a smaller tank (ie less equipment and cost).

You either want the benefits of a sump/refugium or you don't, display size is irrelevant.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

I have no experience with all in ones because I feel you get a better system for a better price by going another route.

My advice is to start with a 40 breeder and go from there.

 

[LMDAVE]

I’m just starting my first reef tank now, I’m using a 38 gallon bow front. Sumpless. Reef octopus 1000 hob skimmer. This is its current setup, it’s new but gives you the visual idea.

 

[Mustangtodd97]

+1 on the JBJ all in one. Check out CJ's Aquariums on youtube. He did vlog on his JBJ over a 2 year period. Great Tank. Cool watch.

 

[MSOEME2009]

I almost went the AIO route, but decided on a remote sump ultimately. I wanted to run chaeto to export phosphates in conjunction with a skimmer + carbon reactor.

I also think the sump route is quieter and you can hold better equipment while hiding it. However I've seen a lot of great innovative marine tanks out there.

 

[LanM]

Welcome to the forum, its a great place with great people.

Coming from someone who has purchased 4 tanks in the past 2 months.....take your time with the decision.
1st tank: 8 gallon nano. Small, cheap....that's about the only benefit. Water quality gets out of hand even after 1 overfeeding.

2nd tank; 29 gallon biocube. Pluses- all in one, kind of cool looking, lots of available mods. Biggest negative: I couldn't stand the fact that good retrofit or diy lighting for a reef was ridiculously expensive in my opinion. I'd much rather buy a light that can grow with me, be moved to another tank or scaled up by adding an additional unit. With lights typically costing more than the tank they're above, its a big consideration. I bought an AI Prime HD thinking I'd cut a hole in the top and make it look like a spaceship landed....nope.

3rd tank: 25 gallon rimless cube.
Pluses: I love the footprint, being 18 inches wide. rimless, more modern looking than the biocube. Cheap, and if you drill it, lots of possibilities.
Don't like the depth at 19+ inches. Don't like the fact that by the time you've spent the $$ on drilling, or overflow + the cost of a sump, you could buy a nicer tank without having to lift a finger. Don't like the fact that the sleek form factor is neutered by the need for an overflow (which spaces it away from the wall). Large HOB with media baskets= cheap but ugly solution.

4th tank: Cobalt C-vue 26 gallon AIO.
Pluses: All in one + the sleek form factor of the rimless tanks. Has an arguably better designed rear filtration compartment than the nuvo's. Comes with MJ pumps. (which is why I bought it). 24 inches wide, 2nd reason I bought it. At 24 inches, any clearanced out vanity, kitchen island, or small dresser can be used as a stand which allows for more of a furniture (or fun) look instead of the ubiquitous black plywood mafia that fish tanks are all members of. I would have preferred the 40, but at 36 inches it would have necessitated another light, which at this time would have increased the base project cost 50% and that wasn't happening, I guess I could have gone with 2 black boxes and it would have been cheaper than 1 hydra 26...but why get into the hobby and not get a beautiful spectrum that makes the coral look the best. It's like buying a corvette and running 87, so I'm sticking with the 26.

Will I regret it....probably. But I would arguably need a psychological evaluation if I again changed my mind and bought a 5th tank (Cobalt hasn't even arrived yet).

I can tell you this, I do agree with everyone who says buy the biggest you're comfortable with. If I could swallow the cost of a 2nd Hydra 26, I'd have had a C-vue 40 on its way right now....