IM 50 gallon Lagoon vs 40 gallon(cube)

[aus1230]

I’m currently trying to decide between a 50 gallon lagoon vs IM’s 40 gallon cube. Aside from the obvious gallon difference is there any benefits for either of them?
I currently already have some equipment that I think I can use on both of them like a Osmolator 3 nano ATO and one ai prime HD.
Is there certain types of fish that would do better in a 50 gallon lagoon style? Is the extra 10 gallons worth it? Can I maybe keep 1 or 2 more fish with that extra 10 gallons (I know there are some other variables in that question). Thanks in advance.

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[Fish Fan]

I can't answer your question directly since I've never owned either tank, but I'll give you my opinion anyway :-)

I do have several of the smaller Innovative Marine All-In-One (AIO) tanks from 10-25 gallons and I really like them.

Had you asked me previously, I would say that I like taller tanks and cube tanks better than shallow, lagoon style tanks. But I recently got an IM 25 gallon lagoon, and I absolutely love the dimensions. The front to back depth is really great, that's what makes the tank. I can only assume they did the same but larger with the IM 50 gallon lagoon.

My vote here is for the 50 gallon lagoon, I think you'll really like the dimensions.

I'm not sure there's a big difference in fish stocking from a 40 to a 50 gallon, but larger is typically better, you open yourself up to more varieties of fish, but again it might be different when comparing a 10 gallon to a 100 gallon.

The Osmolators are solid ATO solutions. I think the 3155 was the gold standard, but the Osmolator 3 is well received by many here at R2R.

I believe if you want to keep corals, then you will need two AI Primes on either a 40 or 50 gallon tank, but others will know for sure.

I hope that helps and good luck!

 

[Tahoe61]

A Lagoon style is easier to scape and work in.

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

I had the IM40 for a couple of years and and always kind of wished that I had gone with the IM50. I thought the dimensions were a little too narrow and tall.

 

[aus1230]

A Lagoon style is easier to scape and work in.

Great point. I was dreading the scraping for the cube style!

 

[aus1230]

I had the IM40 for a couple of years and and always kind of wished that I had gone with the IM50. I thought the dimensions were a little too narrow and tall.

You think it would’ve helped with cleaning?(it being shorter)?

 

[jimmypencil]

I have had the 50 Lagoon for a few years now and it is amazing! highly recommend. If you end up going with it - id be happy to answer any questions you have about equipment, etc. It was kinda hard for me to find info when i first got the tank and wanted to do upgrades.