planning a 20-40g AIO reed- need help given a stocking list

[hbubley]

Hey everyone! it's been awhile since I've been active here. I had to step away from the hobby while I was pregnant, as managing my tanks became too difficult. Now that I’m ready to jump back in, I’m looking for some guidance.

I’m planning to invest in an AIO aquarium. My husband and I are currently renting, so until we buy a home and I can set up a dedicated aquarium space, I’d like to keep this setup on the smaller side—mainly to grow some things out for the future.

From my previous setup, I still have some great lights, but that’s about it. Aqua illumination coral grow lights.

Here’s what I’d love to keep in the tank. Given this list, I’d appreciate any feedback on the smallest tank size I can reasonably go with—preferably in the 20–30 gallon range. I’m also hoping to keep my initial investment under $700 (for the tank and cycling equipment, not including livestock or coral).

Stocking wish list:
• Anemone
• Pair of clownfish
• Frogspawn coral
• Mushrooms
• Maybe a Duncan
• Eventually a dragonette (I’ve successfully kept them in a previous setup- I know I'll have to wait awhile for copepods to be copious enough)
• Peppermint shrimp
• Snails

I'm looking at the 20 nuvo fusion penninsula or this open box JBJ that's also 20g- but very open to suggestions! Would also love a list of supplies I should get this round of setup purchasing.

Would love to hear your thoughts—thanks in advance!

 

[Tahoe61]

IM 25 gallon lagoon or Reefcasa 25 lagoon would be my choices.
Tunze Nano 3 ATO, Bubble Magus Nano Skimmer, Hygger Nano Wavemaker 1600 gph.
The IM 20 was my favorite tank, but I am not a fan of the peninsula version.
Your stocking list looks great.

Welcome back to the hobby.
:)

 

[hbubley]

IM 25 gallon lagoon or Reefcasa 25 lagoon would be my choices.
Tunze Nano 3 ATO, Bubble Magus Nano Skimmer, Hygger Nano Wavemaker 1600 gph.
The IM 20 was my favorite tank, but I am not a fan of the peninsula version.
Your stocking list looks great.

Welcome back to the hobby.
:)

Thanks so much for the feedback!
I'll add those items to my BRS cart- just to confirm- this skimmer yeah? https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mini...=14662&indexName=brs_prod_m2_default_products

And it'll work with either 25g you rec'd? Love the 25 IM lagoon, think I'm going to go with that

 

[Tahoe61]

Thanks so much for the feedback!
I'll add those items to my BRS cart- just to confirm- this skimmer yeah? https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mini...=14662&indexName=brs_prod_m2_default_products

And it'll work with either 25g you rec'd?

It says up to 20 I believe but it should be fine. You could go with the more expensive skimmer like the Tunze Doc Com which is an excellent skimmer, but it doesn't sounds like you will have a big bioload. In fact you might not even need a skimmer.

I use the Bubble Magus on an IM 14 gallon peninsula and Pico. It's silent, easy to set up and the price is hard to beat.

I would count on upgrading the return pump. The Sicce is a decent pump in my opinion. IM makes a MightyJet, but I haven't used it yet.

Remember test kits and a way to measure SG. I use the Milwaukee, but I think the Hanna looks interesting.

 

[hbubley]

It says up to 20 I believe but it should be fine. You could go with the more expensive skimmer like the Tunze Doc Com which is an excellent skimmer, but it doesn't sounds like you will have a big bioload. In fact you might not even need a skimmer.

I use the Bubble Magus on an IM 14 gallon peninsula and Pico. It's silent, easy to set up and the price is hard to beat.

I would count on upgrading the return pump. The Sicce is a decent pump in my opinion. IM makes a MightyJet, but I haven't used it yet.

Remember test kits and a way to measure SG. I use the Milwaukee, but I think the Hanna looks interesting.

Could I have more fish in that size? Would obvi wait awhile to build up bacteria, but curious. Cause I might go for the bigger skimmer if so as an upfront investment
Just ordered the 25 lagoon from IM, wasting no time!

 

[hbubley]

I think the small skimmer will work for now. Here's my BRS list- getting the refractometer from amazon, an electric and a manual (hence calibration solution). I'll plan to upgrade the pump. Grabbing caribsea sand and salt and some rocks from local shops tomorrow.
If I cycle with the rapidcycle, how long should I wait to add anything and what is the first thing I should add in?

 

[Tahoe61]

I think the small skimmer will work for now. Here's my BRS list- getting the refractometer from amazon, an electric and a manual (hence calibration solution). I'll plan to upgrade the pump. Grabbing caribsea sand and salt and some rocks from local shops tomorrow.
If I cycle with the rapidcycle, how long should I wait to add anything and what is the first thing I should add in?

I started my Pico January 22, on the 20th I will be adding coral. I used Fluval Cycle, Microbactor7 and Ammonium Chloride. It took about 3 weeks to completely cycle.

You could add another smaller variety of fish like a Goby, Fire Fish.

Congratulations! Very exciting. :)

Be sure and start a build thread.