Will i regret getting an AIO?

[cba191]

There is such a huge difference in price between an AIO and a tank, sump, and separates.

 

[Shanel]

Usually there is, most AOI are smaller. What size tanks are you comparing?

 

[JumboShrimp]

Innovative Marine make some great AIOs, in my opinion. Whether you will like a tank with a sump better... well... that may depend on how much you like to tinker.

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

Why would you?

A sump is not the be all and end all. I run a Sumpless tank and I grow everything in it.

 

[SliceGolfer]

No

 

[Indiana Reefin]

It depends. I would say the biggest constraint with a AIO is protein skimmer real estate. They make a lot of nice compact skimmers that can fit in a AIO compartment, but only up to a certain size. You can go with an external skimmer as well. You also need to consider how much other equipment you want. If you like to keep it simple, an AIO is a fantastic option. If you want a bunch of equipment and a nice area to grow chaeto or other macro algae’s go with a sump.

 

[Fish Fan]

Are you just getting into reef keeping? If so, an AIO is a great way to go. It's much less setup, and it limits the equipment you can add to the tank in a good way, meaning, you can't be tempted to try gear you don't need. Everything that you do need to have a successful tank is readily available. Lots and lots of members here run very nice AIO's, check out this section for inspiration:
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/all-in-one-aquariums-aio.388/
Consider if you're just getting started, there's a chance this hobby might not be for you. Start small, and grow as needed. If you get out of the hobby, you can more easily rehome an AIO. If you stay in the hobby, then keep the AIO as a quarantine tank or a coral frag tank.

Plus 1 for Innovative Marine; solid AIO tanks.

In general, get the largest tank that is both affordable and appropriate for your space. Larger tends to be easier to keep, and opens you up to more choices of fish and livestock.

Good luck!

 

[Shanel]

We talking price or functionality here?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Personally - just me - I would never go for an AIO tank. So much better and more fun to buy a rectangle tank and add the equipment you want, either with a sump or with hob equipment.

 

[Shanel]

Personally - just me - I would never go for an AIO tank. So much better and more fun to buy a rectangle tank and add the equipment you want, either with a sump or with hob equipment.

I have had both AIO and HOB. My preference is HOB. It adds room to the inside of the tank.

This is a 40b from 2006. All HOB.

 

[Tahoe61]

I bought my first AIO around 2003, I currently have 3, and I never regretted having an AIO.
After keeping big tanks and sumps in the 80s-90s I found AIOs to be more maintenance friendly.
In today's aquarium market a notable amount of equipment is designed for AIOs. I like to upgrade the return pump and add a wave maker, get an ATO, skimmer and heater. I don't use socks or media baskets.

 

[Anna K]

My first tank currently is an IM 40L AIO and I don't regret it at all. I don't think I'd be able to handle a sump right now, or figure out how the basics of one work, and this is a great learning curve to have. I did read though not to get an AIO above 50 - 60g depending on who you talk to.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I started with an AIO, and I don't regret it either. While it isn't the "perfect" setup, it did allow me to have some of the basics and gave me a good starting point with reef tanks.

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

What is it you are looking to keep? If your looking for tangs or certain larger fish there a very few that would work even short term.if your looking to keep a few smaller fish, there are some good options that will still allow for good stocking choices. If you go 20 and under you can still do AIO or still have sump. When you get into the smaller/pico, stocking is limited. You can even go sump/chamberless but I don't recommend for anything above 5 gallons.

So first question is what fish and/or corals are you wanting to keep and what is your end goal?

 

[get-salty]

Realistically ...

If you must ask this question.
You WILL regret buying an AIO.

 

[James Franco]

I started with a 55g and 20g sump back in the early 2000s. It had its quirks, but I liked it. I left the hobby after a decade and came back with a 20 AIO. It had its draw backs due to its size and getting equipment to fit. I still liked it but took some getting used to. After a few years I left the hobby again. I am back at it again with a 62g AIO. Much larger back chamber and newer equipment is more flexible to fit. Again, still has quirks, but I am enjoying it.

 

[cba191]

What is it you are looking to keep? If your looking for tangs or certain larger fish there a very few that would work even short term.if your looking to keep a few smaller fish, there are some good options that will still allow for good stocking choices. If you go 20 and under you can still do AIO or still have sump. When you get into the smaller/pico, stocking is limited. You can even go sump/chamberless but I don't recommend for anything above 5 gallons.

So first question is what fish and/or corals are you wanting to keep and what is your end goal?

I NEED a dwarf angel and a bristletooth tang, if possible.
Also, do I need low iron glass?

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

I would look for at least a 90 gallon. Bristletooth can get to 6 inches and bigger depending on species. You can get a small one in a 60 but plan on rehoming when bigger. Dwarf angelfish can be done in a 60 and some of the smaller 45. Some Pigmy like Cherub can be done in 20 but larger will be better.

Low iron is a preference. It is how clear the glass will be. The higher iron just makes it a slightly green tinge but doesn't effect how you see to much. Low iron will remove most of the green rings in glass but is more expensive. Looks really nice though. This is a preference. I highly recommend reading beginners guide here if you haven't.

I would read these articles first in the top of this forum link to get you started if you haven't yet.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/new-to-saltwater-reef-aquariums-post-here.130/
Edit. Seems you been a member since 2012. So you may already then know this lol.

 

[liddojunior]

My frag tank is an AIO

I love AIO because of how simple it is. But if I were to go large aquarium I would go with sump.

 

[exnisstech]

Large tank a sump for sure. Smaller tank AIO is great but a sump can be great also. I started my first AIO an IM 20 a few months ago. It has its limitations but it is also very simple and easy to take care of. I also have a 40g breeder running with a hob filter.
If I were setting up a tank large enough to keep tangs I would only do a sump. It opens up many more filtration options and adds room for equipment including a decent sized skimmer if needed