Confused

[clown]

Hi All,

 

Great website with loads of help. Thanks in advance. My confusion is looking at the various complete systems(plug and play if you will). It appears as though most of these systems come with components that need immedicate or quite quick replacement. Would it be better to invest in separate components? Any input will be greatly appreciated. By the way I am thinking reef with few fish.

 

Thanks again for the help!

[filefish949]

WELCOME! just keep lurking, if money is a factor, be patient, formulate what you want, keep an eye on the WTS threads, soon enough there will be someone selling a complete system almost exactly what you want for under .50 on the doller

[tinyreef]

most of the AIO's are pretty basic imo. they cater to a broad simple approach. most people find that that "packaging" doesn't meet their more advanced requirements. usually it's the lighting to gets tossed first but it depends also on what the hobbyist is planning to keep and also their (formed) opinion on what they 'need'.

 

for example, a reef setup will require lighting, rock, etc. but a predator setup might require addt'l filtration and less flow. a FO would require something else, an anemone tank something else, and so on.

 

imo, it's best to first formulate what you want and then research up on that particular setup. you're creating a biotope versus a fish tank. hth

[hcuellart]

Take a look at the nanotuners complete setups, those are great, but rather expensive!!

[lakshwadeep]

You don't have to setup an AIO. Many people use standard glass tank sizes and prefer to specifically purchase all the equipment they need. This allows a lot of DIY work, which can be minimal or extensive. Making a sump will also help to hide extra things like heaters and refugiiums.

[tinyreef]

laks right, you definitely don't need a AIO. frankly, i prefer cobbling together a tank with standard components to create a customized setup.

 

the AIO's are just supposed to be (usually) easier since the manufacturer has already packaged together (for example) 50% or more of the most commonly used components.

 

but laks right, you don't need an AIO or that it's even a preferred option. the options, layouts, biotopes, etc. are completely up to you. the whole basis of the nano-niche of the hobby was pretty much developed to show that "there's more than one way to do a reef." i.e. the old rule was 40g minimum.

 

i think we've pretty much shown it's actually a maximum.

 

so whatever way is fine. it's just up to your own ingenuity.

[clown]

Thanks for the replies. Just to respond. Money is not a problem, but my concern is value. Yet I need to deal with aesthetics for my wife's sake. As a newbie it would be great if I could purchase AIO that reasonably would fulfiil my getting started, but was not totally a waste of money. I do not mind upgrading especially early to get proper operation, maintenance, and most importantly enjoyment. As you all know as I read more the varying opinions are great, but some seem so over the top and being new causes the confusion.

 

I will stop rambling. Biotope of Indo-Pacific non-specific area. As I have learned some softies to start and learn with LPS to follow and then I would try Sps. I can visualize a possible main Coral as a center piece with surrounding appropriate corals. Fish (few) to follow.

 

If you have a suggestion for AIO or other setup please do. I live in San Diego county California and if there are LFS that you know are appropriate please suggest.

 

Thanks again for the time.

[Daemonfly]

I've read about a few too many Aquapods cracking lately for me to feel safe investing in one. The Oceanic Biocubes look nice though. Most would agree that all these tanks need at least a slight bit of modification to perform better as reef tanks.

 

Check out our all-in-one forum section: http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showforum=35

[lakshwadeep]

If money is not a problem, then consider a Solana (maybe Elos if it's small enough) tank. These, and most other, high end AIOs are highly suitable equipment-wise and definitely aesthetically pleasing. I apologize for confusing you. Tiny is right that AIOs can be much easier to start up. There are many SoCal reefers on this site who can steer you to the better LFSs.

[clown]

Thanks for all the input. My wife and I looked at JBJ and Solana today and she likes the Solana for appearance reasons. We also looked at stand alone tanks and stands, but she like the AIO better. Will continue to research and will look into Finnex and Cadlights also.

[Nickeleye]

If you've got any questions about custom rigs just give us a call. We are able to do custom lighting for most of the main AIO systems. Our favorites here right now consist of the new JBJ 28 and also the Biocube 29. I'm personally partial to the Nanocube 24g DX. I guess it just boils down to what you're looking to do with the system and what size you're looking to get into.