dzones Posted August 29, 2020 Share Posted August 29, 2020 Hey Everyone. I have been out of the hobby for a while and am ready to come back in again! I noticed there are several All in One solutions out there now and was curious what people recommend for something in a 20 gallon size. I could go slightly smaller but around the 20ish range is preferred. Also for units that may not come with a light, what light recommendation would you make based on your own experiences? I am NOT operating on a strict budget but also don't wanna go crazy and take out a loan for it lol. Thanks in advance!! Quote Link to comment
mcarroll Posted August 30, 2020 Share Posted August 30, 2020 It's probably good to have a budget even if you don't need to have a budget....maybe even especially if you don't need to have one. LOL A Biocube is nice for simplicity. But I'd suggest getting a plain old tank the size you want and adding a Tunze Reefpack. Either a model 100 or 250 for a tank that size. What does your local store carry? Quote Link to comment
Biglex Posted August 30, 2020 Share Posted August 30, 2020 I have a super nice Im 14 gallon peninsula in Houston Tx Quote Link to comment
Matteo Posted August 30, 2020 Share Posted August 30, 2020 Nuvo or Water Box for AIO and you'll be set. They don't break the budget either. 2 Quote Link to comment
dzones Posted August 30, 2020 Author Share Posted August 30, 2020 46 minutes ago, mcarroll said: It's probably good to have a budget even if you don't need to have a budget....maybe even especially if you don't need to have one. LOL A Biocube is nice for simplicity. But I'd suggest getting a plain old tank the size you want and adding a Tunze Reefpack. Either a model 100 or 250 for a tank that size. What does your local store carry? Thanks for the great info! I will check out the tunze reefpack, have not heard of that before. I used to have a Biocube and while they are kinda nice I don't think I would be satisfied with the lighting. Sadly we don't have an LFS anymore. I would have to travel a lot further than I am able to unfortunately so everything is going to have to be online. 27 minutes ago, Biglex said: I have a super nice Im 14 gallon peninsula in Houston Tx I was not aware IM made a 14 gallon Peninsula. I will look into it, Thanks! 4 minutes ago, Matteo said: Nuvo or Water Box for AIO and you'll be set. They don't break the budget either. Awesome thanks for the info. I will check them both out. Has anyone had any experience with the Cobalt C-Vue series? They seemed to have a nice build quality but I was unable to find many people having one and they seem sold out. I am reluctant since there is very little chatter about them Thanks guys, I appreciate the info so far 🙂 Quote Link to comment
spectra Posted August 30, 2020 Share Posted August 30, 2020 IM20 for the win.............loved mine and its what got me back into the hobby...............love the IM tanks.............. 3 Quote Link to comment
Clown79 Posted August 30, 2020 Share Posted August 30, 2020 Innovative marine 20g or 25 lagoon, excellent tanks. 1 Ai Prime Hd will do unless you plan on an sps dominant tank. 2 Quote Link to comment
dzones Posted August 30, 2020 Author Share Posted August 30, 2020 9 hours ago, spectra said: IM20 for the win.............loved mine and its what got me back into the hobby...............love the IM tanks.............. Thanks! Looking into the IM tanks today 8 hours ago, Clown79 said: Innovative marine 20g or 25 lagoon, excellent tanks. 1 Ai Prime Hd will do unless you plan on an sps dominant tank. Thanks! I started looking at the IM tanks. They are for sure nice looking setups. I have not seen a 25 lagoon anywhere in stock though. AI Prime HD seems to be the most popular one for sure. Quote Link to comment
Clown79 Posted August 30, 2020 Share Posted August 30, 2020 1 hour ago, dzones said: Thanks! Looking into the IM tanks today Thanks! I started looking at the IM tanks. They are for sure nice looking setups. I have not seen a 25 lagoon anywhere in stock though. AI Prime HD seems to be the most popular one for sure. The lagoons i find are often out of stock. Quote Link to comment
dzones Posted August 30, 2020 Author Share Posted August 30, 2020 Well after quite a bit of research I have to say I don't think I am going to be happy with the IM setup. They do make a beautiful tank but the back compartments are just so dang narrow in depth. That 2.8 depth is kinda brutal and from reading around different places, it is the biggest complaint. I am now for sure leaning towards the Coral C-Vue 18g that I stumbled across. The C-Vue 18 has a back compartment depth of 4.75 inches allowing several options for skimmers and other possible equipment. Same low iron 6mm glass and I do like the 45 degree angle corners that allows for more strength. It also can be drilled on the bottom and back for those who may want to add a sump. I cannot see me doing that but at least it is an option. Also it has the same dual overflow setup as the IM fusion pro series. I was heavily leaning towards the IM line based on the opinions here but I just know I would not be happy with that small back compartment area. Thanks for everyone who chimed in. I appreciate the insights. 1 Quote Link to comment
jimwalton680 Posted August 31, 2020 Share Posted August 31, 2020 23 hours ago, dzones said: Thanks! Looking into the IM tanks today Thanks! I started looking at the IM tanks. They are for sure nice looking setups light glasses. I have not seen a 25 lagoon anywhere at cyberpunk in stock though. AI Prime HD seems to be the most popular one for sure. Thanks a lot.Really helpful! Quote Link to comment
Biconia Posted September 13, 2020 Share Posted September 13, 2020 i have IM NUVO 50g AIO still happy with this tank 🙂 Quote Link to comment
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