Reef Ready or All-In-One Tank | What's The Best Choice?

Choosing the right aquarium setup is a crucial first step in creating a thriving marine environment, and two of the most popular options for saltwater enthusiasts are reef-ready aquariums and all-in-one (AIO) systems. Each tank type offers distinct advantages and potential drawbacks, making the decision largely dependent on your experience level, maintenance preferences, and long-term goals.

Reef-ready tanks provide customization and scalability but require additional equipment and setup, while AIO systems offer convenience and a streamlined design at the cost of flexibility. In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both options, key factors to consider, and how to determine which setup best suits your needs.

What is your experience level?

We will almost always recommend an all-in-one tank for beginners. It's just easier to get set up and have success keeping saltwater fish & corals.  Reef-ready aquariums are generally more advanced and require some level of knowledge and experience to install and maintain.

How much space do you have for the aquarium?

If space is limited and you're in the market for a small aquarium, then an AIO aquarium is really your best choice. Everything is neatly organized and compact making it easier to find a suitable location in your home. Reef-ready aquariums will typically have a larger footprint and require more space. 

How do you feel about maintenance and equipment?

Reef-ready aquariums with a sump allow you to customize the filtration system and employ larger, more advanced life support equipment. With this comes maintenance requirements and additional tasks that you probably wouldn't need to worry about with a simple AIO aquarium.

If you like to tinker and find that building the tank is just as much fun as watching the fish and corals grow, than a reef-ready tank is going to make you happy.  If the idea of maintenance makes your cringe and you really just enjoy the idea of having a living piece of art, choose an AIO tank. 

What kind of livestock do you want?

With a sump system, you gain extra water volume and the ability to utilize more powerful filtration equipment. This means that you will be able to maintain a bigger bioload (more fish) in a reef-ready tank compared to an AIO tank of equal size.  

Where will the tank be located?

Noise level is a thing to consider.  AIO tanks are quieter and won't have as much water noise as you will get with a sump and custom plumbing.  If noise is a concern in the desired location, choose wisely.