Hey everyone! I’ve been researching this, trying to figure out the best way to get the most bang for my buck with this budget build, and I’m starting to rethink my original plan for the Fluval EVO 13.5-gallon AIO.
I was initially leaning toward the Fluval EVO because it’s an easy, all-in-one system. Everything I need comes with the tank, including the filtration, lighting, and pump. It would’ve been super convenient for a beginner, and it has great reviews. However, after looking into it more, I started thinking that maybe I can get more tank space for my money by going with a custom setup. So, here’s a comparison of the two options I’m considering:
Option 1: Fluval EVO 13.5-Gallon AIO
- Tank & Stand: ~$180
- Rock: ~$100 (since I'll be doing dry rock and curing it myself)
- Filtration: Built-in (no extra cost)
- Lighting: LED light included
- Heater: ~$20
- Miscellaneous: ~$50 (salt, test kits, etc.)
- Total Estimated Cost: ~$450
Pros:
- Easy setup, all-in-one system
- Space-efficient, perfect for smaller spaces
- Less risk of mistakes in setting up the filtration system
Cons:
- Limited tank size at 13.5 gallons
- A bit more expensive compared to a custom setup for the size
Option 2: Custom Tank Build (20-30 Gallons)
- Tank: Used 20-gallon tank (aquarium-only) - ~$60
- Custom Stand: ~$50 (DIY, or a cheap stand from a local store)
- Filtration: ~$50 (a basic HOB filter or internal filter)
- Lighting: ~$80 (LED light strips or a basic marine LED light)
- Rock: ~$100 (dry macro rock, same as before)
- Heater: ~$20
- Miscellaneous: ~$60 (salt, test kits, etc.)
- Total Estimated Cost: ~$420
Pros:
- Larger tank (20-30 gallons), so more room for corals and fish (mainly looking at the 20gal long tanks)
- More flexibility in choosing equipment (better pump, heater, etc.)
- Potentially more DIY opportunities (custom aquascaping, etc.)
- Easier to add a refugium: With a custom setup, I can more easily add a refugium later on, which is something I'd definitley like to add later. In fact, I've been thinking at some point I could upgrade the display and turn this display into the refugium, but I digress. It would be tougher to integrate that into the Fluval EVO, but with a custom setup, I could use a separate sump or a section in the filtration area for a refugium. This would help with nutrient control, especially for a growing reef tank.
Cons:
- More complicated setup (I’ll need to build/modify the filtration and lighting)
- Could take longer to set up since I’m doing more of it myself
- Less “beginner-friendly” than the Fluval EVO
Decision Time
After doing the math and looking at my options, I’m leaning toward the
custom setup. Here’s why:
- More Tank Space: I can get a bigger tank (20-30 gallons) for a similar price as the Fluval EVO. More space for a diverse reef and better water stability in the long run.
- Customizability: I have a bit more flexibility with the equipment I choose and can go with budget-friendly but effective gear.
- Learning Opportunity: I’ll learn more about tank setups and can upgrade pieces of equipment over time if needed.
- Future-Proofing: I’m also considering adding a refugium in the future to help keep nutrients under control and improve overall water quality. A custom setup makes this much easier, as I could set up a sump or a designated section for the refugium.
That being said, I’ll still need to carefully plan out the equipment to make sure I’m not going too overboard. The Fluval EVO is definitely tempting because of how easy it would be to just “plug and play,” but I’m excited about the idea of doing a custom setup if it gives me more space, flexibility, and room for growth.
What do y'all think? I’m open to any advice, especially when it comes to choosing the right filtration and lighting for a budget build!
