Dymax IQ9 Drop Off AIO

[zdrc]

I'm a complete noob at saltwater (many years keeping freshwater aquariums with plants) and I was thinking of starting out with the Dymax IQ9 Drop Off AIO.

I really like the look of the drop off, it just seems so natural and it's unique to reefs to have a significant vertical component that is used by fauna. By comparison freshwater systems and fauna are naturally very planar. The drop off also allows for a sump, which is a big bonus.

Compared to freshwater, I'm most interested in all the diversity of flora and fauna found in saltwater aquariums. I definitely plan on having live rock, all kinds of different invertebrates, some beginner corals (maybe even some monti caps if I can keep other corals alive and get an ATO), and macroalgae. Hitchhikers will be encouraged.

The appeal of the Dymax is the drop off and how self-contained it is. It seems like it would really simplify the equipment buying process.

It costs $600 with the skimmer, light, filter media, and return pump. It seems like there is also room in the sump for other stuff I might need (maybe I can put some LED strips in there and grow macroalgae?).

Will it suit my purposes and does it seem like a good deal?

 

[blaxsun]

It looks like an interesting tank, and it may work out well for your application. It looks like you need a separate air pump for the skimmer, and I'm not sure how the sump will be for maintenance (mess, ease of use, etc.)

It looks like there's a few videos of the tank on YouTube so I'd definitely check those out.

 

[zdrc]

It looks like an interesting tank, and it may work out well for your application. It looks like you need a separate air pump for the skimmer, and I'm not sure how the sump will be for maintenance (mess, ease of use, etc.)

It looks like there's a few videos of the tank on YouTube so I'd definitely check those out.

I've been thinking about it, and I think it's a little too small. I'm pretty sure they're including the sump in the stated gallons. I think I'll go with a peninsula AIO.

 

[blaxsun]

I've been thinking about it, and I think it's a little too small. I'm pretty sure they're including the sump in the stated gallons. I think I'll go with a peninsula AIO.

Innovative Marine also makes a drop-off as well.