Virtual Hobby

We all have a ton of experience here and also get new reefers daily. I thought it would be fun to "build a new reef" right here. We could start out with building the tank out and not only include what we would do but why we would do it. share our experiences and trials and tribulations. Rules are:
If it is not "needed" but wanted must be stated so.
Try and ball park the cost of item or savings on diy
Work together if someone disagrees its ok just work around it rather then argue it.
You can only add 1 item a post to keep it simple. That means once you add something you have to wait for someone else to add before you can add again.
You can include cycling tips or water prep tricks this is to be a complete setup.
At the end we should have something that a beginner could purchase and setup and enjoy!

I will start with my favorite beginners tank size:
A 75 gallon tank and stand which retails about $300-400 Needed
wont out grow too "quickly" and room to do a lot of work in.

 

30 gal long tank for sump. Needed
About $40

 

OK then next (5) stage RO/DI (Reverse Osmosis/De-Ionizing) reef keeping system from Air, Water & Ice
Cost $139.00 + $15.95 Shipping = $154.95 In My opinion Needed

 

Hob Overflow needed since tank was not stated to be reef ready and we have a sump. I prefer a Lifereef single 700gph OVF because of ease of setup and virtually maintenence free. About $100 new or 50 to 80 used.
Scott

 

How are you going to keep track of all the items? If everyone keeps posting this will turn into an incredibly long thread. Mag 7 (700 gph) return pump from the sump back to the main tank. $44.00 plus $10 shipping from an Ebay Store.

Jim

 

TLC = Free

 

I will add 2 large garbage cans (rubbermaid) and a power head to pre-mix new water and salt about 30 dollars DESIRABLE

and we can sum up tank contents at the first 1 or 2 posts of next page

 

100 pounds of live rock from a Florida aquaculture facility. 50 lbs of base rock for the bottom and 50 lbs of the nice stuff to go on top of the base rock. For a reef tank I would say needed. Thats $100 for the base rock and $250 for the good coralline, sponge, coral encrusted rock. Total $350.00

Jim

 

I say we need an auto top off system for evaporation.

I am a big fan of my Tunze OSMOLATOR UNIVERSAL for $162 from Premium Aquatics.

 

Skimmer, ground probe, heater, thermometer, all needed. I use the following:

http://www.championlighting.com/product.php?productid=18289&cat=519&page=1

http://www.justphish.com/drygoods/wonbrothersheater.htm

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...ll&Ntx=mode matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...ll&Ntx=mode matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1