Feedback on this 100 gal set-up costs?

While I don't have the resources for a 750 set up I need some feedback on a more common 100 gal set-up . ;D

I have to say I'm shocked at the costs for a Reef tank. I have read Greg Skomal's book and various I-net posts for my initial Q & A and the below based on that research is what my Nube mind is telling me.

I'd like any honest feedback if you think this is over the top, and any suggestions on products or set-up changes you would make so we can all benefit and know what we are getting into from the start. on a 100 gallon typical set-up.

I'm $500 over the standard $25 per gallon I read somewhere else, $200 - 300 of that is for my custom stand, so its not far off after I put all this together.

I will have to sell off some of two other hobbies, RC flying and Guns to even get to the $2K mark I think. ( A Sig P-239 9 MM with nightsights and custom Hogue grips as well as two airplanes ready to fly if anyone’s interested )

Anyway please give your honest feedback and suggestions for any changes (to maybe help reduce costs) Or the misc I have forgotten.:thumbup:

Tank by Glasscages.com Reef Ready Starphire Glass 48 x18 x 25
Overflow w/blue cover for Skimmer, two holes , bulkheads $485 total with pick-up in ATL

Stand Custom made by local carpenter friend (using on-line plans) $ ??? Lower than a store

Euro-Reef RS 100 $288

Tunze 6060 Turbelle Stream $140

Reef Keeper 2 $270

Turbo-Sea 1090 Main Pump $150

Nova Extreme T5 1123 Light with Moon $400

ADHI -30 Refugium $339

90 lbs Tonga Deep Water Live Rock $130 per 30 lbs $390

25 lbs Ultra Tonga Live Rock $170

120 lbs live sand $300

1 in line Heater $50

Seachem Salt 160 gal $40

Test Kit all purpose Reef $25

Hydrometer $7

2 - 5 gal buckets $10

2 –nets small and large $10


Sub total: $3084 !!! before stand materials $200 lumber & stain

 

Gosh, and you have not even any fish yet! ;D

Hobby not cheap...you can go for a smaller tank instead of having to cut corners.

BTW.

To 3Reef!!!​

Glad to see you aboard! Take time to read below link. Covers setup costs and resources quite well.

The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

© 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00

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Feedback on this 100 gal set up cost?

I appreciate being pointed to this webs starter section, however I hope its not a thread killer. I'd like to hear from a few more opinions.

 

One thing stands out at me...

those float hydrometers are notoriously inaccurate and difficult to get an accurate reading with.

You might want to consider a refractometer.

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On sale now at DFS: Portable Refractometer

You could save $ on live sand and just use plain reef sand. It will become live quickly with all that great LR you are putting in.

Refugium really necessary at startup (?) Lots of ways to do cheaper then that.- you do need to plan for a sump (I just have a rubbermaid plastic container)

Other then that, I think $$$ you have figured pretty much on mark.

 

I would take that number and double it unless you want an empty reef tank. Corals, fish, and inverts are not cheap either. To make you feel better, I have put over $1800 into my 24g setup, and my reef isn't even half way stocked..

 

My opinion is you have to calculate at least 25% more than what you originally calculated. This hobby is not cheap! In my 90 gallon setup i am already reaching the $4,000 mark and thats without the corals and fish i have added. I would consider maybe going smaller and getting better equipment and try not to cut corners like omard said.

 

All great advice, thanks Omard and all.

I'm going to scale back to 65-75 gal and see what I come up with to get started but still keeping the brands I've chosen. Most have seemed to agree on the brands. Others brand suggestions would help me as well, to look at alternatives and learn the differences.

I guess its all relative in any hobby what you spend. Some of the RC jets I've seen in my current hobby get up to $15,000 easy. The turbine alone at $5K.

At least this hobby would keep me out of 115 degree heat indexes in South GA in August ;D

 

Better add a "chiller" to your list! ;D

(or have at least good central AC)

 

Have you looked into someone with an established system looking to sell?
Or just the tank, stand or anything else for that matter. Sometimes you find people on recycler and craiglist looking to sell this stuff along with fish, corals, etc...just a though and could possibly help save some $$ on a first time tank (in the event it doesn't work out, let's hope for the best!).

 

I agree it is a good idea to check for a used setup for sale. Even though you may not be getting all the stuff you want you can get started (sometimes really cheap, some people just want to get out of hobby and need the money) and then you can upgrade some of the stuff. Also look for a local club there might be members who are getting out of hobby.