Looking to start a salt water tank

So my friend had a 6g Nanocube and just recently upgraded to the 24g HQI biocube. I think I might have caught the bug and I don't even have a tank. I have been looking on craigslist for used setups. I have been doing some research and I am leaning towards a 55g setup. I guess I would prefere a bowfront tank but as of right now it is going to come down to what I can get the best deal on. I am looking to hopefully get the equipment for to get started for ~$200. I was wondering if any of you have advice as to how to get a good basic setup that could be upgraded in the future for as cheap as possible. I am a pretty handy person and I am not adverse to building stuff. Could any of you veterans possibly put together a potential shopping list I can start working on? Eventually I want to make it into a reef tank but I know that is a long way down the line. I am just looking to have the ability to upgrade as I go as opposed to having to start all over when I want to make a reef tank. Thanks in advance for any help!

Also I am familiar with some of the basics such as nitrogen cycles, live sand, live rock, pH, salinity. However when it comes to filters and different setups I am not as educated.

Matt

 

sorry man $200 isnt going to get you set up, unless you get the tank,stand,substrate,live rock, and fish for free.

 

I am looking to get just the basic equipment (used) for 200. This is not including and live sand/rock or anything else living. Basically what I am saying is I have $200 and want to get started on accumulating the propor equipment. I will have another 150 next week to spend. I am in no rush but I was hoping some experienced folk here could give me a little help.

 

Well, $200 will probably get you a tank and stand in the size you want, but nothing else. I would start searching craigslist while saving up and looking to find one for a deal.

 

Okay so I think I might have found a decent setup. I am awaiting a picture but I was wondering if anyone could take a look at this add and tell me if they think it is a good deal. 40 gal. saltwater set up. VERY CHEAP.... The seller agreed to $175.

 

I would go for it.. Sounds like its a plugg and play.... can always update stuff later...

 

Just make sure the 2 things you dont skimp on are lighting and a good skimmer. That sounds like a steal for 175. The light alone is worth that.

 

if you want hard corals i wouldn't bother with the power compact lighting.
the tank and live rock sounds like a good deal though.

the other thing you need besides lighting is a good protein skimmer. i would try ebay for that make sure you research the one you by before hand because there a a good amount poor functioning ones

 

So I have come across another setup I am interested in buying. 29 Gallon Aquarium! Black Back! Lights! Stand! Filter! $300 OBO! for $200. This is the description the seller sent me.

"The lighting system itself is JBJ AQUA-LIGHTING. There are two different types of bulbs inside: Coralife Atinic 65 watt blue or night & flp 65 watt white or daylight. Both the bulbs are rated at 10,000k. Each bulb can be operated separately. There are fans built into the system that help keep the bulbs cool and those also can be operated separately. I just replaced the bulbs not to long ago so they can be used for a while before you need to replace them. The lighting system comes with a power strip with a surge protector with two timers so you can set the lights to come on at any time you want. The lighting system for this tank is adequate for reef keeping as this tank has been a reef tank in the past and you will be able to keep both hard and soft corals alive with no problem. The lighting system alone for this tank costs $300 in the store. I'm offering you the whole thing for that much or your best offer! As far as set up and cycling-all you need to get is live sand and rock, start the protein skimmer and the powerhead and let it do its thing for a month or two! Let me know if you need more information. Thanks"

What do you guys think? I would obviously be starting out slow and for 2 months it would just be LS + LR. I think it allows for some upgrades down the road.

 

i have that lighting and its not enuff for hard corals