Reef Keeping- On a Shoe String Budget...

No, this is not a political thread...don't get me started;



First and Foremost:

- start up with a DT and equipment that you got for next to nothing, and/or from Craigslist!
- acquire staples, fish, and eventually corals form you local reefing website- lots of local in my area often downsizing, getting out of the hobby, etc. and/or from local CraigsList buys.

You'll pay pennies on the dollar, and still have some great stuff.

Now there's nothing wrong with using your LFS also, if they are worthy of your purchases, etc. I often trade coral frags, chaeto bags, etc., for credit at my LFS.

At last but certainly not least, think things through, as far as systems etc., do that you don't cause Salt Water floods, (worse), and/of fresh water or RO/DI water floods.

THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO COST MUCH, IF ANY! You don't have to have a system that cost X amount with sensors, pumps, etc, when a simplier system that works on gravity only, no power, no pumps, no sensors will work as good or usually better than such a system.

** Disclaimer- This post was NOT aimed at anyone spefically, or in general. Just the ongoing nature of the hobby

Peace out- Todd B.

 

I wanted to post my thoughts,

but then decided against it, and deleted it before I submitted it.

I will say I wish i could be perfect, then mistakes would never happen

 

Bump for an edited post, as this was not directed at anyone.

Remember my bassement flood from my flex hose becoming dislodged a while back?

 

Interesting thread..would be better with some more tips...

Like baking soda to increase your alk, or bake it into soda ash if you need to raise your ph...use ice melt for calcium (i forget which brand..)

Find group buys in your area to get the most bang for your buck and save on shipping..

Gravity ATO's work great. I have my water reservoir attached to a $25 float valve (could be found for less $). Been keeping my tank perfectly stable for over a year (knock on wood...)

Make your own filter socks...just need some string and the right felt from a fabric store, or can make nylon ones..

Diy rocks? Frag plugs?

I made nice dosing containers out of 1.5 liter SmartWater bottles. Drilled some holes in the cap for air and a rigid tube.



What else?

 

Welcome, excellent tips.

 

I bought some turbo calcium and all it was, is tiny balls of calcium chloride. I haven't made 100% sure they are the same. But if they are a 30 pound bag is 20 dollars and the small container I got was about the same cost for roughly one pound.

 

Welcome to 3Reef! Yes, that is good advice, I too have many DIY threads that make systems for pennies on the dollar, etc.

Thanks for adding

Another great point!

I currnetly use Mrs. Wards Picking Lime, mixed with the appropriate amount of white vinegar, dripped daily into my sump by my DIY kalc doser, which is a 1 gallon just with a medical IV dripper, that is very easy to dontrol the rate, and doesn't clog.

Any other great ideas?

 

The gravity ATO is a nice almost fool proof method, but an Aqualifter and electric float switch cost 20 bucks - I had to add a hydrometer for $11.00 to take advantage of free shipping but it's just as good as gravity and looks a tad bit neater depending on your arrangement.

Know what would be nice if it were cheaper; pods!

 

Amazon sells the float switches like we use on our systems for $5 each. Ill see if I can dig up a link. they work perfectly.

 

If you are doing an ATO with float switches you can put them inside a prescription pill bottle with some holes drilled in it. Keeps the snails out..