Reef on a budget?

lol is it even possible? im starting to set up a 35 reef and im estimated to spending over $600 when my original budget was $400. anything i can do to reduce cost ;D;D:

 

Reef and budget dont really go in the same sentence lol
DIY will help keep costs down and also check craigslist and local reef clubs for deals from other reefers.

 

ive been hearing about clubs what are these? what do they do? are there any in malden?

 

Save and spend over time, that's what I did. I didn't buy everything at once.

 

like what are the things you buy at a later time?

 

I would buy the necessities first (powerheads, lighting, filter, heater, RO/DI unit, etc.), then get your live or dry rock, as well as sand if you want it. Then, while the tank is cycling, you can save up some more money for livestock.

 

The light, power heads, skimmer etc. can wait for a few months while it cycles. I would be just what is necessary to cycle (rock, sand water, tank). If you plan on running a sump, plumb that too. During those months, save up for lights, powerheads and skimmer.

Start with 1 powerhead and soft coral and add more flow as necessary for the coral you have (hard corals require more flow than soft).

Look for deals on everything online (EBAY, Craigslist, locally, LFS etc.). Find local reefers willing to frag corals instead of paying $50 a the LFS.

Find people locally breaking down their tank. They may be willing to sell rocks for cheap.

 

Try checkers.

 

whats that?

 

where are you located at? I'm not sure where malden is....Local reef clubs are people in an area that are fellow hobbyists and many have forums as well. Some will have meetings where people can swap livestock (coral frags), talk about the hobby, etc. I've actually seen some really nice full systems up for sale within the last couple of months on my local forum.

Vinny is referring to checkers the game (he has a dry sense of humor)