Reef on a budget?

oh well seems like something i should get into um im in
Malden, Massachusetts

 

Getting a reef on a budget is completely do-able. First thing you are really going to have to realize is you arent gonna have some starfire front reef tank of the month though. For a first tank I really recommend personally that people go the low budget route. Its easier on the wallet and gives you room to build and learn. A lot of people go out dump hundreds on vortechs, brand name LED fixtures, then find the hobby might not be for them then get out. Sure big budget has more resale value, but its a personal choice.

All my tanks have been more or less budget tanks. Every tank I have had has been a local for sale. My lights, ebay odyssea specials, my RODI ebay special (although I don't recommend purewaterclub), rock I did but from BRS but it was there cheaper eco rock, my filtration was an algae scrubber only (and live rock). Even my first couple bunches from frags were from ebay and local club pieces, all little frags and many I have still today years later.

About the only brand names I bought was a CPR overflow and a mag drive return.

As my confidence and knowledge grew then I started the upgrades, better lights, added a skimmer, etc etc. Some will argue in the long run I spent more. Maybe I did but I didn't have the upfront capital to go for the big bang, and like I said at first I didn't know this hobby was for me.

I'm a family guy, a working man and on a budget so while vortechs, controllers, 600 bucks lights are nice, those are also truck payment or the better part of a house payment each, so hobby stays hobby.

So moral of my story sure its do able.

 

This hobby isn't budget friendly. While you can save money on items like lights and powerheads, you will have problems that come out of no where. If you skimp out on quality things that you need then your tank will suffer in the long run. Theres quite a few things you need to make sure you have just to keep the tank running correctly and keeping water quality at its peak. You can be smart on purchases for this hobby but if you have to CUT CORNERS to make having a tank affordable then you might want to rethink about having a tank. The last thing you want to happen is have your livestock suffer from not having the proper items for the tank. Just my .02 and I hope this hobby is something you can go full steam at. I love seeing new tanks and giving good advice. 3reef is the reason why my tanks flourish.

 

I am from the Worcester area, but not part of any local clubs or anything. If you find one, let me know!

As far as reefing on a budget, as already mentioned, used is the way to go. I am finishing up a "budget" build 125. I got a dual overflow 125 gallon tank, stand, overflow piping, 40 gallon sump, return pump, lighting and 36W UV unit for $300 off Craigslist. I got a $400 cone skimmer off of Ebay for $175. I bought (2) WP-40 powerheads for under $200 new to take care of flow. I bought 50lbs dry rock and 40 lbs dry sand for $90 from ReefRocks.net. From there I am moving over my existing rock and sand from my 55 over (about $275 worth between live rock and what was dry rock). I am moving over my controller (about $225 new) & carbon reactor (about $75 new). I already have all of the misc. "stuff" (testing equipment, RO/DI, salt, food, medicines, etc).

So I put in about $700 into the 125, plus moving over about $700 worth of existing equipment and misc items. I will be selling my complete 55, which should sell for around $500. So in total upgrading from a 55 to a 125 will cost me about $900-1000. When I built my 55, I bought everything new and so easily spent over $2000 for the complete setup. Used is the way to go

Again, as mentioned, areas not to skimp are lighting (for an LPS/SPS tank) & skimmer. Search Craigslist and ebay for deals. You should be able to buy a complete 40 gallon setup for around $400 used, which would likely include live rock and maybe some livestock.

What have you already bought?

 

It is definitely do-able. You just need to be flexible and patient. Craigslist can be your friend. I picked up an awesome setup and moved it an hour away and could not be happier. Was unbelievably reasonable. You can find deals.

 

you know my best looking tank was a tank that was on a budget when you keep it simple but stable it will be fine

 

Craigs list, a bit of Ebay, buying new but budget offbrand items, like my SC150 skimmer!, and my local reefers have enabled me to have my 125 mixed reef on a VERY LOW budget!

I'm also the king of DIY! overflows, sumps, etc., pennies on the dollar.

Research items and prices. Like the relatively new wp40 power heads, these things will push a small boat!
Check out my vid in my sig!

 

I agree it is very doable,especially if you limit yourself to easy to keep soft corals.You can have a very nice looking tank that doesn't reguire the highest water quality,flow,lighting or the dosing of additives.The problem is that like that little girl in the tv commercial we want more! WE REALLY LIKE IT,WE WANT MORE!

 

I agree it can be done on a low budget. Just how low becomes the question. Also expectations have to be within reason as well. Most who have amazing tank have spent an amazing amount as well. Used helps big time especially getting started. Dont expect long term use though based on the idea that someone did previously use it and you dont know how they took care of the items. It could have been dropped, fixed, or abused. You just dont know. I have limited time to deal with my tank so I spend more knowing that in theory I should have less headaches to deal with. Some people love to get their hands wet and work their tanks everyday. I dont. I went the opposite route knowing what my expectations were for my tank.

One thing to consider when working on a budget is to forget about the latest and greatest. That is for those who are willing to experiment, tinker, and have the money to spend in the case that it doesnt work for them.

 

i bough the tank im looking around for lights, i need 157w of over 65000K lighting for more advanced (SPS) and softies right? im going to buy a bulk reef supplies RO/DI system and the rock, salt, sand from them also the refroctometer i found one for $27 on amazon so ill get that there but my BRS cart is $560 you said u were selling you 55 complete for $500?