Did I get a good deal on a 150 gallon set up???

[Wrbrackett]

Hi everyone awesome site,I'm learning a lot every day.I just bought from my lfs.a really nice salt wTer set up.I was hoping I could get some input on the price I paid.it's going to be a salt water fish only tank.I paid 5000 including full set up.
150 gallon all glass aquiram with two built in over flows.
Really nice black oakstand and matching top.I paid a lot for this but it's really makes the tank.
Glass canopy and lights for fish only tank
Sump filter with two mag pumps
Oceans clear canister filter.
coral life main pump
Uv sterlizer
Thermoter
Live sand
Live rock
Total was 5000.
I'm planning on having him maintain it for the first 6 months u till I learn enough to take care of it myself.
Install is this week.

[TRENT_G]

If your happy with it is all that matters. let's see some pictures when you get it set-up. Just curious is the 6 month maintenance included with the price?

[sporto0]

Does the $5,000 include his maintaining it for 6 months? I am glad you are excited about keeping a saltwater tank, having said that, I have to tell you that I don't think it's a good deal, sorry, if you mistyped & meant $500, thumbs up. You may have been able to set this up for $3,000 or less with a better light fixture, even though you did not specify, I assume fish only means regular fluorescent bulbs. Let me say this, if you are happy & can afford the money, just enjoy it, this thread just might not give you the answers you want to hear. Good Luck & seriously enjoy it, learn it, love it.

[jalloway502]

I agree with what's been said. Personally, I'd never spend that much on a single tank. For that amount, I'd more that likely have 5-10 really nice tanks

But congrats on getting into this!

[kripas]

Well i think thats too much, you can get it for $3k or less (craigslist cough cough), if you do some research. How much for the light and what type? Anyway welcome to RC , lets begin the cycling


Sent from my iPhone using My fingers

[shaginwagon13]

Originally Posted by sporto0

Does the $5,000 include his maintaining it for 6 months? I am glad you are excited about keeping a saltwater tank, having said that, I have to tell you that I don't think it's a good deal, sorry, if you mistyped & meant $500, thumbs up. You may have been able to set this up for $3,000 or less with a better light fixture, even though you did not specify, I assume fish only means regular fluorescent bulbs. Let me say this, if you are happy & can afford the money, just enjoy it, this thread just might not give you the answers you want to hear. Good Luck & seriously enjoy it, learn it, love it.

+1

$5,000 in my opinion is far too much for what you received. Don't get too worked up over it though, thats also a part of the hobby and you learn a long the way its happened to all of us. When I started my first tank I spend around $2000 in stuff I never ended up using that I was told were 'essential' for keeping a reef tank. Ya it stings, but you live and learn

Welcome to the hobby!

PS - If your LFS sold you that tank for $5000 I personally would never go there again to buy anything. I'm sorry to say he took advantage of the fact your new to the hobby and a good aquarium store should help you if your unsure of something.... not take advantage of you. The guy who sold you the tank knew it was way overpriced when he sold it to you. 6 months of maintenance really doesn't mean much since the first 2 months are gonna be spent cycling your tank and there really isn't much to do anyways. That's just my .2 cents

[zaheda]

Show us some pics please of the 5k setup.

[Chris27]

The tank, stand, and canopy at retail are approx $2500...
Live sand....$100-$200
Live rock.....$1000-$1500
Pumps.....$300-$500
Sump......$300
Light.....$175-$250
Glass tops....$50

$5000 is probably right in line with retail prices for a new setup. If the folks at the store were enthusiastic, personable and willing to answer any questions then by all means keep up the relationship with them.

Sure you could have gotten a setup used from craigslist for less, but you usually have to deal with someone else's problem tank. There is nothing wrong with buying new from the get go, equipment is warrantied, the tank hasn't been abused, and salt damage on the stand and canopy is nonexistent. Roughly speaking, figure on about $50 per gallon for a reef tank, and $40 per gallon on a fish only tank.....which is about what you spent.

Don't listen to the used equipment junkies on here, I can assure you that sitting around "waiting" for just the right piece of gear to magically appear on the for sale forum or your local craigslist will take away from the hobby. Let's also not forget about the inevitable troubles that arise when dealing with shipping and certain dishonest individuals.

[Ron Reefman]

Originally Posted by Chris27

$5000 is probably right in line with retail prices for a new setup. If the folks at the store were enthusiastic, personable and willing to answer any questions then by all means keep up the relationship with them.

Sure you could have gotten a setup used from craigslist for less, but you usually have to deal with someone else's problem tank. There is nothing wrong with buying new from the get go, equipment is warrantied, the tank hasn't been abused, and salt damage on the stand and canopy is nonexistent. Roughly speaking, figure on about $50 per gallon for a reef tank, and $40 per gallon on a fish only tank.....which is about what you spent.

Don't listen to the used equipment junkies on here, I can assure you that sitting around "waiting" for just the right piece of gear to magically appear on the for sale forum or your local craigslist will take away from the hobby. Let's also not forget about the inevitable troubles that arise when dealing with shipping and certain dishonest individuals.

Chris,

You don't have to go calling us names or disparaging where we shop. "Used equipment junkies", "used from craigslist for less, but you usually have to deal with someone else's problem tank". Come on mate, you don't need to go there.

I agree that if this person is happy, is new to the hobby and the LFS is going to maintain the tank for awhile, this was probably a good way to go. A bit over priced, but the LFS has to make money too.

My system happens to be made almost 100% from used equipment and some of it came from Craigslist. But I'm not a "junkie" and there is nothing "junkie" about my system either. And lots of suff being sold on Craigslist is because some people are in financial trouble, or just don't like the maintenance workload, whatever. It sure doesn't mean that it's all "someone else's problem". I'll put my system up as an example of what can be done with out spending an armload of cash. I'd estimate I have just over $3K in my system and that includes a new $1100 1hp chiller (couldn't find a good used one).

[jbowen]

Is the coralife main pump a protein skimmer, if not you'll need one. You'll also want to get an RO unit. If you are concerned that you spent too much, shop around. I have several good local stores in my area and the difference in pricing is amazing. One store has better prices on livestock, another is better on dry goods....

[Jeremy Blaze]

Reminds me of the 'lfs rancher' that posted his super expensive tank list awhile back.

[Palting]

Here is a link to Foster and Smith, an on-line store and a sponsor here: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...4&pcatid=21464 . Check out the price on the 150 gal that includes the tank, stand and canopy in a nice oak, sump with filtration, 2 pumps, lights, heaters, glass tops and all the plumbing. Shipping is free, no tax depending on location. Add maybe $1500 for the rock and sand, plus a few mnore hundred for the assrted extra equipment like the UV sterilizer. Sum total is approximately what you would pay straight retail on new equipment. If the $5000.00 price includes set-up and maintenance for the 6 months, with a guarrantee on the results, plus the education you get, then I would say you got a good deal . If it doesn't, then it's a fair deal for new equipment.

If you are planning reef, missing from your list is a good light ($1k-2K for MH/T5 combo, more for LED), several powerheads to generate flow($500 or so). I would exchange the UV sterilizer for an RODI filter. IMO, UV sterilizer is useless. To convince you, I have one for my 150 gal tank sitting in ut's box in the basement. Ask the LFS about using RODI water to set up and maintain the tank. Most people here frown on using tap water for a multitude of reasons.

[Phishguy]

If you're comfortable with the amount of money and you are smiling about it, then it's a good deal for you.. You will get opinions for and against but you have to live with it. Personally, I would not have paid that. Especially being new to the hobby. Some people don't stick with it for the long time they think they will.. You'd better serve yourself and your wallet to learn more And gauge your long term interest before spending that much. Just my opinion. Good luck and welcome to the hobby!!

[Lorenz725]

Hey if you got the money and you are happy that is all that matters. I dont have that kind of money so I had to shop around a bit and get mine used. I was lucky and found a set up though a local guy that belonged to our local club. He just started a new job and had to get rid of his tank really fast. I picked up a 3 year old 150 gallon 6 foot RR tank, stand, hood, 40b sump, Mag 12 return pump, 1 250W MH pendent, octopus pro skimmer with upgraded pump. About 200 lbs of nice live rock, a bunch of MJ some with the mods on them, 18 W 6X coralife UV sterilizer, lots of test kits, pinpoint PH meter, 5 gallon bucket of salt 5 stage RO/DI, and some other mixing pumps and timers. The tank does not have a scratch on it and the stand is in really good shape too no water damage. I got all that for $500 and yes it is used but was all kept in really good shape.

[jeff@zina.com]

I've spent more money killing fish and corals than I have on equipment. Had I spent more on the equipment, I don't doubt I'd have been less of a menace to wild life. There are tradeoffs all over the place in this hobby, you just have to deal with the situation you're in.

Jeff

[Lynnmw1208]

all good advice here! I would agree to exchange that UV sterilizer for an RO/DI unit to make your own filtered water. A good protein skimmer is a good idea as well as well as a good light fixture if you're wanting to go reef eventually. I use T-5 which costs much less than LED, but LED will save you money in the long run. good luck with your new tank and read read read here on reefcentral and you'll be an expert in no time!

[Wrbrackett]

thank you everyone for the advice and input.it helps alot.i did get 3 quotes from my local fish stores in my area and this place was in the middle.the shop is spotless and he was willing to give me alot of help and advice.i wanted to give him the business.i was just trying to see if i got a fair deal as far as buying it new.
this is a surprise anniversary present for my wife so buying it used really wasn't a option.she has wanted one for years and i have always enjoyed them as well.
i did go with the black oak cabinet and matching oak top which added a decent amount of money to the package.here is the break down of the tank and prices
total was 5000 including deliever and set up of the entire tank.6 months of monthly maintance is included.
150 gallon tank with two over flows $880
black oak stand 815
black oak top 450
glass 80
paint back of tank blue 60
live rock 880
live sand 168
uv 250
salt 44
2 magnum pumps 190
coralife pump 270
clamps misc pipe and parts 50
oceans clear 240
heater 60
thermoter 27
sump 390
lights basic 330
installion 450
total was 5812
he gave me 812 off to bring it to 5000 even.
like i said it a gift to my wife so the surprise,getting exactly what she wanted
plus the long term relationship.the high quote was 7000 and the low was 4000 but that was for a pine stand and pine top.
i really appreciate everyone help and input.the tank is beginging installed on wednesday....

[Chris27]

Originally Posted by Ron Reefman

Chris,

You don't have to go calling us names or disparaging where we shop. "Used equipment junkies", "used from craigslist for less, but you usually have to deal with someone else's problem tank". Come on mate, you don't need to go there.

First off, there is a difference between a junkie, and a seasoned hobbyist who knows what they are doing. Second, it's true that there can be a good deal from time to time, but let's face it, more times then not, if a system is on craigslist, it's there because it wasn't cared for, and the owner simply wants out.

Additionally, how many threads have been started on RC that start with "I just bought this from Craigslist, what now". The thread then progresses on for pages and ends in the owner keeping nothing from the original purchase but the scratched up glass tank.

I too am guilty of buying used gear at times, however I knew exactly what I was looking for down to the function, brand and part number. The sad truth of it is that 50% of the time, I still had to do some sort of repair / "un-modification" to get some of the items to work properly.

This hobby is complicated enough for the new hobbyist, new equipment, with a warranty, purchased from a reputable company who provides technical support takes a few wildcards out of the deck from the get go.

[tnias]

I think you paid a fair price. I personally prefer to buy new because I like the idea of warranties, blah, blah, blah. Its possible you could have saved a few bucks had you ordered everything new from an online vendor like premium aquatics or another but you would have to have known what you were buying which can be difficult when you are just learning.

A couple things you might want to consider adding to the list:
1. Refractometer - this is a must cause hydrometer's suck and are inaccurate (buy this now)
2. RO/DI Water should be purchased now as mentioned above. It pays for itself in less than a year.
3. ATO (Auto-Top Off) The tank will evaporate almost a gallon a day so you need a pump with a sensor and spare tank for fresh water.
4. I fully support controllers that maintain temp, ph, etc. Apex or reef keeper (I prefer Apex and most users seem to like the Apex better once they figure out the setup)

Good luck and always check in here for suggestions and advice but make sure you have thick skin cause as you see from above the criticism, while well intentioned and beneficial in the long run, can be tough.

[tnias]

To add to my previous post.

I have 2 tanks, one at home and one at the office. For the office tank I pay someone to provide maintenance once a month and I do the water change in-between. Before the maintenance guy changes anything in my setup or suggest something I search this site and verify his suggestions are good practice. I would recommend you do the same because you will find that most LFS are not trustworthy and can lead you down the wrong path.

My experience so far has been good but he is in the business of setup and maintenance not selling products like a LFS, so just be cautious.

[shaginwagon13]

Originally Posted by Chris27

First off, there is a difference between a junkie, and a seasoned hobbyist who knows what they are doing. Second, it's true that there can be a good deal from time to time, but let's face it, more times then not, if a system is on craigslist, it's there because it wasn't cared for, and the owner simply wants out.

Additionally, how many threads have been started on RC that start with "I just bought this from Craigslist, what now". The thread then progresses on for pages and ends in the owner keeping nothing from the original purchase but the scratched up glass tank.

I too am guilty of buying used gear at times, however I knew exactly what I was looking for down to the function, brand and part number. The sad truth of it is that 50% of the time, I still had to do some sort of repair / "un-modification" to get some of the items to work properly.

This hobby is complicated enough for the new hobbyist, new equipment, with a warranty, purchased from a reputable company who provides technical support takes a few wildcards out of the deck from the get go.

I will agree with you, most stuff on craigslist isn't of good value or quality but nobody on this thread is reffering to buying garbage on craigslist. The stuff you can find in the classified section is all-in-all fairly well taken care of stuff and you can get it a lot of the time for half the MSRP you would be paying for at a store. My first tank I went the 'I need everythng brand spanking new' and it was a waste of money. When you can buy Vortech pumps and a BK skimmer for a little more then half of what they cost brand new I don't see how anyone can complain about getting ripped off or buying garbage. Most LFS won't even honor the warranty you get when you buy something new, you have to send it back to the manufacture in which your still responsable for the shipping and insurance. Yes you might have to replace the seals on a 6 month old pump, but when you look into how much you saved on the purchase price from buying it a little used you still come out a head of the game. Plus having to clean, maintain and replace parts every now and then is bennificial I believe. You learn your tank inside out, and when a problem arises you can narrow it down to a few things almost immediatly. I'm not strapped for cash but what you save in parts, you can spend on corals. Just my .02 cents

[Palting]

Originally Posted by Wrbrackett

like i said it a gift to my wife so the surprise,getting exactly what she wanted
plus the long term relationship.the high quote was 7000 and the low was 4000 but that was for a pine stand and pine top.
i really appreciate everyone help and input.the tank is beginging installed on wednesday....

As I said before, it's a fair deal on new equipment.

I don't understand why he sold you a cannister filter when you have live rock already as the biological filtration. A UV sterilizer I could understand, as that is omewhat a controversy as to whether it is good or bad for a tank. To give your LFS the benefit of the doubt, maybe the cannister filter is set up mostly for chemical filtration and to provide flow, although there are much better and more efficient ways to do both.

I want to emphasize what I and others have already said. Get an RODI unit to provide you with good clean water. The base water is the heart and soul of a successful salt aquarium. If you use tap water, the lfs will be selling you chenical water conditioners, silicate and phospahte removers, algae-fix, cyano-fix, and other stuff to fix problems that would not have occured, or at least be alot less of a problem id you started with RODI water from the beginning.

Start a build thread to document the installation and progress of the tank. Or, maybe you'd better not. You may be unhappy with either your LFS or with us if you do. Or then again, maybe not .

[Iskandar]

I think it is expensive, but if you can afford it and it does make you happy, by all means, enjoy it! . It is a new equipment +professional installation and maintenance.
For all that money, you should have got a GREAT metal halide fixture + skimmer (please clarify on those). Those are very important in a long run.

(on a side note, some items there cost way more than I would ever pay:
black oak stand $815, top $450;
live rock $880 - I suspect it is 100 lb of dense Florida live rock?
UV $250 - ??? you do not need it;
Coralife pump $270 - too much;
sump $390 - wow;
oceans clear $240- what is it, canister filter? It will accumulate nitrates and probably OK for FOWLR only.)

What you really need is to get RO/DI unit + auto top off and watch for temps and probably get a chiller... and ...

[Jeremy Blaze]

Delivery setup and maintance certianly makes it a much better deal.

[goldmullet]

I just got a 240 gallon acrylic tank brand new with all the filtration to run it for $1500.