New to reeling and saltwater need help

[Elbrandon]

Sorry reefing on an iPad! I'm have started research over a month ago and I am still very confused about what I need and the price I need to spend. I want a 55 gallon reef tank (or 40G.) with ether t5 or LEDs and a sump with protein skimmer and I do not know if I need a Refugium or a carbon and gfo reactor. If you could please post your build or a good build for me I only have $1000 just for the tank and equipment I could go up a little more but not much thanks for reading.

[dr_frnkblck]

I was in your boat just over a year ago. It seemed extremely overwhelming (and expensive)!! My suggestion is to check on craig's list. I found a complete set up for a 75 gallon tank with a 20g sump for $750 from someone that was moving. It was enough to get me started and I had someone with some experience to explain the set up to me in person.

[Nace]

Elbrandon,

If it was between a 40 gallon breeder and a 55 I would go with the 40. The reason being the 55 is just not deep enough and make aquascaping tough. If you can go with a larger tank with more depth than that would work.

What to pay is really up to you in a sense. Craiglist is a great place to find tanks at a nice price, just make sure you leak test them outside for a couple days to make sure they will hold.

For a $1000 you should be able to get going. If you find a tank for under $100, which is very possible, you can get another small tank for your sump. If you go with the 40 breeder just wait for Petco's dollar a gallon sale and grab a 40 and a 20 for your sump.

Lighting is where you can spend a lot of money. It all depends on what coral you wish to keep. It is hard to make a recommendation without knowing that.

If you go with dry rock it is much more affordable than liverock, less chance of pest hitchhikers as well.

[saltaddict89]

I would check out affordable aquatics if your on a budget, they are very helpful and will find a way to make it all work. But if I where you i would go with this setup.

55gal Drilled tank- $200
Eshopps Protein Skimmer PSK-150- $190
Danner Mag-Drive Supreme 7 (700 GPH Water Pump)- $87
Eshopps Sump w/ Refugium R-100- $179
Marineland Visi Therm Heater 300w- $26
3" Sand Bed requires 70lbs of sand at $1per lb average- $70
LR is $3-10 and based on rule of thumb of 1lb to1 gal you would need 55- $275($5 per lb)
Pre Mixed Salt Water from Petco 5gal- $12 per 5gal is $180(you wont use all of it)

Then all you have left is powerheads which its up to you what you want for flow. So with that setup and its only what I would do and thats only what I think would work out okay that would run you about $1207. That also doesnt include a stand or LED lighting. I would strongly suggest being a complete setup off Craigslist since they are alot cheaper and usually have everything you need.

[Elbrandon]

Originally Posted by saltaddict89

I would check out affordable aquatics if your on a budget, they are very helpful and will find a way to make it all work. But if I where you i would go with this setup.

55gal Drilled tank- $200
Eshopps Protein Skimmer PSK-150- $190
Danner Mag-Drive Supreme 7 (700 GPH Water Pump)- $87
Eshopps Sump w/ Refugium R-100- $179
Marineland Visi Therm Heater 300w- $26
3" Sand Bed requires 70lbs of sand at $1per lb average- $70
LR is $3-10 and based on rule of thumb of 1lb to1 gal you would need 55- $275($5 per lb)
Pre Mixed Salt Water from Petco 5gal- $12 per 5gal is $180(you wont use all of it)

Then all you have left is powerheads which its up to you what you want for flow. So with that setup and its only what I would do and thats only what I think would work out okay that would run you about $1207. That also doesnt include a stand or LED lighting. I would strongly suggest being a complete setup off Craigslist since they are alot cheaper and usually have everything you need.

I live in texas in a small town and have looked on Craigslist for about a month and only see 125 gallon setups