1000-1500 $ budget build up, what would you buy?

Scottshopinc · 04/24/2016, 11:32 PM

Ok, I have an idea of what I would buy, but I'm looking to upgrade from my current nano setup. I already have a 40 breeder and 20L for a sump. I'd like to stay near the 1k mark but can go a little more. What equipment would you all get in this price range? I already have a set of led lights. Will be a lps dominant with some softies. This is just an initial startup budget I'm sure I'll spend plenty more down the road.

Saltwatercoral2 · 04/24/2016, 11:41 PM

SKimmer: Jns Cones Co2, or Aquamaxx cones co1, either way ( go to bigalspets.com use coupon code ********* for 15% off ends the 30th of this month--- $246.50 after coupon code

Powerheads: Gyre 130, or Vortech mp10QD's

What kind of return pump are you wanting, an external or internal pump?

If Internal- Sicce 3.0 for $110

PM me for the coupon code, it wont show up on here

Scottshopinc · 04/25/2016, 12:08 AM

Thanks for the coupon offer, but it will be June beside I start any purchasing. I have to buy the my lady a new living room set first in order to stay upgrading heh. Yes internal return pump.

uncleL · 04/25/2016, 08:49 AM

Ok what are you upgrading tank size equipment?

Burtonboy182 · 04/25/2016, 09:06 AM

Like unclel said what size tank you looking for? 60, 75, 90 or bigger? Cube?
What kinda LEDs do you have? That might impact a lot on equipment list because that is $$$ and will limit tank size.
I like the Gyre because they move a lot of water for the cost.

Scottshopinc · 04/25/2016, 12:26 PM

I am planning to upgrade to the 40 breeder with 20L sump. I currently run a 20g, I'm asking which circulation pump, skimmer, reactors..... Would you all recommend to initially outfit the 40. I'm not factoring lights because I own two 16in sbreeflights that I'm happy with at the moment.

Burtonboy182 · 04/25/2016, 01:24 PM

Sorry didn't see you wanted to use the 40. Would you consider used equipment or you want get everything new. Also like us all do you think you want get stuff now in case you want upgrade again?

Pmj · 04/25/2016, 02:23 PM

If you have a while anyway, I would use craigslist or the FS forums here for stuff if you are on a budget. Most of the major stuff I have bought for my new system were used but all was pristine condition.

Scottshopinc · 04/25/2016, 02:32 PM

No problem with used. this tank will be with me for a few years, while I work on my new home. I should add i already have a tunze ato also, so skimmer, return pumps etc the core equipment that I build around is what i'm looking for. I can upgrade later if need be, but i would like to get something good now that can be used down the road. I know things cost a pretty penny in this hobby, just looking for the foundation building blocks. The small not essential items can come later.

Odysi · 04/25/2016, 03:16 PM

Hey Scott I'm running the same tank set up. Here is what I'm running on mine can give you an idea of what you want. Skimmer is Aquamaxx ConeS Co1, return pump Dc 6000 , 2x Rw-4's with a jbwave controller, Reefkeeper and ATI 6x39 dimmable fixture. I drilled the tank myself to put in overflow and return. Before switching over to T5 I was running a Photon 24 on the tank that worked great aswell. $1000 - $1500 can get you a great set up imo. If you have time to setup look into buying used and yes Ecotechs are great but new will burn half your budget anyways hope this helps out a bit.

Scottshopinc · 04/25/2016, 03:35 PM

Thanks all for the ideas. I know some people swear buy the code of if it ain't cost an arm and a leg its junk in the hobby world. I have worked enough manufacturing jobs to know a lot of the high price items are made on the same factory line as the off brand items. The cheaper items just seem to have a higher fail rate than the pricier one because it's being used in real world applications 10 fold over the big name items.

Odysi · 04/25/2016, 03:50 PM

Agreed I spent the extra money on the dimmable ATI cause it's a feature I wanted. The Aquamaxx was bought used and is a beast. I would recommend that skimmer to anyone.

Sk8r · 04/25/2016, 04:23 PM

Good LED lights and maybe a wavemaker.

deave · 04/25/2016, 04:29 PM

I would go with Lights (dimmable T5's) and a good skimmer

heathlindner25 · 04/25/2016, 04:30 PM

I would buy a larger tank ,all you need is live rock,saltwater, decent lights and a blue thumb.

Mw1981 · 04/26/2016, 06:32 PM

I just did a 40breeder w sump...all equip for like 1200 by shopping around

04/24/2016, 11:32 PM	#1
Scottshopinc Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Oxford, NC Posts: 84	1000-1500 $ budget build up, what would you buy? Ok, I have an idea of what I would buy, but I'm looking to upgrade from my current nano setup. I already have a 40 breeder and 20L for a sump. I'd like to stay near the 1k mark but can go a little more. What equipment would you all get in this price range? I already have a set of led lights. Will be a lps dominant with some softies. This is just an initial startup budget I'm sure I'll spend plenty more down the road.

04/25/2016, 08:49 AM	#4
uncleL Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: NC Posts: 411	Ok what are you upgrading tank size equipment? __________________ Current Tank Info: 75g QT, 90g DT, 180g under construction Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon setting up slowly, 90 Gallon Mixed Reef No Sump 3 Tangs,, 4 Clowns, Lawnmower Blenny, Coral Beauty, Coralband Shrimp, Cleaner Shrimp, Snails, Zoas, Mushrooms, FrogsSpawn, Toadstools, FeatherDuster, Xenias, Anemones,29g, 20g

04/25/2016, 03:16 PM	#10
Odysi Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 401	Hey Scott I'm running the same tank set up. Here is what I'm running on mine can give you an idea of what you want. Skimmer is Aquamaxx ConeS Co1, return pump Dc 6000 , 2x Rw-4's with a jbwave controller, Reefkeeper and ATI 6x39 dimmable fixture. I drilled the tank myself to put in overflow and return. Before switching over to T5 I was running a Photon 24 on the tank that worked great aswell. $1000 - $1500 can get you a great set up imo. If you have time to setup look into buying used and yes Ecotechs are great but new will burn half your budget anyways hope this helps out a bit. Last edited by Odysi; 04/25/2016 at 03:29 PM.

04/25/2016, 04:23 PM	#13
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Good LED lights and maybe a wavemaker. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

04/24/2016, 11:41 PM	#2
Saltwatercoral2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 1,617	SKimmer: Jns Cones Co2, or Aquamaxx cones co1, either way ( go to bigalspets.com use coupon code ********* for 15% off ends the 30th of this month--- $246.50 after coupon code Powerheads: Gyre 130, or Vortech mp10QD's What kind of return pump are you wanting, an external or internal pump? If Internal- Sicce 3.0 for $110 PM me for the coupon code, it wont show up on here

04/25/2016, 12:08 AM	#3
Scottshopinc Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Oxford, NC Posts: 84	Thanks for the coupon offer, but it will be June beside I start any purchasing. I have to buy the my lady a new living room set first in order to stay upgrading heh. Yes internal return pump.

04/25/2016, 09:06 AM	#5
Burtonboy182 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 54	Like unclel said what size tank you looking for? 60, 75, 90 or bigger? Cube? What kinda LEDs do you have? That might impact a lot on equipment list because that is $$$ and will limit tank size. I like the Gyre because they move a lot of water for the cost.

04/25/2016, 12:26 PM	#6
Scottshopinc Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Oxford, NC Posts: 84	I am planning to upgrade to the 40 breeder with 20L sump. I currently run a 20g, I'm asking which circulation pump, skimmer, reactors..... Would you all recommend to initially outfit the 40. I'm not factoring lights because I own two 16in sbreeflights that I'm happy with at the moment.

04/25/2016, 01:24 PM	#7
Burtonboy182 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 54	Sorry didn't see you wanted to use the 40. Would you consider used equipment or you want get everything new. Also like us all do you think you want get stuff now in case you want upgrade again?

04/25/2016, 02:23 PM	#8
Pmj Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Cooper City, FL Posts: 229	If you have a while anyway, I would use craigslist or the FS forums here for stuff if you are on a budget. Most of the major stuff I have bought for my new system were used but all was pristine condition.

04/25/2016, 02:32 PM	#9
Scottshopinc Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Oxford, NC Posts: 84	No problem with used. this tank will be with me for a few years, while I work on my new home. I should add i already have a tunze ato also, so skimmer, return pumps etc the core equipment that I build around is what i'm looking for. I can upgrade later if need be, but i would like to get something good now that can be used down the road. I know things cost a pretty penny in this hobby, just looking for the foundation building blocks. The small not essential items can come later.

04/25/2016, 03:35 PM	#11
Scottshopinc Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Oxford, NC Posts: 84	Thanks all for the ideas. I know some people swear buy the code of if it ain't cost an arm and a leg its junk in the hobby world. I have worked enough manufacturing jobs to know a lot of the high price items are made on the same factory line as the off brand items. The cheaper items just seem to have a higher fail rate than the pricier one because it's being used in real world applications 10 fold over the big name items.

04/25/2016, 03:50 PM	#12
Odysi Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 401	Agreed I spent the extra money on the dimmable ATI cause it's a feature I wanted. The Aquamaxx was bought used and is a beast. I would recommend that skimmer to anyone.

04/25/2016, 04:29 PM	#14
deave Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Morgan Hill, Ca Posts: 55	I would go with Lights (dimmable T5's) and a good skimmer

04/25/2016, 04:30 PM	#15
heathlindner25 Moved On Join Date: May 2012 Location: flowery branch georgia Posts: 3,644	I would buy a larger tank ,all you need is live rock,saltwater, decent lights and a blue thumb.

04/26/2016, 06:32 PM	#16
Mw1981 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Dunedin, Florida Posts: 99	I just did a 40breeder w sump...all equip for like 1200 by shopping around