Whole Package

[sotk]

Hi everyone,
my dad and I are going to setup a new reeftank and are wondering if there is a entire package system for under like $600-700. We have had about 3 freshwater tanks and have become interested in saltwater, so I decided to join this week here. Want to take it slow and get the right equipment.
Thanks for the help!
Pete

[Canadian Reefer]

Welcome to RC. You should be able to shop around and get yourself set up for your budget. I would recomend surfing the forums here so you understand exactly what you need. After you have figurerd out what exactly you want and need try Craigslist, to get you started at a really reduced price from buying new.
Good luck and happy reefing

[ahud]

I see some pretty good package deals on craigslist for around that price.

[sotk]

We will check them out... thank you!.. can't stop reading here!

[Canadian Reefer]

READ READ READ, then when you are done READ SOME MORE lol. Dont jump into to quick as the only thing that happens fast in a reef tank is absolute failure. You already know the basics through your fresh water xp. Just read up and know what direction you want to take before making impulse purchases, it will save you money in the long run

[ramtmac]

welcome! and check craigslist and your local reef community for.steals

[ramtmac]

welcome! and check craigslist and your local reef community for.steals

[SoFLreef]

The biocubes are a nice setup

[Impossible]

Ya check craigslist/ local forums around here you can find a compleate/ cycled 120 gal for 600 bux. Just look around. If you buy new you wont go as far with your money.

[lordofthereef]

Before recommending checking craigslist, I would actually decide what exactly I am looking for. I say this because this is your first salt tank... you don't really know prices, differences in tanks, equipment, etc. You can buy a brand new package deal in the 30g variety for far less than your budget. That said, you may not want to limit yourself to that in terms of size and possibly equipment. Again, this falls back on what you want to keep and to what degree you plan to automate things. Either way, if you think you spot a good deal, mention what you find here and people will chime in on whether this is a good value or not.

[stu3796]

I bought my tank a month ago off Craigslist for $150. It's only a 35 gallon, but included EVERYTHING, including 5 fish, 75lbs of cycled live rock, a coralife skimmer, sump, overflow, 3 powerheads, extra heater, salt, basically the works. The guy was moving and needed rid of it quick because he couldn't take it with him... I got lucky.

[Palting]

Here's one. Mine actually . And maybe all you guys can give me feed back on the price.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1920927

[lordofthereef]

Originally Posted by Palting

Here's one. Mine actually . And maybe all you guys can give me feed back on the price.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1920927

500 is a decent price. Truth be told, tanks are incredibly difficult to sell. I considered selling my 150 acrylic that literally looks brand new. Even listed it on the club that has about 400 members (maybe 150-200 active). I was asking 350 and only had takers at the 200 range. I figured for that price I would make a FOWLR as I had never done that before. Happy I did!

The point is people want STEALS in this hobby. Why? Because if you wait long enough you will eventually find it.

[returnofsid]

Palting, providing a link to your sale thread won't help at all, since this is a new member, who hasn't met the criteria for viewing the classified forums.

In your budget, you should be able to put together something nice. First, you need to decide what you want to keep, as far as fish/corals/inverts. This will determine your needs, as far as tank size, lighting needs, etc.

For instance, if you are set on keeping a Tang, finding a great deal on a complete 30 gallon system, will be a waste of time, as a Tang will need a much larger tank.

If you want to keep SPS corals, Clams, Anemones, finding a great deal that includes NO (Normal Output) or PC lighting (Compact Fluorescent), will also be a waste of time, as you'd need to spend a fair amount of money to upgrade your lighting, since these animals are more light demanding.

[Palting]

Originally Posted by returnofsid

Palting, providing a link to your sale thread won't help at all, since this is a new member, who hasn't met the criteria for viewing the classified forums.

I see. Ok, sotk, here is an example. Unlikely you'll buy this, since it's for pick up only and I'm in NE Ohio. It's just to give you an idea of what $500 can get you. If I am not supposed to do this, just feell free to delete this post, moderator,

Originally Posted by Palting

110 gal, 48x18x30, All-Glass reef ready, glass tops, with black pine All-Glass stand and canopy, MegaFlow model 2 wet/dry sump with bioballs, Rio Plus 2100 pump. Running until a week ago when I finished upgrading. Cleaned with vinegar water and rinsed, but still some stubborn coraline. Bought new March 2010. Pick up only, Akron-Canton area, Ohio.

[sotk]

whoa... info comin' everywhere.. thanks guys! Palting wish you were closer but I see where you are coming from. Just in a couple days its gone from wanting an all in one, to buy the tank, skimmer , lighting, etc. We want a well managed reef system with some bells and whistles. Don't think we are going to rush it. I have a feeling if my dad gets close to a reef store, -kid in a candy store-, mom's gonna drag him out by the collar.. LOL! I want small, he is measuring his pickup to see if it will fit between the wheel wells...