Need some equipment but strapped for cash.

bigcity51 · 07/12/2006, 10:17 AM

Hey whats going on, pretty new to the saltwater world so I would appreciate some help. I'm thinking about starting up a reef tank but things are so expensive to get all at once(plus I also have to pay for school). Just wondering if there is a certain way to stretch my budget better? I'm looking at some cheap equipment online but I am kind of iffy on buying it cuz I got scammed out of a protein skimmer which the needle wheel doesnt work on it. Just want to get some feed back from some peps who know how to do this.
Thank You

newreefbishop · 07/12/2006, 10:24 AM

I would say look on this site in local club forums etc for people selling stuff....Im selling a skimmer for example....

thorsen · 07/12/2006, 10:27 AM

yes, look for used, it's much cheaper and you end up replacing some stuff as you learn. Recycler.com is another good source I use (useful if you live in a big city).

schiejr · 07/12/2006, 10:31 AM

There are a few local groups in Wisconsin, depending where you are and you can avoid shipping if close enough. Some great folks at http://www.madisonreef.com Quite a few folks have recently been downsizing, upgrading or moving in the Madison area resulting in some good deals.

Lot of equipment is also sold on RC. Look in the seller/buyer feedback sections, stick with folks that have been around a while.

sir_dudeguy · 07/12/2006, 10:38 AM

look on the selling forum...then post on the want to buy forum on here...you'll get a lot of results..i always do anyways.

ovrmyhdagn · 07/12/2006, 10:59 AM

I have some equipment for sale if you wanted to start a big saltwater tank for a fairly low price. I live in Illinois, we may be able to work something out.

michaeldaly · 07/12/2006, 11:11 AM

You could also think of DIYing some of your equipment

bigcity51 · 07/12/2006, 05:43 PM

Thanks for the responses I'll try them out

bigcity51 · 07/12/2006, 06:08 PM

Just looking over some stuff on ebay too, and wondering if this equipment is any good or is it a POS?

http://cgi.ebay.com/150-Gallon-Aquar...QQcmdZViewItem

I also found a Website that sells a 200g one for $220? Will be good buy or should I stick with more name brand stuff?

sir_dudeguy · 07/12/2006, 07:03 PM

i've seen these on ebay too..i passed on it because of this.

organized, yes...but is it really worth it? no, because you can make all that (except the skimmer..i'd just buy one) for way less...it does simplify where everything goes and stuff like that, but you can make/buy all the same things for cheaper if you jus look....but i dont know how good the skimmer is...it may be worth that much if the skimmer is a really good one.

07/12/2006, 10:17 AM	#1
bigcity51 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 35	Need some equipment but strapped for cash. Hey whats going on, pretty new to the saltwater world so I would appreciate some help. I'm thinking about starting up a reef tank but things are so expensive to get all at once(plus I also have to pay for school). Just wondering if there is a certain way to stretch my budget better? I'm looking at some cheap equipment online but I am kind of iffy on buying it cuz I got scammed out of a protein skimmer which the needle wheel doesnt work on it. Just want to get some feed back from some peps who know how to do this. Thank You

07/12/2006, 10:24 AM	#2
newreefbishop Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 1,787	I would say look on this site in local club forums etc for people selling stuff....Im selling a skimmer for example.... __________________ Its not just a hobby, it's a lifestyle!!!! The 65 is gone the 110 is in, click the red house for the 110. *Updated Current Tank Info: 110 gal R/R AGA with 40 gallon DIY fuge/sump, 2 AI Sol Blue LED modules, RKL system, Vortech Powerheads, Softies, LPS and SPS. Fox Face, Coral Beauty, Goby, a mated pair of Midnight Black Photon Clowns, BTA, Sebae and small critters everywhere

07/12/2006, 10:27 AM	#3
thorsen Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Danville, PA Posts: 204	yes, look for used, it's much cheaper and you end up replacing some stuff as you learn. Recycler.com is another good source I use (useful if you live in a big city). __________________ And God said, let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life... Genesis 1:20 Current Tank Info: 180 gallon

07/12/2006, 10:38 AM	#5
sir_dudeguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 10,841	look on the selling forum...then post on the want to buy forum on here...you'll get a lot of results..i always do anyways. __________________ TAKE...LUCK!!!

07/12/2006, 07:03 PM	#10
sir_dudeguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 10,841	i've seen these on ebay too..i passed on it because of this. organized, yes...but is it really worth it? no, because you can make all that (except the skimmer..i'd just buy one) for way less...it does simplify where everything goes and stuff like that, but you can make/buy all the same things for cheaper if you jus look....but i dont know how good the skimmer is...it may be worth that much if the skimmer is a really good one. __________________ TAKE...LUCK!!!

07/12/2006, 10:31 AM	#4
schiejr Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 121	There are a few local groups in Wisconsin, depending where you are and you can avoid shipping if close enough. Some great folks at http://www.madisonreef.com Quite a few folks have recently been downsizing, upgrading or moving in the Madison area resulting in some good deals. Lot of equipment is also sold on RC. Look in the seller/buyer feedback sections, stick with folks that have been around a while.

07/12/2006, 10:59 AM	#6
ovrmyhdagn Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 98	I have some equipment for sale if you wanted to start a big saltwater tank for a fairly low price. I live in Illinois, we may be able to work something out.

07/12/2006, 11:11 AM	#7
michaeldaly Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Earth Posts: 2,009	You could also think of DIYing some of your equipment

07/12/2006, 05:43 PM	#8
bigcity51 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 35	Thanks for the responses I'll try them out

07/12/2006, 06:08 PM	#9
bigcity51 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 35	Just looking over some stuff on ebay too, and wondering if this equipment is any good or is it a POS? http://cgi.ebay.com/150-Gallon-Aquar...QQcmdZViewItem I also found a Website that sells a 200g one for $220? Will be good buy or should I stick with more name brand stuff?