$1,000.00 budget any good ? - Page 2

SpSChief85 · 01/22/2016, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcinnick

Ha, my wife doesn't blink at my aquarium spending. She gave up on the car, motorcycle and machine gun spending. I gave her a paid for house with a pool and I let her drive one of my cars or my truck. She can't drive the cars with a manual, but she sure does have a heavy right foot with my stage two GTI!

A 300 gallon aquarium set up doesn't even show up on her radar.

Not all of us are have loads of dough, but good for you, I'm happy just to have a job that pays 25$ hour so I can save up money to dump in my reef, having said that I've got an easy 4 to 5k in my 93 rimless cube, my advice is start small and think about what you really want and incorporate that into a smaller version, do most all you can diy or buy well taken care of used equipment.

kcinnick · 01/22/2016, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpSChief85

Not all of us are have loads of dough, but good for you, I'm happy just to have a job that pays 25$ hour so I can save up money to dump in my reef, having said that I've got an easy 4 to 5k in my 93 rimless cube, my advice is start small and think about what you really want and incorporate that into a smaller version, do most all you can diy or buy well taken care of used equipment.

I was dead broke less than a decade ago. I just had this conversation on another board about guns. I did the stupid thing and took out massive loans for college, built up CC debt and uh oh, now my wife is pregnant and to top it all off she needed an emergency c section ($$$$$). I am 33 now, 8 years after I was the most broke I was ever in my life, I have a successful business that I worked 7 days a week at for over a year before I hired an employee. Now I have two full time employee's and had my wife quite her job to work at the store and we have a couple of part time/fill in employees. It doesn't take much to make decent money, hard work, a little risk taking and a brain between your ears (and that isn't always required). $25 an hour ain't bad depending on where you live, especially if you can get overtime.

I have absolutely no guilt about having a paid for house, nice cars, nice motorcycles, a machine gun collection

better than what is on Call of Duty (or whatever the hot video game is). I have the highest rated gun store in my city for the past two years, and business is only getting better. I am glad I can support two full time employees and pay them well, I am also proud that I can give my kids more than I had when growing up, they are both in one of the top private schools in the city and will have there pick of where they want to go to college if they do their part, that is if they want to go. I was dirt poor, living in a trailer, single mom a cashier at a grocery store on food stamps who couldn't even afford school supplies or hell clothes most of the time. I am lucky the school system had gifted and honors programs I was able to take advantage of, I chose the most challenging classes I could take in the situation I was given.

I don't like being lectured about living a comfortable life, it is obtainable to anyone if they are willing to make sacrifices and put in the effort.

Good luck with the tank, if you where closer I would give you a hook up on the 90 or 58 set up! I might have some equipment I could sell you on the cheap, I will have a good inventory tomorrow.

SpSChief85 · 01/23/2016, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcinnick

I was dead broke less than a decade ago. I just had this conversation on another board about guns. I did the stupid thing and took out massive loans for college, built up CC debt and uh oh, now my wife is pregnant and to top it all off she needed an emergency c section ($$$$$). I am 33 now, 8 years after I was the most broke I was ever in my life, I have a successful business that I worked 7 days a week at for over a year before I hired an employee. Now I have two full time employee's and had my wife quite her job to work at the store and we have a couple of part time/fill in employees. It doesn't take much to make decent money, hard work, a little risk taking and a brain between your ears (and that isn't always required). $25 an hour ain't bad depending on where you live, especially if you can get overtime.

I have absolutely no guilt about having a paid for house, nice cars, nice motorcycles, a machine gun collection

better than what is on Call of Duty (or whatever the hot video game is). I have the highest rated gun store in my city for the past two years, and business is only getting better. I am glad I can support two full time employees and pay them well, I am also proud that I can give my kids more than I had when growing up, they are both in one of the top private schools in the city and will have there pick of where they want to go to college if they do their part, that is if they want to go. I was dirt poor, living in a trailer, single mom a cashier at a grocery store on food stamps who couldn't even afford school supplies or hell clothes most of the time. I am lucky the school system had gifted and honors programs I was able to take advantage of, I chose the most challenging classes I could take in the situation I was given.

I don't like being lectured about living a comfortable life, it is obtainable to anyone if they are willing to make sacrifices and put in the effort.

Good luck with the tank, if you where closer I would give you a hook up on the 90 or 58 set up! I might have some equipment I could sell you on the cheap, I will have a good inventory tomorrow.

Don't want to hijack the thread and thanks for not making me so bitter and yes I do get overtime sometimes too much, and I make 60 to 70k a year as a cnc machine operator, I make pulleys for Honda accord, civic, and crv's I'm at work now as we speak, I just don't get enough time with my family or my reef. I'm plotting my own business as we speak, a have a wife and three kids a house afew vehicles myself, but it's always something hitting my savings... that's life take it with grain assault and keep on moving forward.

kcinnick · 01/23/2016, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpSChief85

Don't want to hijack the thread and thanks for not making me so bitter and yes I do get overtime sometimes too much, and I make 60 to 70k a year as a cnc machine operator, I make pulleys for Honda accord, civic, and crv's I'm at work now as we speak, I just don't get enough time with my family or my reef. I'm plotting my own business as we speak, a have a wife and three kids a house afew vehicles myself, but it's always something hitting my savings... that's life take it with grain assault and keep on moving forward.

Large need for good machinists in the Gun Industry, especially NFA industry. Suppressors are hotter thane ever. There is probably a suppressor manufacture in every free state looking for a competent machinist.

And I will always stay on top. Good luck with your Search!

Rhygar666 · 01/23/2016, 02:01 AM

i have 2 165w marsaqua led (but its only running about half or so) combined with 2 t5 tubes for better light coverage on my 93g and im really happy that i chose those, its not that i couldnt pay for better lightning but i dont find it necessary and honestly none of the other lamps looked that great for me when i checked them at the store for the price and the t5 alone wasnt enough light i needed like 6-8 to have a good feeling,.

kalosbios · 01/23/2016, 06:21 AM

$1,000 budget...no problem. Depends on size, new vs. used, over-the-top vs. good quality, and the list goes on. Consider the size carefully, because nano doesn't necessarily mean less expensive. There's a point where you'll pay almost the same to set up a 20 gal. as you would for a 60 gal. Compare, compare, compare, and talk to the people who have great success because of good husbandry. They're apparent as you read these posts.

An aquarium and stand you can be proud of, and the basics of a stable system--like a protein skimmer (there are good ones that don't cost an arm & a leg...), good water movement, auto top off, etc--will get you going and enjoying the hobby again. You don't necessarily even need a sump to do it well. Lots of examples of beautiful, fairly simple tanks here.

Lots of folks here really go over the top (which is fine if you've got the budget for that...) and order non-essentials. And then they quit, thinking it's all the top-notch equipment that was going to make them successful.

Their loss is your gain...pick up their equipment (necessary quality) for half the price and really get into understanding the biology of a stable system. That's where the fun is, when the luster of the new equipment has worn off.

I'll look forward to seeing your build here--GO FOR IT!

Have fun,

Gordon

d2mini · 01/23/2016, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcinnick

I was dead broke less than a decade ago. I just had this conversation on another board about guns. I did the stupid thing and took out massive loans for college, built up CC debt and uh oh, now my wife is pregnant and to top it all off she needed an emergency c section ($$$$$). I am 33 now, 8 years after I was the most broke I was ever in my life, I have a successful business that I worked 7 days a week at for over a year before I hired an employee. Now I have two full time employee's and had my wife quite her job to work at the store and we have a couple of part time/fill in employees. It doesn't take much to make decent money, hard work, a little risk taking and a brain between your ears (and that isn't always required). $25 an hour ain't bad depending on where you live, especially if you can get overtime.

I have absolutely no guilt about having a paid for house, nice cars, nice motorcycles, a machine gun collection

better than what is on Call of Duty (or whatever the hot video game is). I have the highest rated gun store in my city for the past two years, and business is only getting better. I am glad I can support two full time employees and pay them well, I am also proud that I can give my kids more than I had when growing up, they are both in one of the top private schools in the city and will have there pick of where they want to go to college if they do their part, that is if they want to go. I was dirt poor, living in a trailer, single mom a cashier at a grocery store on food stamps who couldn't even afford school supplies or hell clothes most of the time. I am lucky the school system had gifted and honors programs I was able to take advantage of, I chose the most challenging classes I could take in the situation I was given.

I don't like being lectured about living a comfortable life, it is obtainable to anyone if they are willing to make sacrifices and put in the effort.

Mussin · 01/23/2016, 07:30 AM

Craig's list and be patient..... For that much you should be able to find almost anything you want.

kmbyrnes · 01/23/2016, 07:41 AM

CL and patience!
My first 110 was $125 complete. Had to do some upgrades, but I was less than $500 by the time I put fish in it.

Art13 · 01/23/2016, 07:58 AM

Craigslist and also local flee markets sometimes. I got a DSA drilled tank for i think somewhere between 1-200 that i just put up recently, 135 gallons. I got new equipment when bulk reef was having their black friday sale, i got a reef octo skimmer, ruby 36 sump, a waveline dc pump and i think some odds and ends for under 700. I'm sure if you went used it would be even less. You can usually always find someone selling rock on craigslist, all in all it cost me roughly $1200-1500 to set up a 135g tank, with the plumbing and building a stand and putting it into the wall.

Mrramsey · 01/23/2016, 08:17 AM

My tank I initially spent about $1000 IIRC. Found a deal on CL for a brand new 120, 300# of sand (why the guy bought that much who knows), Mag24 pump, skimmer, 3 overflows, and a stand for $400. I then sold most of the extra sand, the overflows, skimmer, and traded the stand for a better skimmer. Bought 100+ lbs of dead rock from a buddy for $100. RODI from BRS, jebao powerheads, reefbreeders photon 48 was the biggest cost at $499.

I did a lot of DIY, built the stand and in-wall. 2 years old now and have changed a few things but still have less than $2k in it. My build is in the sig.

kcochran0010 · 01/23/2016, 08:21 AM

I talked to the wife. It has been bumped up to 1,500.00. Lol

dkeller_nc · 01/23/2016, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcochran0010

I talked to the wife. It has been bumped up to 1,500.00. Lol

That'll definitely help.

A few suggestions about equipment that will minimize the monetary impact so you can spend something on livestock (not sure if the $1500 includes the livestock).

Lighting - buy a T5HO fixture. Yes, you can have success with LEDs, especially for non-sps corals, but the fixtures are pricey, and you typically need a lot more of them than the manufacturers would suggest to cover your tank's area. T5HO is really easy, and surprisingly efficient compared to LEDs. This is particularly true if you want to keep SPS; spend some time looking at active build threads on the SPS forum, you'll find that there's a majority that use T5HO, MH or some combination because of spectrum and coverage.

Flow - consider buying decent quality, AC-powered pumps like the Tunzes or Sicces, and putting them on a timer to achieve back and forth circulation patterns in your tank. That'll save a great deal of money over dc-controllable pumps, and be just as effective.

Skimmer - there are a number of brands that import the acrylic bodies and marry them with Sicce skimmer pumps. Seaside Aquatics is one such brand, but there are others. These sicce-based skimmers are great performers, dead silent, and very cost effective b/c of the imported, mass-produced bodies.

Water purification - Spectrapure often puts remanufactured units on their site for a good deal less money than a brand-new unit, and you don't care about used RO membrane and filter housings - it'll work just as well as a new unit.

If you buy new equipment, consider signing up for Bulk Reef Supply's Reef Central Group Buy on the first Saturday of every month (sheck their vendor forum for timing). That'll get you 10% reward points on just about everything they sell, plus free shipping for anything over $29.

Presuming that you wish to keep stony corals, you can purchase one of BRS's pre-measured Ca & Alk packages. That comes with some graduated measuring cups, and you can manually dose Ca and Alk to your tank, saving the $$$ for dosing pumps for now.

With respect to the tank form factor that you choose, consider your lighting and the form factor of the tank simultaneously. If you want to go LEDs, a cube tank will be considerably cheaper to light than a long rectangular tank. If you're going T5HO or MH, the form factor of the tank doesn't have as much impact on lighting expenditures, but it's still cheaper to light a cube tank than a rectangular one.

Devaji108 · 01/23/2016, 12:31 PM

if you wanna go new:

50 gallon starphire PNP system 649 + free shipping. all you need in some lights.
http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-50gpnpb.htm

same setup of with ectotch XR15 pro, mp10 and reef link . =1395
http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-50gpnpeco.htm

other PNP systems of different sizes all starphire glass here:http://www.scaquariums.com/category-s/100.htm

if you wanna built your own stand ( better option unless your getting the 50 IMHO)

just the tanks here. http://www.scaquariums.com/category-s/101.htm
I went with the 90 gallon tank and will build my own stand.

also the petco 40br cant be beat great foot print!

just some thoughts! good luck and happy reefing.

kcochran0010 · 01/23/2016, 12:58 PM

Thank you so much

kindaconstant · 01/23/2016, 02:35 PM

In this same situation right now except I didn't assign a budget. I figured it was pointless. Goodluck to both of us!

FirstContact · 01/23/2016, 03:00 PM

Got my substrate for my 120g from the beach. That saved some dough!

d2mini · 01/23/2016, 06:11 PM

If new, I really like what Innovative Marine has been doing with their all-in-one tanks.
The 50g Lagoon would be really nice. No extra plumbing/sump to deal with.
http://innovative-marine.com/nuvo-aquarium/index.html
You'll need to budget for lights, skimmer, heater, etc.

saf1 · 01/23/2016, 07:00 PM

Op, if you are still reading, don't rush and plan. The money you set aside you can build a successful reef and still have money to take the misses out on a date and buy a nice bottle of wine or whatever adult/non adult beverages you two drink. Seriously. They key is to not rush, have a bit of patience, and plan it out.

Several tips already regarding buying used. This will take some effort on your part but that isn't anything to be scared of. Variously web portals, news papers, and of course local flea markets. Just make sure to check out the quality of the tank, seams, and ask some basic questions about how long without water, in storage, what was in it, etc. Nothing wrong with buying used at all. Heck, I just gave away a 29 gallon bio-cube with a led retro kit because I didn't want to list it and it was just collecting dust...

You can always upgrade. If you want something new consider the next 1 dollar per gallon sale and pick up the 40 breeder. It actually has a very good foot print and we're talking 40 bucks and some change. Remember that dinner and wine I was talking about??? That is right baby, I'm talking about saving some money for other things and having a great evening out. You both will thank me later! Honestly, it is nice tank that can house some nice corals and fish. For examples do a search for 40 breeder and see some really cool tanks. I have one while my larger tank is being planned and saved up for.

Also said larger tanks require larger things. More lighting, or different lighting, larger skimmers, pumps, power heads, etc. It will all add up fast along with your power bill. You need to factor in power utilization if you haven't already. The 40 breeder isn't really 40 gallons anyway I swear it is closer to 50. Anyway, you can buy a 20 gallon tank at the same sale, drill a few holes, and make a bean animal over flow and you are set. Pair of RW4's and a used CPR BakPak simmer, your set.

LED's are cheap and affordable. RapidLED or many other multi chips allows you to build a light for tank under 200 bucks easy. 300 if you splurge. SO we're talking maybe 500. Stand lumber can be had for 23 bucks if that. Skin it with a sheet of plywood or wayns' coating and be done.

Basically look around at the tanks location, décor, used or new smaller tank, DIY led's, and you are off. Remember, this hobby there are those who upgrade and sell here. Then those who have a high turnover with new equipment and sell old. Some getting out of hobby. Use this to your advantage. People get rid of the craziest of things and it isn't always junk...

Hope this helps. Trust me, go slow, plan, and you can get started well under 1000 going from zero (starting) to fish. Just takes a bit of time and elbow grease

CarrieB · 01/23/2016, 07:53 PM

Funny how everyone has their own perspective. Buying all new just sounds boring to me. Much more appealing to adopt a rescue tank. I'm sure it's a personal problem on my part. I've been known to adopt unwanted dogs, cats and sailboats as well.

saf1 · 01/24/2016, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarrieB

Funny how everyone has their own perspective. Buying all new just sounds boring to me. Much more appealing to adopt a rescue tank. I'm sure it's a personal problem on my part. I've been known to adopt unwanted dogs, cats and sailboats as well.

Lol. Would love to adopt a sail boat.

kcochran0010 · 01/24/2016, 04:10 AM

Thanks everyone for all the input ! I appreciate it so much.

kmbyrnes · 01/24/2016, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kindaconstant

In this same situation right now except I didn't assign a budget. I figured it was pointless. Goodluck to both of us!

That's the only way in this hobby!

chilli_reef · 01/24/2016, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcinnick

Ha, my wife doesn't blink at my aquarium spending. She gave up on the car, motorcycle and machine gun spending. I gave her a paid for house with a pool and I let her drive one of my cars or my truck. She can't drive the cars with a manual, but she sure does have a heavy right foot with my stage two GTI!

A 300 gallon aquarium set up doesn't even show up on her radar.

Haaaaa !!!!
Every thing costs $20...no matter what !!!
New 225g tank ? How much was that ? $20.00 !!!
New bubble king skimmer how much was that ? $20.00!!!!!
Lmfao !

Devaji108 · 01/24/2016, 12:41 PM

not sure how it is in Kentucky but here in Wyoming there not a lot of used options out there hell there just not that manny ppl in general with only a lil over 600K people in the hole state not alot of used gear to choose from. now when I live in colorado I bought 3 good used tanks was and is a great option to buy used. but like said you have to wait awhile . then when you do buy something, a better will show up in a day or two..haha

either way I would suggest you try to know what you want in your system. size shape etc. so when something does come up you know if it right no not.

yeah the IM and JBJ AIO are pretty sweet as well but for me as I have all the gear I just went with a new tank.

but in your case an AIO might be the ticket. just keep in might that we always upgrade or down grade the good and the bad. that why i was saying get your system goals figured out 1st then go from there. do you want a big tang and butterfly tank or a smaller reef?
or both like me..lol

remember in the end its your tank, your art. what makes you happy?
good luck and try to have so fun with it. it 's a hobby after all!

I know I got mental trying to decide. just had to stop breath and laugh at my silliness.

please do keep us post on what you end up doing!

01/23/2016, 06:21 AM	#31
kalosbios Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lans-en-Vercors, France (near Grenoble) Posts: 68	$1,000 budget...no problem. Depends on size, new vs. used, over-the-top vs. good quality, and the list goes on. Consider the size carefully, because nano doesn't necessarily mean less expensive. There's a point where you'll pay almost the same to set up a 20 gal. as you would for a 60 gal. Compare, compare, compare, and talk to the people who have great success because of good husbandry. They're apparent as you read these posts. An aquarium and stand you can be proud of, and the basics of a stable system--like a protein skimmer (there are good ones that don't cost an arm & a leg...), good water movement, auto top off, etc--will get you going and enjoying the hobby again. You don't necessarily even need a sump to do it well. Lots of examples of beautiful, fairly simple tanks here. Lots of folks here really go over the top (which is fine if you've got the budget for that...) and order non-essentials. And then they quit, thinking it's all the top-notch equipment that was going to make them successful. Their loss is your gain...pick up their equipment (necessary quality) for half the price and really get into understanding the biology of a stable system. That's where the fun is, when the luster of the new equipment has worn off. I'll look forward to seeing your build here--GO FOR IT! Have fun, Gordon __________________ Gordon Current Tank Info: coming soon...120l nano

01/23/2016, 07:30 AM	#33
Mussin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lima,Ohio Posts: 728	Craig's list and be patient..... For that much you should be able to find almost anything you want. __________________ 120RR tank/ 30g sump, mag 9.5, SWC cone 160, Reefbreeders photon 48

01/23/2016, 07:41 AM	#34
kmbyrnes Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 2,055	CL and patience! My first 110 was $125 complete. Had to do some upgrades, but I was less than $500 by the time I put fish in it. __________________ 125g Mixed Reef 5/26/2015; 350 Butterfly Dominated FOWLR 11/26/2015 - 11/17/20217 & 07/31/18 to ??? ; 100g Mixed Reef 11/16/2013 to 06/16/2017 Current Tank Info: Too small

01/23/2016, 08:17 AM	#36
Mrramsey NEO Reefer Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Hudson Ohio Posts: 1,801	My tank I initially spent about $1000 IIRC. Found a deal on CL for a brand new 120, 300# of sand (why the guy bought that much who knows), Mag24 pump, skimmer, 3 overflows, and a stand for $400. I then sold most of the extra sand, the overflows, skimmer, and traded the stand for a better skimmer. Bought 100+ lbs of dead rock from a buddy for $100. RODI from BRS, jebao powerheads, reefbreeders photon 48 was the biggest cost at $499. I did a lot of DIY, built the stand and in-wall. 2 years old now and have changed a few things but still have less than $2k in it. My build is in the sig. __________________ Mike My 120 Build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2389417 Current Tank Info: 120g In-Wall \| BA Overflow \| 55g Sump \| SWC Extreme 150 Skimmer \| DIY ATO \| 2 Jebao RW-8\| Fluval SP6 \| Photon 48v2 LED \| GFO and Carbon

01/23/2016, 03:00 PM	#42
FirstContact Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Glenn Dale, MD Posts: 1,613	Got my substrate for my 120g from the beach. That saved some dough! __________________ No man is an island entire of itself; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. John Donne Current Tank Info: 120g Reef 100g Rubbermaid Sump, 20g Refugium; previous tank: 46g Drilled; Self Plumbed, Birds Nest, Anchor, Xenia, Zoas, Yuma Yuma Ricordea, Chalice, Mushrooms, Brain, Acan, Anenome Plate; Clams, Other Inverts, Fish, Live Rock

01/23/2016, 02:01 AM	#30
Rhygar666 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 134	i have 2 165w marsaqua led (but its only running about half or so) combined with 2 t5 tubes for better light coverage on my 93g and im really happy that i chose those, its not that i couldnt pay for better lightning but i dont find it necessary and honestly none of the other lamps looked that great for me when i checked them at the store for the price and the t5 alone wasnt enough light i needed like 6-8 to have a good feeling,.

01/23/2016, 07:58 AM	#35
Art13 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,444	Craigslist and also local flee markets sometimes. I got a DSA drilled tank for i think somewhere between 1-200 that i just put up recently, 135 gallons. I got new equipment when bulk reef was having their black friday sale, i got a reef octo skimmer, ruby 36 sump, a waveline dc pump and i think some odds and ends for under 700. I'm sure if you went used it would be even less. You can usually always find someone selling rock on craigslist, all in all it cost me roughly $1200-1500 to set up a 135g tank, with the plumbing and building a stand and putting it into the wall.

01/23/2016, 08:21 AM	#37
kcochran0010 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Louisville Kentucky Posts: 676	I talked to the wife. It has been bumped up to 1,500.00. Lol

01/23/2016, 12:31 PM	#39
Devaji108 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Jackson Hole Wy Posts: 3,430	if you wanna go new: 50 gallon starphire PNP system 649 + free shipping. all you need in some lights. http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-50gpnpb.htm same setup of with ectotch XR15 pro, mp10 and reef link . =1395 http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-50gpnpeco.htm other PNP systems of different sizes all starphire glass here:http://www.scaquariums.com/category-s/100.htm if you wanna built your own stand ( better option unless your getting the 50 IMHO) just the tanks here. http://www.scaquariums.com/category-s/101.htm I went with the 90 gallon tank and will build my own stand. also the petco 40br cant be beat great foot print! just some thoughts! good luck and happy reefing.

01/23/2016, 12:58 PM	#40
kcochran0010 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Louisville Kentucky Posts: 676	Thank you so much

01/23/2016, 02:35 PM	#41
kindaconstant Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Avon Lake, OH Posts: 10	In this same situation right now except I didn't assign a budget. I figured it was pointless. Goodluck to both of us!

01/23/2016, 06:11 PM	#43
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	If new, I really like what Innovative Marine has been doing with their all-in-one tanks. The 50g Lagoon would be really nice. No extra plumbing/sump to deal with. http://innovative-marine.com/nuvo-aquarium/index.html You'll need to budget for lights, skimmer, heater, etc. __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

01/23/2016, 07:00 PM	#44
saf1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: California Posts: 2,259	Op, if you are still reading, don't rush and plan. The money you set aside you can build a successful reef and still have money to take the misses out on a date and buy a nice bottle of wine or whatever adult/non adult beverages you two drink. Seriously. They key is to not rush, have a bit of patience, and plan it out. Several tips already regarding buying used. This will take some effort on your part but that isn't anything to be scared of. Variously web portals, news papers, and of course local flea markets. Just make sure to check out the quality of the tank, seams, and ask some basic questions about how long without water, in storage, what was in it, etc. Nothing wrong with buying used at all. Heck, I just gave away a 29 gallon bio-cube with a led retro kit because I didn't want to list it and it was just collecting dust... You can always upgrade. If you want something new consider the next 1 dollar per gallon sale and pick up the 40 breeder. It actually has a very good foot print and we're talking 40 bucks and some change. Remember that dinner and wine I was talking about??? That is right baby, I'm talking about saving some money for other things and having a great evening out. You both will thank me later! Honestly, it is nice tank that can house some nice corals and fish. For examples do a search for 40 breeder and see some really cool tanks. I have one while my larger tank is being planned and saved up for. Also said larger tanks require larger things. More lighting, or different lighting, larger skimmers, pumps, power heads, etc. It will all add up fast along with your power bill. You need to factor in power utilization if you haven't already. The 40 breeder isn't really 40 gallons anyway I swear it is closer to 50. Anyway, you can buy a 20 gallon tank at the same sale, drill a few holes, and make a bean animal over flow and you are set. Pair of RW4's and a used CPR BakPak simmer, your set. LED's are cheap and affordable. RapidLED or many other multi chips allows you to build a light for tank under 200 bucks easy. 300 if you splurge. SO we're talking maybe 500. Stand lumber can be had for 23 bucks if that. Skin it with a sheet of plywood or wayns' coating and be done. Basically look around at the tanks location, décor, used or new smaller tank, DIY led's, and you are off. Remember, this hobby there are those who upgrade and sell here. Then those who have a high turnover with new equipment and sell old. Some getting out of hobby. Use this to your advantage. People get rid of the craziest of things and it isn't always junk... Hope this helps. Trust me, go slow, plan, and you can get started well under 1000 going from zero (starting) to fish. Just takes a bit of time and elbow grease __________________ -saf1 Current Tank Info: 210 gallon mixed reef

01/23/2016, 07:53 PM	#45
CarrieB Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 526	Funny how everyone has their own perspective. Buying all new just sounds boring to me. Much more appealing to adopt a rescue tank. I'm sure it's a personal problem on my part. I've been known to adopt unwanted dogs, cats and sailboats as well.

01/24/2016, 04:10 AM	#47
kcochran0010 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Louisville Kentucky Posts: 676	Thanks everyone for all the input ! I appreciate it so much.

01/24/2016, 12:41 PM	#50
Devaji108 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Jackson Hole Wy Posts: 3,430	not sure how it is in Kentucky but here in Wyoming there not a lot of used options out there hell there just not that manny ppl in general with only a lil over 600K people in the hole state not alot of used gear to choose from. now when I live in colorado I bought 3 good used tanks was and is a great option to buy used. but like said you have to wait awhile . then when you do buy something, a better will show up in a day or two..haha either way I would suggest you try to know what you want in your system. size shape etc. so when something does come up you know if it right no not. yeah the IM and JBJ AIO are pretty sweet as well but for me as I have all the gear I just went with a new tank. but in your case an AIO might be the ticket. just keep in might that we always upgrade or down grade the good and the bad. that why i was saying get your system goals figured out 1st then go from there. do you want a big tang and butterfly tank or a smaller reef? or both like me..lol remember in the end its your tank, your art. what makes you happy? good luck and try to have so fun with it. it 's a hobby after all! I know I got mental trying to decide. just had to stop breath and laugh at my silliness. please do keep us post on what you end up doing!