Start up cost

[Salty168]

Hello

I wanted to ask you guys what you think the start up cost of a 90 gallon tank if I buy only the necessary things and were to buy the tank and equipment used?(tank,stand,rock,sand,lights,ps,rodi unit,heaters,powerheads,ect) Also what would be the maintenance cost for a year.(lights,salt,rodi filters,food,ect)

What is the minimum budget one could be run on?

[Salty150]

Originally Posted by Salty168

Hello

I wanted to ask you guys what you think the start up cost of a 90 gallon tank if I buy only the necessary things and were to buy the tank and equipment used?(tank,stand,rock,sand,lights,ps,rodi unit,heaters,powerheads,ect) Also what would be the maintenance cost for a year.(lights,salt,rodi filters,food,ect)

What is the minimum budget one could be run on?

Wow, that is nearly impossible to tell...

Especially with used equipment - prices could be all over the place.

If you are looking for a "low cost" hobby - this isn't it.

Your best bet is to look at your local Craigslist under aquariums, etc.

There are quite a few people who just give up and sell their equipment for a good price.

[Sounds Fishy]

Start at $3,000.00 (CDN)if buying new.New lights,skimmer,sump etc.As a start.Maitenance approx.$100.00 p/mo. and more depending on how elaborate you are,the way you set things up,and what you are stocking,in your set up.Easiest thing is to start designing the system you want and then price out each piece with suppliers on this web site.
There is no minimum budget....keep a credit card or 2 handy,just in case...

[thegrun]

Lighting is the biggest cost, both initially and long term. The lighting requirements and costs for a fish only system is much less expensive than for a reef tank. If you are patient you canfind used systems at very low prices

[ryeguyy84]

Going led is more expensive at the beginning but there's no ongoing expense (except electricity). When I switched from halides I really enjoyed not buying new bulbs twice a year. But cost is really going to depend on if you want a reef or fish only as said above.

[Jscwerve]

Just take out a second mortgage.

Once the tank is set up, take out a third so you can buy the corals and livestock you want.

And get a second job.

[gbru316]

Expecting about $5k for my planned 240, and that's only equipment with a lot of DIY.

This isn't a hobby for people on a tight budget.

[Salty150]

Originally Posted by Jscwerve

Just take out a second mortgage.

Once the tank is set up, take out a third so you can buy the corals and livestock you want.

And get a second job.

LOL, OK, it's not quite that bad...

But this hobby does give new meaning to the saying - flushing money down the toilet - almost literally (in the case of fish, corals, etc).

But, if done right (and you take failures well, lol), it can also be very rewarding.

[bean2986]

I'm about two months in with my 65g reef tank. So far I have purchased all mid-range equipment and shopped for as many deals as I can find. I just hit $3000.00(USD) which I expect would be pretty close to the same for what you are looking to do. Are you doing FOWLR? If so, you can probably take off 700-800 from what I've spent. I am estimating my final setup cost to be around $4500 after finish up my stocking list and getting the coral I want...

[FindingEmily]

You can go as cheap as you want. Doesn't mean things will work or last though. If you go used and DIY, maybe you can get away with an initial start up cost of a few thousand. I decided to jump in with both feet and in the first 3 months have spent around $5,500(USD) for my 29g BioCube. Like people before have said, this isn't a good hobby for those who hate spending money.

[davehead86]

There are tons of tanks for sale on craigslist. Thats once palce to save money. Used equipment here is another place to save money. You can get good equipment for half off or more.

I bought a used 20 gallon and stand for $50 on craigslist with a filter and light and top. I know its not a 90 gallon but just an idea what you can find if you have patience and time to wait.

If you are going to the store to buy it 5,000 easy.

[heathlindner25]

I can tell you exactly how much this hobby will cost you..all of it.

[Mrw1936]

You can't put a budget on it...it gets fairly out of control almost instantly...then when you sit back and think your done and it's just a matter of maintenance..you totally change something and the cycle starts all over again.

[Salty150]

Originally Posted by FindingEmily

You can go as cheap as you want. Doesn't mean things will work or last though. If you go used and DIY, maybe you can get away with an initial start up cost of a few thousand. I decided to jump in with both feet and in the first 3 months have spent around $5,500(USD) for my 29g BioCube. Like people before have said, this isn't a good hobby for those who hate spending money.

How the heck did you spend $5,500 on a 29 gallon BioCube?!

[FindingEmily]

Originally Posted by Salty150

How the heck did you spend $5,500 on a 29 gallon BioCube?!

Well it turns out, I'm really good at spending money lol. I should say that total does include livestock, but some of my more pricey items include an apex gold, kessil a360, mp10 and DOS pump. My boyfriend, who has helped me finance this money sink, and I are both under the mindset of go big or go home. Plus a bigger tank will come at some point, so may as well spend the money now while we have it.

[Sweeper65]

You do not have to speak this much on the hobby. I just setup a jbj 28 with retro led kit from Craigslist for 175. I have another 300 in for wave maker, new heater, salt, filter supplies, ats setup, and dead rock. Just finish cycle and have fish in for 2 weeks. My softies and LPS I am sure will cost me but I will stock it slowley. I will be 6 months in before I break $500.
I don't think that is to bad.
It can be done. Hang in there.

[bacon5]

Originally Posted by Sweeper65

You do not have to speak this much on the hobby. I just setup a jbj 28 with retro led kit from Craigslist for 175. I have another 300 in for wave maker, new heater, salt, filter supplies, ats setup, and dead rock. Just finish cycle and have fish in for 2 weeks. My softies and LPS I am sure will cost me but I will stock it slowley. I will be 6 months in before I break $500.
I don't think that is to bad.
It can be done. Hang in there.

I agree that a setup such as yours would be very possible. However, for a 90g tank I feel that kind of budget is impossible.

Also to the OP, it really depends on your goals and vision for your tank. I am sure you can drop a couple grand just on a custom 90g tank and stand without any livestock or equipment. On the flip side, I have seen entire setups of this size being sold by people in my area who are moving or leaving the hobby for some other reason sell their entire setups for a couple grand.

So you can see why it can be hard to give an accurate quote.

[Tahlequah]

Please keep in mind that startup costs do not have to include extras. The tank, heater, power heads, sand, and rock are all you will need for the first month or so. A skimmer is nice, but not required until you start stocking the tank. Now, if the tank is drilled for a sump, then that is another story.... But still just the basics are all you would need at first.

[sirclintler]

I inherited the big 5 125gal tank, stand, lighting system, protein skimmer and sump and I still spent $1500 just to get water in the tank,

[OrQidz]

What is your goal for the tank? Fish only? That can be a lot cheaper (though not cheap). When you picture your dream tank, do you see gorgeous reefs like those that grace Tank of the Month photos? Those are going to run you thousands to start up, and not be cheap to keep running.

[CStrickland]

Used stuff is way too dependent on locality to estimate. Getting involved with a local reef club is a great way to start learning, and you'll find deals on used stuff in the club too.

You're going to blow through $500 pretty quick tho
For a 90, I'd say you'll hit your budget before your done buying a few basics.
Refurbished rodi - $150
100# of dry rock - $200
2x marsaqua 165w LED lights - $200

If you're not totally discouraged, maybe think about starting with a 40 breeder instead? They're easy to find and you can knock down equipment costs. It's a great starter tank. I think it's silly how macho people get, bragging about all the money they've wasted on this hobby. It doesn't have to be as expensive as some say, but $500 is going to take a smaller tank or a whole a lot of patience waiting for deals to come along, probably both. I got my 120 running for less than $1,000 (not counting stock) but I am very very cheap.

[CarrieB]

You can definitely get good deals on used tanks and whole systems if you wait and then are able to act quickly.

However, you need to keep in mind that equipment needs to be replaced periodically. You need to look at the age of each piece and figure out the chances that you might have to replace it. I bought a used tank that needed a new return pump because the owner couldn't afford one. I ended up buying new powerheads and a heater. Also adding an ATO and upgrading the lights. However if you bought one from someone that likes to spend money you might have better luck.

[homer1475]

I in the process of setting up an 80G with 30G sump. Including the tank(1k), minus some stuff I have that transferring over from my biocube(mp10's, and apex), I'm about 6K into this build.

And I have nothing flashy, apex comes over from my biocube, lights are Chinese black box(2 300W mars aquas), Dry pukani rock, dry sand, and skimmer(I've read very good things about the SC 302 skimmer) and return are el cheapo's that came with the PNP system I bought from SC aquariums.

[Salty168]

I was hoping to have this a my stocking list. For a 40b or 55, which could go in it?

Yellow Tang (1)

Flame Angel (1)

Sixline Wrasse (1)

Anthias Lyretail (1)

Ocellaris Clownfish (1 or 2) have not decided yet

Orange Spotted Goby (1)

Midas Blenny (1)

[Salty168]

I would have about 1k-2k to set it up and would probably have $300-$500 a year for maintenance.