2000$ Build

[hesus321]

Hey all. So I have 2000$ and I am going to spend it all on an aquarium. I have been saving up for this a long time and I want to do it right. So, heres my general guidelines.

30-100gallons
Fish, Coral, Liverock
Sump

Max. 20$/month maintenance (water changes, chemicals, etc)

So, you guys have free reign to build this for me and pick out the lifeforms that will inhabit this. And of course, once it is decided how it is going to be, I will take many pictures for everyone to see the bui

 

[moebious]

Look in the "drygoods and livestock" section. There are a couple of complete setups for under $500. Plenty left over for corals and fish.:up:

 

[hesus321]

eh, I was more thinking along the lines of building a new tank. I do not want one that is already up. Just think about it like this. If you had 2000$ to spend on a new aquarium, what would you do?

 

[grouper therapy]

I'd start with a 60 cube

 

[markl]

look for a complete but yeah thr 60 cube is what i got last time.I always wanted a 120g and 60 cube is 1/2 that. I ended up selling it because I found a 120g. check craigslist. as well.

 

[gnashty]

If you are starting from scratch, want new, and $2k is your max out - then you may be limited. You will need to be very specific on what you want to have..

What kind of fish do you want to keep? what kind of corals...softies, LPS, SPS? lighting will be determined on what you want to keep...Metal Halide or T-5?

I would try to buy a set up used to start with - your money will go twice as far - Im with you though on not wanting a used tank

keep in mind the little stuff that is going to tax the heck out of ya..

RODI and mixing bucket
Testing supplies
refractometer
Live Rock is $5-7 per lb and you would need 1-2 lb per gallon..this is one of the largest expenses in a reef tank.
Sand
Mag Float to clean the glass

oops...just spent your $2k

I would look for a 55 gal or 75 gal and go from there....anything wider than 48" and 24" deep will be more expensive to light..

Im trying to find the thread that talks about costs - its was said that a reef tank costs about $40 per gallon and is a pretty accurate number..

 

[gnashty]

grouper therapy;568066 wrote: I'd start with a 60 cube

+1
yup.....nice starter size

 

[grouper therapy]

For lights I would consider these
Deep Blue Professional SolarXtreme T5HO Lighting Systems!
Check with Jenn at IMAGINE OCEAN.

 

[grouper therapy]

Diy stand

 

[grouper therapy]

20 gallon tall for a sump.

 

[misu]

go with a Red Sea Max 250, you can get it new from some sponsors fairly cheap to leave room for rock and fish.

 

[tgriffin]

a 60 cube is probably gonna be your best bet. I went with the 93 cube and already have $2400+ and don't even have a stand yet! Never would have thought I'd spend that much and not have water in the tank

 

[grouper therapy]

misu;568080 wrote: go with a red sea max 250, you can get it new from some sponsors fairly cheap to leave room for rock and fish.

what do those go for?

 

[misu]

grouper therapy;568082 wrote: what do those go for?

you got pm

 

[rededge2k1]

hesus321;568063 wrote: eh, I was more thinking along the lines of building a new tank. I do not want one that is already up. Just think about it like this. If you had 2000$ to spend on a new aquarium, what would you do?

Not trying to be the negative guy, but $2k isn't a realistic budget for a 100g reef aquarium, at least not from start-to-finish. I had $8000 in my 90g after three years, with all the equipment, fish, coral, salt, test kits, stand build, etc etc etc.....and that was with me being as thrifty as possible and building my own stand.

If I were you, I would buy as much as possible USED....you'll save a ton. I broke apart and sold my $8000 90g setup for about $1600 total just a few weeks ago (everything except the stand). So as you can see, used is where it's at.

Dustin

 

[pufferchris]

+1 on used you can save alot and use the extra cash for more toys or live stock

 

[fish scales2]

You need something like this!!!
2k is possible if you purchase a few used items.

 

[peachyreef]

I have a bit 2000 invested in my 30 long. no sump, new halide fixture, used tank, and iron stand. The light is what will break you on a reef tank. Used equipment saves you a lot of money. I can understand buying a new tank though.

If you want to do the cheaper route then go Fish only, imho.

If I were you I would get a used 55 gallon/w stand on craigslist. Get a nice light. Used sump, protein skimmer and pump. Then look for people seeing Lr and sand for cheap. Then fill it up with what ever you want.

 

[jcusmarine]

I think you should design your ideal system and then price it out. I would think you will need more than 2k when you look come from that perspective, but it will prevent you from spending your 2k on a system that limits you long term. Just my .02 cents.

3k-4k range may open up some more options on various less than 100 gallon systems setups.

*edit - if you work with used equipment as noted above, your budget may be just fine.

 

[gmpolan]

be weary of used equipment tho esp cl, you def will get your sour products from time to time. Id buy new if it was me....atleast tank wise.