Poll-Cost of a reef tank???

[herb]

i voted for a 55, but i agree that the largest tank you can setup is best!!!!

[Eric]

I'm not sure how I got the poll to end 2/12/2009 at 12 pm but at any rate as of now the 75 gallon takes it by one vote

so if any ones interested take the time to add up how much it would cost you to set up this this tank everyone does it diffetent cost will very

so start adding how much will it cost for you to set up a 75 gallon reef complete take your time and do it right

thanks

[KMP]

It would be nice to see an itemized listing of how the tank woudl be set up also by the pros. I would appreciate that alot since I find myself searching for a 75g tank but have no clue where to go from there

[Eric]

75 gallon oceanic reefready itemized

Tank 289.00
stand 370.00
mega flow set up 50.00
aqua pro light sys 699.00 thats 2X150 halides 2X96 pc
nautilus te skimmer 154.99
tide pool 2 sump 169.99
3 power heads 75.00
Ro/DI 150.00
power strip 25.00
light timers 50.00
phos ban reactor 36.00
phos media 12.99
mag 12 pump for return 99.99
mag 7 pump for skimmer 54.99
mag 3 for phos reactor 24.99
4 bags live sand 28.99 ea.
mag float 350 17.99
heater 26.99
hydrometer 6.79 refractometer 69.99
3X45lb box live rock fiji 179.99
200 gallon salt mix 39.99
nets 10.00
food 30.00
plumbing 100.00
Tota l= 2,930.91

I forgot test kits,additives, and wave make for power heads just add 300.00 give or take

That should just about cover it for the most part I missed a few things the prices are from that pet place and are accruate my total may not be I added it quick it'll be more if anything

also add thousands of dollars in time headachs and livestock.It's all worth it in the end lol. This is how I would set this tank up for a new reefer low maintanence most of the parts and pieces are on the resonable side so sticker shock will not kill them

[KMP]

That's what I'm talking about. Gives me a chance to see what equipment is being used/preferred.

Subtracting stuff I have (food, nets, heaters, etc.) I'm only $2,300 away from your estimate. Thanks EEK!

[billyr98]

Gotta love doing a reeftank... Lighting cost like 1/4th of the price of the setup..

[Eric]

You can find retro light kits on ebay a little cheaper thats if you have ,buy ,or build a canopy but if you want a complete hood 500 to 1000 dollars

The aqua light pro is nice but I believe the ballast are short lived we've already replace one in less than 7 months but the company made it easy no questions just shipped a new one free of charge

Thats warrentys only good for a year I'm hoping the ballast hold I the fixture looks great low profile clean and if you change the bulbs you got a really nice light

[Eric]

You can find retro light kits on ebay a little cheaper thats if you have ,buy ,or build a canopy but if you want a complete hood 500 to 1000 dollars

The aqua light pro is nice but I believe the ballast are short lived we've already replace one in less than 7 months but the company made it easy no questions just shipped a new one free of charge

Thats warrentys only good for a year I'm hoping the ballast hold I the fixture looks great low profile clean and if you change the bulbs you got a really nice light

[Eric]

There are alot more hidden or forgotten cost look into like the replcement filter for rodi units, sumps,light bulbs ,books,old pumps (THE ELECTIC BILL) lol

[Gina]

Don't forget your RO/DI unit!
They come in a variety of cost from many different vendors.
We purchased our Aqua-safe 6 stage off e-bay for $75.

[cheeks69]

Originally Posted by EEK

You can find retro light kits on ebay a little cheaper thats if you have ,buy ,or build a canopy but if you want a complete hood 500 to 1000 dollars

Because a standard 75 isn't very tall MH isn't a must, there are many options when it comes to lighting PC's T5's and of course Retrofit MH if you buy the stand/canopy combo which will be much cheaper than the complete hoods, which IMHO are overpriced.

[Snelly40]

I have a 24G nano, and would recommend starting with a larger tank. Parameters change in a mater of minutes it seems, and it takes a lot of upkeep. However, i do love it. Even tore my leg open this weekend on my glass cover which i had taken off to do a water change. Well a quick turnicate allowed my to finish the water change before heading to the hospital to get 26 stiches, but the tank looks great
its truelly a great hobby

[KMP]

Ow! Hope you're feeling better. Sounds like you will be hurting a few days.

Kenny

[12g Dude]

Cost....Depends on how much homework you do initialy, how good the advice you receive is and how attentative you are. IF you jump blind and try to figure it out on your own...It'll cost you, both in lost livestock and in purchasing needless equipment to remedy bad husbandry issues (bandaid on a bullethole syndrom). Someone that's done the homework, has received good advice and done some savey bargain shopping can come out with a beautifull reef tank for around a grand. Me on the other hand.....I'm in it for about $4k with a 55 gallon community tank, 32 Gallon bowfront and a 12g Nano. All are now doing well, but the learning curve was ugly! I'm lucky the wife is very understanding. ...(Hey, I don't gripe when she gets her nails done every couple weeks...right!)

[Teeka]

My cost to set up my 2 month old tank was:
120 AGA Megaflow $450.
stand and canopy $550.
Euroreef 135 $564.
custom sump $500.
sump light(home depot) $45.
timers for 4 $59.
plumbing $150.
Pan world pump $319.
Lights $600.
Power heads $52.
wavemaster $120.
ph monitor $100.
salt $109.
base rock. (60lbs $100.
live rock(60lbs) $350.
sand $120.
Salifert test kits $45.
Refractor meter $59.
Tank Ground $15.
Moonlights $50.
5 stage ro/di $150.

fixing to get the topoff off of Melev sites.
But I had the okay to get what I wanted.