1st Reef Tank

[Acanthuridae Lover]

I want to start on a 50 gallon tank. Can you guys help me with some things I should buy?

 

[the new reef kid]

i am starting as well but are you making a reef tank or a fish only tank

 

[sbash]

This is just real quick from a budget I put together a while ago (tweaked for a 50 gallon tank):

Stand
50 Gallon tank
Overflow (unless included with the tank)
Lighting
Powerheads
Sump
Return Pump
Heaters (2 x 150w)
Temperature controller
Protein Skimmer
Test kits
Refractometer
Filters (socks, sponges, whatever you might want to filter particles)
Dry Rock
Live Rock
Substrate
R/O Machine
Water (R/O)
Salt

There are, of course, I would consider everything in this list non-optional. However, some things can be eased in to help with the budget. For example, using a traditional cycle (takes 6-8 weeks) you don't need the lights until the cycle is over; you can also skip the skimmer for the first few weeks as well (or the entire cycle). Both of which are a big part of the startup cost.

There are also lots of other things you are going to need (like nets, thermometers, light timers, etc), so budget in a couple hundred dollars for $5 items.

The sump is also, technically, optional. Which means you would't need the return pump at the very least.

I definitely recommend getting an RO/DI machine right away, it will pay for itself.

 

[JoshH]

This is just real quick from a budget I put together a while ago (tweaked for a 50 gallon tank):

What's a budget? Is that a type of fish I'm unaware of?
Seriously though bash has a great list you'll want to stick pretty close to

 

[kkeller416]

You could also look into your local saltwater reef group and buy a setup local from someone who can give tips and help you out..

 

[Acanthuridae Lover]

i am starting as well but are you making a reef tank or a fish only tank

Fish only

 

[sbash]

Fish only

Cool, fish only, I'd drop the skimmer and the lights will be easy on the wallet too...

I wonder about dropping the sump too; if you get a good ATO, I would think you could keep the tank stable enough. This is based on the fish I have in random 30 gallon tanks where I just feed them and top up the water...