2500-3000 budget for mixed reef

[Shawn85]

So far I have a 180 $90 and a 100 gallon $50 that I will use as a sump I also have a mag drive 12 $40 that I plan on using. What else equipment should I purchase? And does the brand or type of salt matter?

 

[ClownnGoby]

Lights .. T5 or LED or Hybrid?

Protein skimmer

I use tropic Marin salt .. most of your budget will be on those 2 things I mentioned

Good luck

 

[fishynewby]

You should toss me a quick $500 really quick lol

 

[BenitaSolo]

Heater
Alk/Calc supplements
Carbon
GFO (optional)
Filter Socks or whatever you pick
Lighting for that will set you back if you want to go with something nice or you can do back box lights... $$$Big Ticket
Live Rock or Dry Rock $350-$1000
Sand
Protien Skimmer $Big Ticket$
Net
Power Heads- You will need 2 or more to keep things moving
Plumbing Supplies
Fish Food
Magnetic Glass Cleaner
RODI Filter or Buckets for Water Storage. Plus the cost of the water

In my opinion save for another year or get a smaller tank. :/

 

[Shawn85]

I figure about 4-6 to make it nice.

 

[ihavecrabs]

I think you have a healthy budget; however, definitely plan out all of your needs first before making any initial purchases.

@BenitaSolo made a good starting list.. If you purchase those lights you are going to blow your budget!

 

[fishynewby]

I'd also recommend waiting the 10 days until black Friday before you buy anything. Might find some of the things you want much cheaper!

 

[Pmj]

You need an auto top off for sure. That much water will have a lot of evaporation (maybe someone with a similar size can chime in on how much). You want to plan where you are storing the water for this and buy something for a reservoir. I have a 32g brute trash can in the garage and the line running through the wall.
I'd second the notion to wait till Black Friday for some deals, or also look at used things from Craigslist, etc.

 

[Gerry gallaher]

So far I have a 180 $90 and a 100 gallon $50 that I will use as a sump I also have a mag drive 12 $40 that I plan on using. What else equipment should I purchase? And does the brand or type of salt matter?

 

[BenitaSolo]

I

You need an auto top off for sure. That much water will have a lot of evaporation (maybe someone with a similar size can chime in on how much). You want to plan where you are storing the water for this and buy something for a reservoir. I have a 32g brute trash can in the garage and the line running through the wall.
I'd second the notion to wait till Black Friday for some deals, or also look at used things from Craigslist, etc.

200 bucks for a tunze osmolator- Could get one cheaper on the forums.

 

[Ashish Patel]

Not sure if this helps but this was my list of . Make sure to factor all the little Misc items that can end up being overlooked. I did this and it helped for sure but seeing the total on excel is the best way to know where to budget where your better of spending.



Reef octopus 202-C $330
Radion $1,300
Ecotech Battery backup $160
Ecotech vortech $350
Ecotech vortech $320
Sea Swirl $250
Ghost overflow $160
Icecap Sump $389.99
Heater 55.08
Locline 6.49
liverock $103.60
TDS monitor $31
RO unit (new) $150
Salt $47
acryilc rod $15
PVC fittings (plumbing) $43
Aqua water pump (Waterchange) $44.02
Water float malida $6.99
Malida 5 pc quick connect valve $6.90
Kerick water float valvae 8.64
T-slot drop in skrews $23
Instand ocean bio-spira $16.59
Instand ocean expoxy (6 tubes) $42
Y valve for RO $10
Quick connect (variety) 10 pac $10
Vectra pump $350
Radion RMS hanging kit $130
Reeflink $100
Electric outlet cover $9.75
Surge protector iselect / Belkin outlet $42.00
Chemi Pure Carbon (blue $16 + $16) $32.00
Cord splitter Y for heater $7.99
Tropic Eden sand $67.98
Icecap ATO $125
Under cabinet lighting $27
Duct Raceway and cover (2) $50
Homedepot - Mis $100
Ink Bird heat/cool control $35
Marine pure $34
Net $5
Syphon vacumm jose $10
Seneye Par Meter $200
Miracle Mud $45
GHL Doser (3 Pump) $350
BRS 2 part dosing (Ca, Alk, Mg) $50
Refugium (light Bulb $18 + Goose neck $29) $47
UV sterlizer 35Watt (jebao) $70
Ehemi Automatic Feeder $29
Hanna checker (ULK and ALK) $100

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Good points made by others so far. On salt, you'll get all kinds of answers. I am using Red Sea Coral Pro.