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[Matthew Cautero]

How much am I looking to spend to start out with good equipment and a tank and everything for a FOWLR tank

 

[120reefkeeper]

How much am I looking to spend to start out with good equipment and a tank and everything for a FOWLR tank

Well a lot of that depends on you [emoji4]. It also depends on how big a tank you want and how automated you want your system to be.

It's always very helpful to make a list of all the equipment you'll need. You can save yourself a lot of money buying used equipment that's in good shape.

This is a great thread to read when getting started. [emoji4]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

Btw welcome to R2R!! [emoji4]

 

[Matthew Cautero]

sorry forgot to post I'm looking for a 75 gallon tank

 

[120reefkeeper]

A great way to get started is to buy a used tank or someone's system. Sometimes folks sell it all for an upgrade . Usually you can get pretty good deals and cost usually depends on the condition of equipment, age, and the type of equipment.

It's like buying a car. If you want a Lamborghini then your gonna pay lambo prices. If your satisfied with a chevy then the cost will be less, but cost is a highly variable thing in this hobby. If your good with DIY stuff then that will also help with cost. [emoji4]

I know none of this is exact but it's sooooo variable that I can't give you a solid figure.

My recommendation is to start with the largest system you can afford. It will save you money in the long run when you want to upgrade. [emoji4].

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Set aside $1500, at least.

 

[Diesel]

 

[twilliard]

Oh my that is a VERY open question.
For instance I have a $900 skimmer on my 75

 

[Matthew Cautero]

I went to my lfs and they quoted for 5000$ for everything

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

That doesn't surprise me.

I went to my lfs and they quoted for 5000$ for everything

 

[Matthew Cautero]

Is that a lot or are they just trying to pull one over on me

 

[david p.]

actually ... few of us keeps tabs of everything i'm pretty sure... but for sure with tank, ligh, skimmer, sump, pumps, wavemaker, controler, dosing pump, probes, heaters, aditive, test kit, reactor, leak detector, RODI 3-4-5 stages, frag tank, QT, plumbing, valves... i woudl say more than 2k pretty fast ... (i'm way over-conservative on the number)!
you will budget for 1k, then will say 2k is not that bad... than one day you will wake up with 5k spent on a tank!

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Sounds like they are trying to retire early. they probably included a ton of equipment you don't need to get started. do you have a list of items with prices?

Is that a lot or are they just trying to pull one over on me

 

[Diesel]

I went to my lfs and they quoted for 5000$ for everything

Run away as fast as you can.

 

[120reefkeeper]

I don't think the LFS is pulling one over on you but that all depends on what your getting for the money.

An exact list of what you get along with brand names etc would be helpful.

 

[Matthew Cautero]

They where selling a 90 gallon tank with stand reef ready and a sump for 2000 and than he told me I needed a skimmer 2 power heads lights where 400 each he said I needed 3 than he said I needed 100 pounds of live rock for 7$ a pound

 

[Matthew Cautero]

I'll try and get the brand names for you guys

 

[david p.]

maybe one thing, it might be a expensive hobby, but don't cheap out on equipment. the extra buck can save you more money on the long run.
look for use equipment, you can find decent deals online

 

[PlanB]

Better question might be how much are you willing to spend, and decide how to go about purchasing what you need to fall within that budget - of course that might mean buying a smaller tank. However, if you know how much your tank and stand will cost, then you can figure that you will also need adequate lights, heater, probably want a skimmer, live rock/sand, return pump that is capable of turning over your 75 reasonably well, and some power heads - two should do. That should get you started. Research and price everything, sized according to your 75 gallon tank (plus sump volume if doing that), and just start piecing everything together bit by bit. Once you know what you want you can search for used vs. new. Once you get this underhand you will have a good sense of cost. Just add at least another 30% on top for variables.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

The stand must be made of gold.

They where selling a 90 gallon tank with stand reef ready and a sump for 2000 and than he told me I needed a skimmer 2 power heads lights where 400 each he said I needed 3 than he said I needed 100 pounds of live rock for 7$ a pound

 

[david p.]

The stand must be made of gold.

gold does not rust.... that could work!