$$$$$

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

This is true, especially if you think there's a chance you'll want to turn it into a full reef in the future.

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

 

[pdt7361]

If this is your first tank, then consider some used equipment. This will let you save some money on your first starter tank. For an idea on everything....I was able to get a used 90g (standard 4ft reef ready) with stand, and Aquaticlife 4 bulb T5 for $300. From there I spent another $200 on lighting to add an LED strip, $250 on a new Reef Octopus skimmer, $300 on a new Eshopps ADV-200 sump, $100 on 2 RW8 wavemakers, $100 on DC9000 return pump, $40 on a 250w Eheim Jager heater, $70 on an RO Buddie with DI, and probably $100 on plumbing parts. So all together that is just under $1500. Once you add rock, salt, sand, and test kits, you'll be at $2000. So 5k is way way off for a 75g system.

 

[USMC 4 LIFE]

I always keep track of my expenses. The wife made me do it so she could throw it all in my face this Xmas. I always go cheap on her gift lol

Saltwater Reef Tank

Tank, sump, stand & light - $800
Bubble Magus Curve 7 - $300
Spectra Pure RO/DI System - $200
Pukani Dry Rock - $150
Salt - $75
Hydor Koralia Evelution 1150 - $70
Miracle Mud - $70
Fiji Pink Dry Sand - $60
Heater - $60
Return Pump - $55
Magnet Scrubber - $40
Surge Protector - $30
Saltwater Test Kit - $25
Aquarium Mat - $20
Refugium Light - $20
Hydrometer - $10
Filter Sock - $10
20 Gallon Bucket - $5

Total - $2000

Maroon Clown Fish - $20
Yellow Watchman Goby & Pistol Shrimp - $35
Blue Tang - $40
Potters Angelfish - $60
Blue / Green Reef Chromis (3) - $12

Cleaner Shrimp (2)
Leopard Wrasse
Pink Pom Pom Pulsing Xenia

 

[lion king]

Is that your only lfs, I got quotes from 3 when I did my 210. 2 of them was about $300 apart, the 3rd was $1300 more than the lowest and not using as good equipment.

 

[TonapahNorth]

I'd probably slap myself silly if I kept track.

 

[tj w]

Let me just say this, make sure you check all of the prices on the equipment you purchase from your LFS. I found out the hard way that I could've saved 40 percent if I would've bought everything piece by piece instead of going through the lfs. Not saying all are like this, just do your homework like you are here. Welcome by the way!

 

[erinmegan85]

Like others have said it all depends on what you're purchasing and what you're looking for. My 68 gallon came with tank, stand, sump, pump, and plumbing for about $1,000. The light I have on the tank cost $500. Already had to replace my skimmer because the pump quit on the 1st one and it just was a piece of junk in general. The 1st skimmer was $189. The new one was a gift, but my boyfriend paid $270 for it. Throw in rock, sand, livestock, coral, upgraded pump, ATO tank and pump, and other assorted stuff for the tank and we're up over $3,000 and this tank isn't even a year old. It's worth every penny to me though. I wouldn't skimp out on equipment because you're just going to end up having to replace the cheap stuff.

 

[nitro]

How about a Red Sea reef set up? That would get you started right and you just need to add your rock, water and animals....

 

[Jimbo]

Whatever cost you're thinking in your head? Triple it at least...

 

[Griff]

I don't think 5k is far off if your getting all top end equipment. Some of the most fun I had was planning out and pricing out my build on marine depot and bulk reef supply. I'd say I'm in for roughly 10k between all equipment, livestock from 1st year.

Redsea reefer 525xl and that was me saving 500 on the tank. Don't forget water tests salt and refractometer.

I spent roughly 1200 on my first build which was an innovative marine 30L

 

[reefwiser]

You can spend as much as you want. Since this is your first tank you might want to read threads and learn about equipment and buy used equipment to start. You will always upgrade. Having been keeping fish since I was ten years old so 53 years now. I tend to buy the best equipment because I am not getting out of the hobby now. [emoji3] An I have learned the hard way you get what you pay for.

 

[Playa-1]

If I were setting up a system from scratch, then I would likely keep my eyes open for somebody getting out of the hobby and selling out. They sometimes move off to school or relocate to a place where they can't keep an aquarium. Sometimes they are just upgrading and unloading some stuff they've outgrown. The key is to carefully research every piece of equipment and determine what it is that you want vs need and why. I wouldn't squeeze the trigger on any equipment until I did my homework. As far as price goes it will be all over the board. About the only thing I would be buying from a lfs on a start up would be possibly a tank and stand, if I wanted a brand new one. Then maybe fish food and livestock when the time came around. They are good for emergencies and the occasional oddball purchase. I do like to support the local fish stores when it makes sense. On the other hand if you're the type of person that will be having the LFS set up all the equipment and maybe come in and make the water changes and service the tank on a regular basis. Then maybe it makes sense to buy all the equipment from them and let them do their thing.