30 gallon reef on a budget

[Ginger824]

So I've been wanting to get a Reef tank as soon as I saw one at my local aquarium store. I've done a lot of research and so far i'm still under my budget of $300 i don't have the tank just yet but i plan to build it, the dimensions are 18'' tall 24'' wide 18'' long . So far these are the product's I've found I'm open to suggestions but id like to keep it under $300 in total . For filtration i have extra acrylic and a 10 gallon aquarium to make a sump with. my main focus is the light, protein skimmer and the power head.

light- https://goo.gl/3gybGc or https://goo.gl/ZCwFBu
pump- https://goo.gl/SYiKdggoo.gl
tubing - https://goo.gl/mM32DB
protein skimmer- https://goo.gl/VNzUB
dry rock- https://goo.gl/1xUHyU
power head- open for suggestions with a max budget $30 and a gph of 600

 

[jsker]

Welcome to R2R, some of your links are not working

 

[Ginger824]

ill work on that...

 

[Ginger824]

the pump is https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017R708QO/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2GN9MZP3KDJM0&colid=2TESYBTJGZPLC
and the protien skimmer is https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002APZ8U/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3T2M5OOZBMDBQ&colid=2TESYBTJGZPLC

 

[dbl]

Welcome to R2R.

 

[Cherub]

welcome

 

[kschweer]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[melypr1985]

Welcome to R2R! If you are going to use that protein skimmer be sure to get plenty of replacement wooden air stones as most places won't carry them anymore. From my understanding, the guy who used to make them retired. There should be others available, but I don't know where.

 

[Ginger824]

Welcome to R2R! If you are going to use that protein skimmer be sure to get plenty of replacement wooden air stones as most places won't carry them anymore. From my understanding, the guy who used to make them retired. There should be others available, but I don't know where.

I'll make sure to do that

 

[jrwoltman]

Welcome. Have you considered reaching out to reefers around to see if anyone has an all in one that they have upgraded out of? That's how I have gotten both of my tanks.

 

[samnaz]

I recommend the Jebao PP-4, or other similar models (RW or SW). It's a little more than $30 but totally worth it, you can adjust flow rate and pulse rate with the controller it comes with. You can probably find one used for around your budget.

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

Welcome. Have you considered reaching out to reefers around to see if anyone has an all in one that they have upgraded out of? That's how I have gotten both of my tanks.

This. You can easily get a used system within your price range. Check on here, Facebook and your local Craigslist.

 

[Luna]

Patience is key in this hobby. When it comes to setting up or buying. I waited and shopped eBay for the best deals. Bought a 40 breeder at $1 per gal sale. Built my stand. Also bought a cpr refuge/skimmer (waited along time til I found a great deal) & got some Jebao pumps (also searched & waited) The dry rock - IMO is a bit pricey. Another pricey part is constantly buying salt mix. "Patience"

 

[Ginger824]

th

I recommend the Jebao PP-4, or other similar models (RW or SW). It's a little more than $30 but totally worth it, you can adjust flow rate and pulse rate with the controller it comes with. You can probably find one used for around your budget.

thanks for the suggestions I'll make sure to check it out.

 

[Ginger824]

Patience is key in this hobby. When it comes to setting up or buying. I waited and shopped eBay for the best deals. Bought a 40 breeder at $1 per gal sale. Built my stand. Also bought a cpr refuge/skimmer (waited along time til I found a great deal) & got some Jebao pumps (also searched & waited) The dry rock - IMO is a bit pricey. Another pricey part is constantly buying salt mix. "Patience"

On Amazon I've found 40ib of dry rock for $50. In my opinion live rock is too expensive and may come with some unwanted pests. But sense dry rock doesn't come with any beneficial bacteria I'll supliment the bacteria

 

[cgdcinc]

Corallife protein skimmer works well. Easy to get replacement wooden stones on Amazon. PP-4 jeabo powerhead is really nice for a bit more money.

 

[kireek]

*Nice to meet you @Ginger824 !* Defiantly look into your local clubs for deals on equipment.Often times people are getting out of the hobby and want to sell things fast and cheap.It's unfortunate but at the same time it could save you some cash. Get the best skimmer and pumps that you can afford as these are the real workhorses.Best of luck with your endeavour!