Best salt water set up

[eeper]

I’d love to use a 29 gallon tank for some fish and some cleansers but lots of hard corals, soft corals, etc BUT! I’d like to use the best set up for $2,000 or less just in equipment. If someone could give me a list even if it’s not a full list that would be helpful for my research.

 

[lapin]

Nano Build - James’s 29g Nano Build

Hello R2R! This is going to be my official tank journal, for my 29g. This tank used to be a freshwater tank, but I decided to take it down and start a saltwater tank. I already have it all cleaned out and ready (The light is coming in today sometime. That light was the old one I used) Here...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[PatW]

The best option might be a Craigslist used system. You should be able to get something like a 55 to 90 with sump and stand and return pump. You would want an auto top off, decent lights and good power heads. Then you should be set.

Or you could buy say a 40 gallon breeder (or 55 or 70) aNd drill it. You could use a smaller glass tank as a sump and install your own baffles. You could construct your own stand. Then you would need a return pump, power heads, ATO, skimmer, and lights. The 40 breeder might be the best option. If you are a bit concerned about drilling it, the LFS should be able to for a modest fee.

 

[melonheadorion]

if you have petco nearby, they seem to have 50% off quite frequently and have 29's and up to 70g. everythign else can be DIY, or bought second hand. the most expensive part would be building a stand if you made one from wood