Budget build.

[ZaneGreay]

So I shortly have about 1600 to spend on a tank. I want to buy a new nice tank as I have always had used ones and they are great but I want something that is mine first lol. So what would you guys suggest. I am looking to get the items listed below and would like a good combination of items for under 1600. I have an trigger emerald 34 sump that I would like to use. I also have two kessel tuna blues as well that I was thinking about using on it so that helps with the price a little. What do you guys think?

Tank any size above a 32g biocube for a mixed reef
Lights
Wave makers
Return
any accessories?

I don't need a 300g (I wouldn't mind one if anyone wanted to donate one lol)with a full apex system or anything like that I just want a good functional system that I can expand and grow from. I have a 32g biocube now so I'm looking for something bigger then that. Any help is greatly appreciated and thank you ahead of time!

*Not my pics but this is goals for me!!

 

[jda]

I set up a 60g cube tank for less than $1000 with all inhabitants... there is a link in my signature if any of that helps.

Used tank and use MH or T5 will save you a LOT of money and also probably have better results.

 

[Dakippy]

tell me what you come up with! I have a 32 BioCube and my coral addiction has made me need a bigger tank...

 

[Chibils]

Wholly agreed with @jda . Used tank and used MH and/or T5 is a recipe for an inexpensive and successful reef. It depends a lot on what your goals (softy, lps, sps) and expectations (visual look, size and shape of tank, etc). A used tank is not fun, but it seriously adds a lot to your budget. Alternately, if Petco still does it, the dollar per gallon sale could get you an off the shelf 120 for $120. Add a diamond hole saw and an external overflow and you could get running for about $300. Just need a stand, skimmer, and lights and the rest is fairly small.

 

[ZaneGreay]

Wholly agreed with @jda . Used tank and used MH and/or T5 is a recipe for an inexpensive and successful reef. It depends a lot on what your goals (softy, lps, sps) and expectations (visual look, size and shape of tank, etc). A used tank is not fun, but it seriously adds a lot to your budget. Alternately, if Petco still does it, the dollar per gallon sale could get you an off the shelf 120 for $120. Add a diamond hole saw and an external overflow and you could get running for about $300. Just need a stand, skimmer, and lights and the rest is fairly small.

Petcos dollar a gallon only goes up to 29g in my area but it's always an option because they are still 50% off above that

 

[jda]

Do you have LFS near you that sell used stuff? I got a 60g, stand, sump, heater and return pump for pretty cheap, but I did have to drill it for a standpipe (cheap and effective, but you can hear it sometimes).

I spent about $60 on a used MH and have not changed the bulb yet in over a year - I will use it for 2 years.