Building a custom 255g reef aquarium

[mark Prieto]

Hi I am building a custom in-wall 255g reef aquarium . I want a high end fully automated aquarium . I am looking for a approximate $ budget I know it will not be cheap but is the number $15k or $20k or $60k in what range should I be looking and budgeting ? Thanks for your help

 

[CHASDB]

What would you like to keep in the reef?

When you say fully automated, you do realize that throwing money at it won't make it successful. It still takes a lot of work, observation, testing, letting it mature.

 

[mark Prieto]

Hi, i am looking for a mixed reef with a number of fish that is appropriate for the size of Aquarium I am still researching this number . I am also preparing for a ton of work as it will be my retirement hobby. I have gone out to have 3 well recommended companies from Reef to reef to give a quote to do it . I am just looking for a baseline #$ so I have something to compare it to. As i don't mind putting money into but dislike being taken advantage of. Hopefully that makes sense.

 

[Bobbyvelvet]

You are looking at 4-5K for tank and stand, then 3-4K in all other things needed. Check out Custom Aquariums, I just completed a few months of research and the three best custom tank makers are CA, GlassCages and CDA. I went with CA because they have a lifetime warranty and their canopy has doors that open outwards, as I could not fit a roll or flip top in my space. So 10K minumum then stocking the tank could run 2-4K. I finally can afford this hobby and "I can't afford it" LOL...

 

[Jimbo327]

You are looking at $10k-20K range to set up a 255g.

If you want top of the line equipment, then it'll be pricey...

Custom tank/hood/stand would be ~$6k-$8k.
LED lights $2K-$3K.
Skimmer $1k
Sump $1k-$2k depends on how custom you want it
Powerheads $1k
Return pumps $1k
APEX and accessories $1k-$2k
Piping, valves and fittings $500
Calcium Reactor or dosing pumps $1k
RO/DI Water system and metering pumps $1k
Live Rock $500+
Heaters/Chillers/UV $1k

If you don't want high end or can find used, you probably divide these estimated amount by half.

This doesn't include the livestock yet, so you are looking at fish...they can go from $50 to $500 per fish...depending how exotic you want. I would say ~20-30 fishes for a tank that size. You do the math. Then whatever corals cost depend on what you want to keep.

 

[Bobbyvelvet]

I am in the process now of a build on a 240 and it is all in close to 15K, without stocking. There are so many ways to set up a tank, more gear does not always equal sucess and vice versa. IMO there are items you can look to buy down on. . Some ideas include dual AC return pumps vs one DC pump or multiple DC.
Skimmer - Red Sea has solid skimmers and you could grab one for well under 1K depending on bio-load.
Add other hardware as needed like Calc reactor.
Sump I would grab a trigger, they have a 25% off sale on BRS rightnow. And then lastly lights there are many Black Box options which are much more cost effective then the name brands. Just my 2 cents.

 

[ReefChef19]

I'm in the process of a 225 gallon build, I have a spread sheet with all of my projected and actual expenses so far. I can say 15 to 20k comfortably. This is buying some of my equipment used, r2r, local fish forum, and sales. My biggest savings so far was on my sump, $700 for a year old synergy reef cl60 which retails for about $1,600 new. I've also been able to get a couple of new power heads at good prices. This place is a great place to look for deals, if you don't mind used on some items.