How much did your reef cost

ZachsZoo · Apr 6, 2017

Hi to all, I'm Zach and I am thinking about building a reef aquarium in a few months for my new house in the cheapest way possible(for a reef aquarium, that is). My goal is under 3500$ for everything. My question to you guys is how much did your reef cost and is there anything you do or could've done cheaper in your aquarium, or is there anything you regret doing?

Kfox93 · Apr 6, 2017

Your in the wrong hobby for "cheap".

Brew12 · Apr 6, 2017

I picked up a used system off of Craigslist and was able to set up a 120g system complete with an Apex, 2 MP40's, black box LED's, stand, canopy, sump, skimmer, return pump, heaters, and a few other odds and ends for $2k. I upgraded the lights, set up 2 QT's, got new sand, rocks, and a few fish and was still under $2500.

Umm... we won't talk about how much it cost once I started getting coral.

MaddyP · Apr 6, 2017

$3500 is a good budget for starting a reef, depending on the size you want. My tank and stand was a second hand found on craigslist for $650. It's a 75 gallon three sides starfire build by Crystal Dynamics. If you are diligent you could likely find a tank online for a reasonable price, leaving remaining funds for equipment. Invest in high end equipment from the beginning and you'll be able to carry through most setups.

What type of tank are you wanting? Size? High tech or low?

jmerideth1 · Apr 6, 2017

I have a box stuffed full of receipts very few under $100's I'm really a bit uncomfortable actually adding them up .

Mr.Rocc · Apr 6, 2017

I was in your shoes when I started and the "cheap" route is never a good route when it comes to 10's of gallons of water in a contained area. When you can get a break I would say do it but the worst thing to do is have to buy twice because the first one was cheaper at the time and now doesn't work. I set up a full 40g nuvo for about 1400$ but its has all the bells and whistles. As long as you use quality materials and equipment you will be fine!

DanP-SD · Apr 6, 2017

I'm not sure you can do it cheap. It's sort of like trying to take on a cheap cocaine habit. But I think you can do it for a few thousand -- or you can spend a lot more. My 265g probably stands somewhere around $40k and climbing, but that includes a lot of custom woodwork, custom tank and steel stand, and lots of components.

Two tips I'd offer: 1) buy good gear. If you buy the cheap gear, it usually ends up being the money you waste before buying the good stuff. This is particularly true for skimmers and pumps. You might get away with cheaper lights, stand and canopy - maybe even the tank.

and 2) don't be afraid to swap out gear. I've found that, if I don't like the gear I have and want to swap it out, I can usually sell the used gear for pretty good value online. For example, I recently decided to swap out a couple Vortech pumps for some Gyre's. Initially, I didn't want to make the investment but bit the bullet. I haven't sold the Vortechs yet but I'm confident that, because they're relatively new, I'll get back enough to cover the cost of the Gyres.

JaimeAdams · Apr 6, 2017

125g tank, stand, light from CL = $500. Sold light for $250 =$250 for tank stand and rock. Got my sun at a used Equipment sale for $8 = $258. Got different lights for free, bought new bulbs and a cord set = $318. Skimmer I got for free from a club member, needed to replace seals and pump =$438. Heater bought new = $478. Return pump I had laying around and plumbing I got leftovers from another job. RODI unit I traded a frag for to a buddy = $478. Replaced membranes = $550. Box of salt = $600.

125g tank up and running = $600

Livestock can vary greatly. I work at a small local boutique store these days and my boss is pretty cool, so I get livestock at cost. It's easy to spend tons of fish and coral without breaking a sweat.

Salty1962 · Apr 6, 2017

Too Much!!

Scorpius · Apr 6, 2017

I think the term frugal fits better than cheap. Buying cheap means replacing many times. Spend the dough up front and save in the long run.

pettoe90 · Apr 6, 2017

https://www.scaquariums.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=SCA-120GPNP

Good pnp kit will just need water substrate rock and light will still be under $3500

RyanCSGO · Apr 6, 2017

well, first question would be what size system are you looking into? The size of the tank and over all design can have a large impact on the price.
my old 60gallon cube for example --- tank, stand, sump, plumbing, single kessil light, vortech mp10, jbj ato and protein skimmer ran me in the neighborhood of about 2300.
keep in mind this was a pretty basic set up. the only "automation" on the tank was the auto top off and the kessil controller for lighting.

yellojello · Apr 6, 2017

Join in on your local reef club if there's one in your area. Lots of people may hook you up and even help you out in person.

But yea, $3500 start up cost is decent, but the ongoing cost is what adds up.

You'll make quite a few mistakes, which cost money. You'll make quite a few changes, which cost money. Pretty much money money money lol but you can get a lot of free beginning corals from your local club.

smokin'reefer · Apr 6, 2017

I can't say how much mine cost because it still hasn't stopped costing.
Initial set up can be done on the cheap, but it seems monthly maintenance and upgrades can put a strain on someone trying to work on a budget.
Just my limited experience after a year in the hobby.
Good luck. I will say though that it has been worth every penny for me and my family.

SJ-reefer · Apr 6, 2017

Try to find one on CL, I paid $2000 for the tank and stand alone, add on lights, pumps, sump, dosers, etc. $6000 easy, not including sand, rocks, fish, CORALS!

rbraunberger · Apr 6, 2017

ZachsZoo said:
Hi to all, I'm Zach and I am thinking about building a reef aquarium in a few months for my new house in the cheapest way possible(for a reef aquarium, that is). My goal is under 3500$ for everything. My question to you guys is how much did your reef cost and is there anything you do or could've done cheaper in your aquarium, or is there anything you regret doing?

Did your wife put you up to this!!!!!! Shhhhh!!!! Never tell!!!!

This question is like asking a women how much she weighs!!!!

jsker · Apr 6, 2017

There are way of setting up a great system on a budget, as other have stated craigslist is a good source to find equipment, also you local reef club. My mistakes were going cheap on the lights, and the filtration at first. I ended up replacing everything with very good lights, DIY my sump and purchased a good skimmer. I also replaced some of my plumbing with better hose than one can find at the big box home improvement store.

I would suggest making out your wish list and if you are not in a real hurry find deals on your wish list via sales or used. FYI most of the equipment is set pricing for the manufacture so there is not dealing there.

all in I am over 6K and I am getting ready to drop some more $$ into the system.

Lynn52 · Apr 6, 2017

If my husband asks around $700 total. In reality that's what I paid for the tank and stand. I'm probably at somewhere between $3000 and &4000 for a 120 so far.

MJH01 · Apr 6, 2017

You can get a 90 gallon used, up and running with the bare minimum equipment for $700 with no live stock. you then need test kits, supplements, some automation to survive. On top of that you need fish (massive span depending on preference and LFS) corals (local network essential) and a decent clean up crew. It will not stop, the list that will form will be relating to increased accuracy, more automation, more variety and an addiction.

You will have problems and each on will carry a certain cost.

I am new to this and see your budget as good for 12 to 18 months, after that you will plan a year in advance!

Just my opinion.......