How much did your Tank Setup Cost??

[Yates273]

I’m gonna approach this with a gamblers mindset. With everything I sold and the amount I put in, I’m “even” we all know that’s not even close to being true. I try not to think about the cost, this way l can enjoy it more.

 

[Wasabiroot]

Probably around 3.5k for my 50g

Well, kinda embaresed here, but....

Most expensive thing is lights, around 450$ total, other equipment is 50-150$....

Compared to what others have, i'm redefying "budget" build term...

Rather "poor mans build"....

Nothing to be embarassed about. If the tank makes you happy, and the animals are doing well, who cares how much you've spent.

 

[mindme]

The standard "Twice the budget".

 

[Sean Clark]

This thread is dangerous. I am not falling for it. Not this time...

 

[Devaji]

Hi Everyone! I'm new here and am looking to start up a reef tank.

Years ago when I was in high school and college I had a 10 gal freshwater tank. Since then, I've always wanted to do a Salt Water tank.

I started researching over the past month or so and needless to say, I was a bit blown away by some of the start up costs I've seen. I've done some research and don't want to start too small so I don't have to upgrade a year or 2 down the road. I think I'd rather have a sump vs an AIO - seems that everyone that I've seen with an AIO ends up upgrading in a year or 2.

I've been looking on Craigslist here in the Twin Cities and nothing on there is catching my eye as far as a decent used system. Want to be around 90 gallon. Part of me also thinks that if I buy new, I know what I'm getting - not always the case with used - but obviously many here have been very successful being used.

Been looking at a new Red Sea Reefer 350 system. The quote I got was for around $7k (not including Tax) all in for tank, stand, filtration, skimmer, sand, rock, Apex, Netpune Analyzer/Doser, etc. That seems to be around the going rate if you're going to go new for a tank that size (had a Waterbox priced out and it was similar).

I'm able to get a special deal through Amex that will allow me to pay it monthly with no interest over 2 years - but I'm still having a hard time being close to $8k with tax before I even get any fish/coral. It's not that I can't afford it, I'm just having a hard time with that number.

One question I have is regarding the Neptune Analyzer/Doser - that's around $1k right there. Is that something that 3 months from now, I wish I would have bought? Special deal with Amex expires April 30, so if I'm going to get it, I'm going to get it now.

Would love to hear your thoughts on that type of system for a newbie!

it does not need to be that much. but yeah buy once cry once is very true in reefing. there are are some amazing nice simple system out there.

you dont need a full blow apex or even a apex at all really might be a good way to start so you lean.

onne of my fav. budget system is a 40br with 40br sump. DIY the stand and sump get 2x ai primes or 24" reed breeders phonton V2 for lights. drill the tank add an overflow box some sand and rock and you have a nice tank for $1500.

would a nice rimless tank be prettier sure but we all got to start somewhere.
just a thought. but there is wisdom in getting what you want from the get go. but do you really know what you want? sometimes it's good to start off simple then go from there.

 

[Mr Cypher]

Hahaha yea...... we don't talk about that but if my wife asks it was only a couple hundred lol

 

[Freenow54]

Let’s just say with the points I earned from purchasing & installation of my WB 220.6 from WWC I will probably never have to pay for another coral for many years

 

[Sleeping Giant]

 

[Freenow54]

Absolutely, my 125 Mixed Community/S. American Cichlid Tank...

Bought tank used for $225, Included Metal Halides, Stand and Sump(I converted it for Fresh with a Canister Filter, closed the overflows)

4 Chamber Cannister Filter $150.

2 Powerheads, 1 Heater $125

Decorations, $150

Already had fish, but have bought more since, like a Custom Green Phantom Pleco at Aquashella for $75, but all fish in tank probably about $500 total, and that's over Years.

But overall tank and set up, under $700..compared to Saltwater...

they didn't

reproduce? this picture shows all my tank bred fish

 

[Koh23]

Probably around 3.5k for my 50g

Nothing to be embarassed about. If the tank makes you happy, and the animals are doing well, who cares how much you've spent.

Agreed....

Yes, it would be great to have some cool stuff that "modern world" have, but here, prices is insane, offering is poor, so, basically, if you don't have lots of money, diy is your best friend, and improvisation only way to do something...

 

[Nonya]

Rule #1: NEVER KEEP TRACK OF THE COST!

There are no other rules.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

N/A

 

[ReefRondo]

Took me over a year to get the system wet and eventually cost over 10k then more to stock and have equipment as backups. We all have to have something to spend our money on though right?

 

[Nick Steele]

Current tank IM 20 about 2k
Next build 100G budget of 6k
Dream reef 300G 8’ budget of about 25k

 

[Nonya]

Took me over a year to get the system wet and eventually cost over 10k then more to stock and have equipment as backups. We all have to have something to spend our money on though right?

Try 20+ years.

 

[WVNed]

you cant take it with you

A 180 would look really nice where that 75 is sitting.

He who dies with the most toys wins.

 

[dakoop]

Nope, not falling for that one. She might be looking.

 

[jpark457]

I think when I started a year ago I added it up and it seemed like you couldn’t really get started for much less than a thousand without going used so that’s what I did. I think I’m in a little over a thousand a year in but that includes fish coral and upgrading stuff along the way for an old RSM 34g

 

[KStatefan]

I have no idea. The only thing I keep track off is what each coral cost.

 

[Spare time]

Lol...I don't really want to know how much your Tank Setup Cost...I am finding it comedy gold at this point

Since setting up my 1st ever Mixed Reef Tank it goes as follows:

Oh Wow...that is Awesome, Your Tank is Amazing, Oh Wow...look at that fish..Oh wow...what is this coral? Would you look at That!! Plus at least 5 other pleasantries ....always followed up with...


HOW MUCH DID IT COST??

I always tell them...if you really want to know, don't Ask, and if you are interested, Toss your Budget into the Abyss!

Never Fails!

I end with how much does it cost to view the Magnificence of God's Creation? We severely underpaid!

This is an inappropriate and sensitive topic XD