How would you build at tank for $2500?

[Oberst Hajj]

With so many options for equipment (types, brands, models), it's hard for a newbie looking to get started in this hobby to know where to... well, get started. So, I'm asking the more experienced out there: How would you build a tank with a $2500 budget, know what you know now?

A few parameters:
Tank: No larger then 4' long and 2' wide. No height limit beyond ease of maintaining
Stock: Most have clownfish (the kids have to have some Nemos!) and after being well established, support some RBTAs.
Prices: For the purposes of this exercise, lets stick to new prices only.

That's it and have fun!

 

[.AcroKiller.]

I would get a reef savvy rimless tank. They are pricey but I think he builts the best tanks in this hobby.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Fatmike92]

I'm going 57 gallon rimless when I upgrade from my biocube

 

[tinkerman]

I would get a 75, 90, or 120 gallon tank all 4' long. Go with 120 if you want the 24" depth nicer aquascapes. Start with dry dead rock, acid wash and bleach it to get rid of phosphate problems. Dry rock will save you alot of money. go with dry sand to you get more for the same price. don't skimp on lights retro 6 bulb t5ho, tek or better brand, halide with good reflecter, or led. Light is personal prefference and everybody has their own opinion on it. Reef octopus makes some good skimmers for the price. You might be able to save some money on the stand/top if you are willing to make it yourself and how fancey you want it. The sump I would make out of a tank and silicone baffles in. The quiet one pumps are cheaper but decent pumps for a return pump. Karalia's are going to be the cheapest decent powerheads I would go with. I would try and leave room in the budget for a controller reefkeeper or aquacontroller jr. Hope this helps.

 

[Isoprene]

going cube 90 or 120, clean rimless look, LEDs, reef monitor...the works

 

[EpicWin]

I would get a killer deal on a good condition used 120 gal setup. Prolly spend 600 for the tank stand and sump. Then I would look at getting a good in sump used skimmer prolly another 200 there. Next get led lighting from evolution lighting or if you can afford it a top brand. If you get evolutions you can probably do lighting for 800$. You will still need sand which get the 40 lb bags of special reef grade aragonite from dr foster and smith because they will ship it free. Then get dry rock from bulk reef supply and I bet you are right at your 2500 mark and you will have one heck of a tank.

 

[chadderboxx]

1 word Craigslist! The bigger the better. Makes life Easier in the long run. But a must is ecotect powerhead and proper lighting. ( if your gong reef) don't be a tight wad on those to things or in the long run your just wasteing money.

 

[Patty]

I just spend around that much for my tank, 60g cube custom made. I got brand new tank, sump, kessil A350, mp40es, r2 moonlights, 50 pounds of dry rock. Used: stand and canopy. The rest I got from previous build.

 

[Jake1]

To bad you don't live here I work at a LFS and we have a 90 RR cube with led light stand sump skimmer return pump for 1500$ all you would need is a salt sand rock heater and powerheads.

 

[Oberst Hajj]

Well, the local marine club has turned me on to a lot of different tanks and setups for sale here locally. With their help and knowledge, we feel comfortable picking up a used tank and stuff when the time comes.

Thaks for all the info, it's helped me look at different setups and explore areas I might not have gotten around to!