I have a 1200$ budget

[Og_Reef]

I’ve been out of the game for awhile now and really want to get back into it. I have a 1200$ budget, can you guys help me out with a build from top to bottom? Thanks in advance

 

[sde1500]

Not giving us much to go on. Happy to help, but let’s start off a little different. Reef or no, size, goals of tank, fish you want, etc.

 

[Katrina71]

Are you wanting an aio or a tank with a sump?

 

[Katrina71]

It might be easier to ask what your inspiration was? A certain fish on your wish list?

 

[dugthefish]

I had a $2000 budget when I started setting up my 125 reef. $5000 later.......

 

[Greg P]

I had a $2000 budget when I started setting up my 125 reef. $5000 later.......

I thought nothing about budget when I started my tank back in 2011. I had already spent $7000.00 on freshwater ... stupid stupid

My 75G with sump room and 60g sump cost me about 10K

@Og_Reef start with the most expensive equipment you will need ...
Think tank size then lighting ... 4' tank needs $1000 lighting or more
So, go backwards and figure it out yourself bud
Want a 40g breeder? What will the light for this cost?
Decent AP700 is $800
Crap LED for a 40 breeder is available on Ebay or Amazon so do your own research

Maybe I'm jaded, but feel you should do your own research instead of asking us for the easy way out

 

[Og_Reef]

Not giving us much to go on. Happy to help, but let’s start off a little different. Reef or no, size, goals of tank, fish you want, etc.

Are you wanting an aio or a tank with a sump?

Yes a reef tank, & simple fish like an yellow tang, clown fish, wrasse.
The type of tank does not matter, just looking to get something that is efficient and works well

 

[Katrina71]

A yellow tang needs a big tank. Where are you located? If you don't mind a used tank, you can most likely keep within your budget.

 

[Katrina71]

Most say a 6'+ tank is ideal for a Tang.

 

[SMSREEF]

My suggestion is get a used tank. Your money will go much further. Hopefully you are near a larger city so there will be more options.
I bought my 60 cube, stand and sump for 200. That left lots of money for the extras.
I also bought lights used as well.

Check out the app “OfferUp” it’s pretty cool and you can set it up to alert you every time “reef tank” or whatever you are looking for is posted.

 

[Jon Fishman]

My suggestion is get a used tank. Your money will go much further. Hopefully you are near a larger city so there will be more options.
I bought my 60 cube, stand and sump for 200. That left lots of money for the extras.
I also bought lights used as well.

Check out the app “OfferUp” it’s pretty cool and you can set it up to alert you every time “reef tank” or whatever you are looking for is posted.

$1,200 will get you a used turn-key setup from someone getting out of the hobby via Craigslist.

I would look for a 40-75g with good pieces/parts and not someone selling a big tank missing essentials or with cheap lights etc that can’t support a reef. I will look at my local CL and give you an example of “what I’d do”.

Edit. OK. Not much out there currently but I would bet $700 takes all this home, and leaves room in budget to add whatever.... It has good light, flow, sump, etc

Reef tank and equipment

Breaking down 35 cube. Will have equipment to sell soon. 1. Deep blue 35 gallon cube 20x20x20 with stand $200obo less than 8 months old will package tank and sump together. 2. Eshopps nano cube sump...

akroncanton.craigslist.org

Now granted I wouldn’t go with this one..... I would keep an eye out for awhile, and wait for the perfect one to show up...... Good luck!

 

[bigredreefer91]

check out my build thread I waited and found everything for the setup on some marketplace or LFS. 75 Gallon Tank and stand was $200 on FB the sump I got was $20 FB the lights I got from a friend for $180 the protein skimmer was $125 off amazon, the rock was free from a LFS I had to bleach and cure it for a couple weeks due to it having every pest known in the hobby but it was 60lbs for free so not complaining. So I was able to stay under $1200 pretty easily, but you just have to be patient. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/75-gallon-tank-build.662993/#post-6804634

 

[Og_Reef]

What do you guys think of this tank? He wants 1,000$ total for everything. Doesn’t come with lights but I can get that in a couple weeks prior to adding coral

 

[Og_Reef]

More images of the tank

 

[AZMSGT]

1. Save up more money and be patient.
2. Buy everything used, be patient
3. Read as much on here as possible to get a good idea what it really costs, and be patient.
4. Learn what fish can fit in what size tank, don’t buy the wrong size or type fish, be patient
5. Don’t ask others how to spend your money, everyones requirements and needs are different. Once you figure out the basics then ask questions.. oh and be patient.

 

[AZMSGT]

What do you guys think of this tank? He wants 1,000$ total for everything. Doesn’t come with lights but I can get that in a couple weeks prior to adding coral

That’s a very fair price. I would however remove all livestock and take it to a Local shop for credit towards the future.
clean the entire system, sterilize everything and start it back up clean.
They have the Bio Media in the filter cups.. not the best place for that.

FYI, it’s to small for a yellow tang. It’s only 66g total volume of water. The display side is likely around 58ish

 

[CasaReefer]

1. Save up more money and be patient.
2. Buy everything used, be patient
3. Read as much on here as possible to get a good idea what it really costs, and be patient.
4. Learn what fish can fit in what size tank, don’t buy the wrong size or type fish, be patient
5. Don’t ask others how to spend your money, everyones requirements and needs are different. Once you figure out the basics then ask questions.. oh and be patient.

Hey you forgot to tell him to Be Patient... Tell him that....

 

[AZMSGT]

Hey you forgot to tell him to Be Patient... Tell him that....

I don’t know.. maybe one more time.... Nah.. I think he got my point. LOL

 

[Katrina71]

That's a nice used tank, but lights will be expensive. I would look here first. R2R members are usually happy to help

 

[Katrina71]

What city are you in? We can help you look too.