I know things seem very expensive right now, I started this hobby at 15yrs old and have been in and out since then. I remember how hard it was to make extra cash at that age. Washing cars and mowing lawns and misc. house work, just so I could get that amazing coral at the LFS, or hot new imported fish. Remember that saying "you get what you pay for"? Nothing holds more truth in this hobby.
My honest suggestion here....... I don't know what your schedule is like, but if you do not have time to dedicate to the pico then I would not bother with it. I'm not saying it can't be done..... But like others have suggested you will outgrow it very fast or just get so frustrated that you will give up. Most who setup a pico have other fully independent reef systems and are just looking for a challenge or something they can keep at work. Keep reading and researching while saving up some funds, I wish we had resources like r2r when I was your age ( I'm only 35 but jeez I sound old, lol). Join the local club, you would be surprised and how kind and giving members are...... You might even score a setup for nearly nothing! As for the ro/di and other accessories that seem completely out of reach. Don't worry, there are work arounds. If your LFS is legit they will sell RODI, as well as mixed saltwater. Be smart about it, look at their tanks..... Are they filled with hair algae, cyano, unhealthy livestock or other muck that could be do to water quality? Or are they pristine? There is nothing wrong with testing the water they sell. If it's unacceptable, don't use their water. Get yourself test kits ($20ish). A TDS meter ($10ish). And a refractometer ( look on the FS threads or local clubs). I make my own water and yes it is more convenient and easier incase of emergencies. But I used Lfs water for years on my first couple of setups that were 20-40g in range with success, so it can be done.
That's just my 2 cents. Hope it helps
. That'd be a lot easier to start with..(the larger volumes). You should try to at least get a 10 gallon because there's barely any fish that could thrive in a 3 gallon, more like 2 with sand and rock. I guess if you just want a few small inverts, and maybe an easy coral that'd be fine..but I mean most people don't want to stop there. Jmo..oh and by the way, you can get 10 gallons for VERY cheap and you wouldn't need any expensive equipment.
