Need advice, new tank/lighting

Gil149 · Apr 17, 2018

I am looking to build a new saltwater setup and I have a budget, looking for some advice on the build. I am in the planning phase. I have a budget of $1,500. I haven't been in the hobby for about a decade, but I am looking to return. I know lighting and powerhead tech has changed a lot in the past decade so I am looking for the advice. I can do an AIO or a tank/sump combo with the latter being the preferred. I don't want to exceed the $1,500 outlay for just equipment so any recommendations? I am aiming specifically for a rbta and maroon clowns in the tank and I can add from there. Biggest concern has been the lighting and tank combo and what I need to anemones and all coral types. I want one outlay for general equipment that will let me expand coral variety if I choose. Thank you advance!

PS-Wasn't sure if this should be in the hardware forum.

Crabs McJones · Apr 17, 2018

Welcome to R2R!!

welcome12_af875eaa887ed91c39e4c81c7d4fd966-0ed06ab93ea565647147c6beddbca4eb.gif

#Welcometor2r
Do you know how big you want to go?

Gil149 · Apr 17, 2018

crabs_mcjones said:
Welcome to R2R!!

#Welcometor2r
Do you know how big you want to go?

Something under 75 gallons.

Jesterrace · Apr 17, 2018

Gil149 said:
I am looking to build a new saltwater setup and I have a budget, looking for some advice on the build. I am in the planning phase. I have a budget of $1,500. I haven't been in the hobby for about a decade, but I am looking to return. I know lighting and powerhead tech has changed a lot in the past decade so I am looking for the advice. I can do an AIO or a tank/sump combo with the latter being the preferred. I don't want to exceed the $1,500 outlay for just equipment so any recommendations? I am aiming specifically for a rbta and maroon clowns in the tank and I can add from there. Biggest concern has been the lighting and tank combo and what I need to anemones and all coral types. I want one outlay for general equipment that will let me expand coral variety if I choose. Thank you advance!

PS-Wasn't sure if this should be in the hardware forum.

Maroon clowns tend to be fairly aggressive, but they don't require a huge tank. What other kinds of fish would you like to keep? That will determine what kind of setup and expense would be required.

Centerline · Apr 17, 2018

Man if I had a $1500 budget I would head straight to craigslist and start looking for a deal. The hobby is so obnoxiously expensive I really like the idea of capitalizing on someone's needs to sell. I would skip LEDs - they are great BUT dont grow coral any better than T5s or MH and they can be very expensive. I would take a look at T5s or a deal on a MH rig, score a good reliable return pump and skimmer (reef octopus - again craigs list if possible). Maybe a couple of Jeabos of water movement. Things haven't really changed that much - light, stable params, you know the rest. OH one thing has changed - marketing has gotten much more refined.

Gil149 · Apr 17, 2018

Centerline said:
Man if I had a $1500 budget I would head straight to craigslist and start looking for a deal. The hobby is so obnoxiously expensive I really like the idea of capitalizing on someone's needs to sell. I would skip LEDs - they are great BUT dont grow coral any better than T5s or MH and they can be very expensive. I would take a look at T5s or a deal on a MH rig, score a good reliable return pump and skimmer (reef octopus - again craigs list if possible). Maybe a couple of Jeabos of water movement. Things haven't really changed that much - light, stable params, you know the rest. OH one thing has changed - marketing has gotten much more refined.

I tried Craigslist and the only things in the area are of low quality or have extensive abuse and don't warrant even looking at it.

Clowns are the only thing at the moment, beyond a cleaning crew.

Jesterrace · Apr 18, 2018

Spend some time looking around www.liveaquaria.com . They are pretty accurate for minimum tank sizes and would give you a better idea of what you want. If all you are really interested in are a pair of maroon clowns you could just get a 40 breeder setup (the 40 breeder is on sale at Petco for $56 for just the tank until the end of the month). It would be plenty and could be built for much less than your budget. If you want more fish, then look into fish that are listed as semi-aggressive for temperament or those maroons will bully them to death. You can also check your LFS (Local Fish Store) for used deals on equipment.