Hello, I haven't had a salt water aquarium in almost 20 years...I feel like I've stepped out of a time capsule and everything is so advanced now and so amazing! Corals! I don't remember that been an option at all back then....I am really interested in getting a new aquarium, I cannot diy because of my lack of craftiness and know how and lack of time...I did see the red sea reefer series which kind of seems like a tank that runs itself pretty much which is what I need. On the other hand the price! The price is pretty steep. But they are beautiful and seem like the best bet for someone who doesn't know what todays aquariums require if you want a beautiful reef and happy fish. I'm doing a lot of research and daydreaming. My ideal aquarium would be a red sea reefer 450 stocked with beautiful corals and fish, without breaking the bank...is that possible? I live in Los Angeles and any connection to reefer/coral/fish communities here in Los Angeles would be greatly appreciated! I recently posted on an FB forum an estimate I was given in a store to start up a 54 gallon aquarium and when all was said and done the cost was $3200 dollars and there was only sand, live rock and water in the aquarium! I was told by other commenters that I could do better than that. Anyhow any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
New (again) to the hobby!
- Thread starter Emilio Amador
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Pruett-nc
Well-Known Member
Welcome aboard . There is plenty of people to help here just ask . The red sea's are very nice tanks and yet pricey . Maybe if you wanted you could find a used reef ready system . Just one of many options .
Thank you for the reply 
When you say reef ready do you mean a pretty much all in one set up like red sea reefer or one someone has built? and yes the price 
saw some used ones already but they were all on the east coast lol....not an option, I would've totally bought! Help and guidance appreciated.
When you say reef ready do you mean a pretty much all in one set up like red sea reefer or one someone has built? and yes the price saw some used ones already but they were all on the east coast lol....not an option, I would've totally bought! Help and guidance appreciated.
BummersReef
Active Member
welcome! look online ... Craigslist .... for someone who is getting out of the hobby and wants to sell all of his/her stuff. You don't want to get livestock (fish and coral) from this person (you are too new to the hobby, too risky) but you could take all the equipment. If you want to minimize your initial costs, buying used is a good option (make sure you see the stuff before you buy, preferably up and running.) Google search for local reef forums - also an excellent spot to find good used stuff. Yes, you can buy a used tank and will pay MUCH MUCH less. However, I must warn you, this is an expensive hobby!! That is why I personally suggest looking for a used system, as you are still going to spend lots of money for things you need once you have the basics.
This is an excellent forum. Everyone is always more than willing to help you on your way and give lots of help and advice.
This is an excellent forum. Everyone is always more than willing to help you on your way and give lots of help and advice.
dbl
It Takes Less Energy to be Nice
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Reef Tank 365
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Moderator Emeritus
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My Tank Thread
Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby. Check for local clubs in your area. Often times you can find a deal on from someone wanting/needing to get rid of their system.
Welcome to R2R, you came to right place . There are many great people here that are more than happy to help. Looking forward to seeing more of your thread. Oh and we LOVE pictures.
4FordFamily
Tang, Angel, and Wrasse Nerd!
Welcome home, you will love it here!
Welcome back to the dark side!
Welcome back to the dark side!
melypr1985
totally addicted
Welcome to R2R! Great to have you!
Oscaror
Back In It
WELCOME to R2R! I love red sea aquariums, they're beautiful and I say yes to getting one if you have the money. In terms of stocking it with beautiful corals I say you can easily do it on a budget. I have noticed more and more gorgeous corals popping up in the hobby and what was new last year or before is getting old and less pricey. It's becoming noticeably easier to stock a tank with amazing corals without having to get it insured.
If you want nice fish look into wrasses (outside of the Pseudocheilinus genus), I will always vouch for wrasses as the best marine fish. You can get some seriously colorful variants for not a lot of money (carpenter's flasher wrasse for instance).
If you want nice fish look into wrasses (outside of the Pseudocheilinus genus), I will always vouch for wrasses as the best marine fish. You can get some seriously colorful variants for not a lot of money (carpenter's flasher wrasse for instance).
