New here and looking to do a 75 gallon build

[gregoryalln854]

Hi everyone,
I’m new here and loving it so far. I was looking to get back into reef, I was thinking 75 gallon range. I currently have an empty 75 gallon and stand with a budget around 1,500-2k. I was debating between building off of this, buying a used plug and play, or if it’s with in 1k just breaking the bank and going with a Cade. Problem with option 3 is I still would need to buy lights, pump, and skimmer. A lot has changed since I did this 8 years ago, led’s are now huge, and I’m sure quite a few other things are now very popular, and I was hoping I could get steered in the right direction of new or used equipment. I’m trying to stay shallower 24” or less because of shoulder related medical issues
Thanks in advanced
Greg

 

[rusty hannon]

Hi everyone,
I’m new here and loving it so far. I was looking to get back into reef, I was thinking 75 gallon range. I currently have an empty 75 gallon and stand with a budget around 1,500-2k. I was debating between building off of this, buying a used plug and play, or if it’s with in 1k just breaking the bank and going with a Cade. Problem with option 3 is I still would need to buy lights, pump, and skimmer. A lot has changed since I did this 8 years ago, led’s are now huge, and I’m sure quite a few other things are now very popular, and I was hoping I could get steered in the right direction of new or used equipment. I’m trying to stay shallower 24” or less because of shoulder related medical issues
Thanks in advanced
Greg

Welcome aboard and glad you're here. I recently built my wife's tank and we ended up spending 3 times as much as expected after all equipment, rock salt and chems to cycle it with. Shortly after, I purchased a cade 600. The small one and rite now in November algae barn has a special on all cades and you get all sand rock salt and chemical s to start tank up n going. I do already have a light but for have to get a skimmer but you don't have to have one for several months while cycling and beginning to stock. We spent a quarter on the cade than the custom build. Either way happy to have you back in the hobby. Good luck whichever way you go.