New to saltwater

[SaltyBruce]

Hello all and Happy New Year. I am new to saltwater and am trying to determine costs to get going. I have figured on around $1000 to $1200 start up and would like to purchase in pieces throughout the upcoming winter/spring. What pieces should be purchased first? I have a 75 gallon tank that I used for Cichlid tank, but, no longer have the fish. Can this be used and will it need to be drilled? I have heard this but don't know what that means. Or should I purchase a saltwater ready tank? Looking to go slow and steady buying hardware and testing equipment first to spread start-up cost out over 6-8 months.

 

[Viracon13]

A drilled tank is referring to a 'reef ready' tank. Typically two holes within a corner overflow. One is the drain and the other the return from the sump tank below. A sump is definitely the way to go but there are some hang on back filters as another option if you don't drill your tank. A return pump, powerheads, heaters and lights is all you actually need to get going. Everything else is a plus

 

[jsker]

Welcome to R2R Bruce, and to the fun of saltwater

You can drill the tank or use a hang on the back overflow. If just depends on how DIY capable you are.
I would lay out a budget on a spreadsheet and allow extra funds for the reason you will go over budget
When I setup my 72 bowfront I figured about the same and after upgrades I was quite a bit over my budget
I would start with a sump, then lighting. do not go cheap with the lighting for the reason by the time you replace a cheap light with an upgrade you have just spent $200 to $300 more then just getting the right lights
I would look in to dosing pumps and what type of salt and additives that you will be using.
Test kits, get good ones, do the math of buying new every time or refills some purchase multiple brand of test kits.

 

[Salty1962]

Welcome to R2R! Keep an eye out on equipment sold on the forum, you can get some really good deals.

 

[Mike_J]

If you find a local reef club that might also be of considerable value to you as you prepare for your first saltwater tank. Welcome to R2R! Best of luck and happy new year!

 

[SaltyBruce]

Thanks to all who responded! All info is greatly appreciated, but, as you know being new makes what seasoned saltwater lovers think is easy can get overwhelming. Is there any blogs or books or youtube channels that could also help me the best? Thanks for all your help and kindness.
BTW I live in Central NY and no saltwater stores closer than 1 hour from me.

 

[Viracon13]

Tons of YouTube channels out there. BRS TV has a lot of videos for beginners.

 

[4FordFamily]

Welcome home, you will love it here!

Drilling glass can either work out or crack and destroy it. Not sure the odds on that one. Good luck, keep us posted!

 

[Bunnee911]

First, you need to see if your tank is actually drill able.
Do you know the brand or manufacturer?

 

[Maritimer]

Happy New Year and welcome aboard, Bruce!

Start here: http://reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

Let it lead you on the path to understanding . . .

I've been running a 65gallon reef for a year in an un-drilled tank, using a "CPR" overflow box. While they're something that you've got to keep an eye on, they can certainly get the job done!

There are budget lighting options as well - look up the "Chinese Black Box" style of LED. I've been using the MarsAqua lights from Ebay, and recently purchased a second unit for an in-progress upgrade. (I don't know much about T-5 or halide options, I'm afraid...)

As advised above, if you can find a local reef club, it's a great thing. Many of the members will likely have equipment they're not using any more, and many will provide assistance with ideas, concepts, knowledge of the local scene (that reef shop you never knew existed!) and even putting things together.

Good luck, and glad you've found one of the best places to uncover what you need!

~Bruce

 

[rayn]

Welcome to R2R!

I would use the tank you have and search out how to tell if it is tempered or not. If you can't drill, just get a HOB overflow as they will work.

As everyone else has stated, watch classified, ebay, and the for sale forums for good deals.