noob here with question on starting

reefguy565 · May 25, 2017

Kinda new, owned a SW tank 15 years ago. I want to setup a reef tank but how do I start... meaning everything is so expensive, if i but one thing a month by the time i do my build the first thing will be outdated. i just got a 10 gallon tank setup with basic stuff and it cost me over 140 bucks and thats just a qt tank.. so what are the things i will need to get started? looking to start slow and do most sps with a few lps. and anywhere from 8-10 fish (if possible).

i have the sump 30 gal i am building and the QT tank.

I want to get apex but at 800 buck a pop I think i have to wait till thanksgiving black friday.. anyone know how much the apex sell for on Black friday?

jsker · May 25, 2017

Buy quality, do not purchase the less expensive parts for the reason that you will need a better part later.
Look on creiges list for some of your items like a tank and stand etc.you have the right plan of taking your time

reefguy565 · May 25, 2017

jsker said:
Buy quality, do not purchase the less expensive parts for the reason that you will need a better part later.
Look on creiges list for some of your items like a tank and stand etc.you have the right plan of taking your time

thanks Jsker i am doing a DIY tank stand and I am getting a new tank. I dont want to have to worry about blown glass, leaking seams, bad silicone on a used tank. I rather pay for a bit more for the tank but have less headaches. so to start other than the tank i just need umm well everything

My feeling on CL people sell things that are pretty old or have issues. I am yet to find someone selling high end for a good deal.

saltyfilmfolks · May 25, 2017

reefguy565 said:
My feeling on CL people sell things that are pretty old or have issues.

Not always the case in Reefing. We are always about the upgrade, trying new stuff, and sadly some just get out of the hobby.

reefguy565 said:
I am yet to find someone selling high end for a good deal.

Look for local reef clubs, and also the used section right here on R2R.

IMO
By the strongest "Bones" you can. Skimmers and lights and such aren't foundation pieces, so there can be compromises there.

IMO, it a gamble. You could buy the best of the best, get one year in and HATE it all and the hobby. So invest what you feel appropriate, and prioritize the parts/budget accordingly.

beaslbob · May 25, 2017

My advice is to start the tank with macro algaes (in a refugium) right from the start. then do the rest.

But that just my .02

Fishfinder · May 25, 2017

Why did you spend $140 on a qt? Not being mean. But on craigslist there are many small tanks for sale. I got a 30g for $20. If you're worried about cost skip the apex. Go with bare essentials. Black box LEDs and build most stuff yourself

jsker · May 25, 2017

Another thought is when you get ready to pull the trigger on a purchase, just post up what you are looking at and get members views.

reefguy565 · May 25, 2017

Fishfinder said:
Why did you spend $140 on a qt? Not being mean. But on craigslist there are many small tanks for sale. I got a 30g for $20. If you're worried about cost skip the apex. Go with bare essentials. Black box LEDs and build most stuff yourself

looked for weeks for a 30 gallon on CL and nothing. i bought tank for 65 bucks new, pump, lights, hood, heater, acrylic, socks, glue, etc etc.. all the little stuff adds up real fast.

Fishfinder · May 25, 2017

Where do you live?

Xclusive Reef · May 25, 2017

Fishfinder said:
Where do you live?

Nyc

cjd · May 25, 2017

You can make this an expensive hobby or an inexpensive one. The choice is yours . I started 15 years ago with a 30 gallon , with hang on the back everything and did just fine. I have over $4,000 bucks invested in my new 75 build and I feel I only have better success due to my knowledge over those years not because of top of the line equipment . I have had over a thousand dollar skimmer on another system and I chose the aquamax for this build and wouldn't hesitate to buy this again. I've had red dragon pumps at 700 bucks fail and chose eheim or sicce in all my builds.
This hobby isn't cheap , but if you buy right and ask for reviews on equipment from real users it will save you a ton . You buy cheap you buy twice , but there is a middle ground.

reefguy565 · May 25, 2017

I am in New York City

reefguy565 · May 25, 2017

nycluis718 said:
Nyc

NYC here also

reefguy565 · May 25, 2017

nycluis718 said:
Nyc

NYC here also

Fishfinder · May 25, 2017

That sucks, I'd be happy to help you out if you lived closer

reefguy565 · May 25, 2017

cjd said:
You can make this an expensive hobby or an inexpensive one. The choice is yours . I started 15 years ago with a 30 gallon , with hang on the back everything and did just fine. I have over $4,000 bucks invested in my new 75 build and I feel I only have better success due to my knowledge over those years not because of top of the line equipment . I have had over a thousand dollar skimmer on another system and I chose the aquamax for this build and wouldn't hesitate to buy this again. I've had red dragon pumps at 700 bucks fail and chose eheim or sicce in all my builds.
This hobby isn't cheap , but if you buy right and ask for reviews on equipment from real users it will save you a ton . You buy cheap you buy twice , but there is a middle ground.

here is a list of what i want to buy to start:

tank will be deep blue 90 gal and i will drill it and use ghost overflow
DIY Stand
rock - undecided but probably pukani
eshopps s200 or maybe 300
sicce return pump
tunze power heads 6055
Tunze Osmolator
sb reef photon v2 48" ot current usa/t5 hybrid not sure yet

sump i have a 30 gal long.

reefguy565 · May 25, 2017

Fishfinder said:
That sucks, I'd be happy to help you out if you lived closer

ohh thanks for the offer bud. just having online support is more than I can ask for

Fishfinder · May 25, 2017

That list looks good, if you are trying to cut cost let me know I can throw some ideas out for you

reefguy565 · May 25, 2017

Fishfinder said:
That list looks good, if you are trying to cut cost let me know I can throw some ideas out for you

yea man for sure!!!..

cjd · May 25, 2017

tank will be deep blue 90 gal and i will drill it and use ghost overflow ( My opinion of 90 gallon tanks... You get no added benefit of a taller tank , it has the same foot print of a 75 gallon , just taller. Since you are making the stand and will have the material anyway , I would seriously look at the 120 for the added 6 inches of depth )
DIY Stand ( Wish I had word working skills!!!!)
rock - undecided but probably pukani ( Know that this is very dirty rock , but makes great aquascaping and looks great)
eshopps s200 or maybe 300 ( Your choice , I would look at the Aquamaxx cone s Q2 , I believe its $100 cheaper and mine is a work horse , I would buy this again )
sicce return pump ( using this myself )
tunze power heads 6055 ( Its a Tunze , you know its good )
Tunze Osmolator ( See above )
sb reef photon v2 48" ot current usa/t5 hybrid not sure yet ( I am currently building a LED/T5 hybrid in a floating canopy , replica of the BRS 160 for my 75) ( I started my build with a 6 bulb ATI dimmable fixture coming back to T5 after having Aqua illumination Sol blues over a cube reef. Missed the shimmer of leds and thought I would try the reef breeders photon v2 . The disco ball effect was ridiculous , immediately I was not impressed. Lasted about a month and put back the ATI T5 . Still wanting the shimmer decided on the hybrid as was my original plan but didn't think I could wire my own retro fit T5 .....I can ...it was easy ! )