Harry C
New Member
Hey R2R! I'm so glad I found this forum. You guys have put together a lot of great information. I'm looking to start my first saltwater tank. I've kept freshwater fish all my life. Always been attracted to the salt but afraid of the cost and the extra degree of difficulty that comes with it. I have a 55gal fresh housing a mating pair of Jack Dempsey Cichlids. They aren't going anywhere, but I want to setup a salt tank in my living room (goodbye television!). I'm thinking 90 gal plus a sump, reef tank. More interested in coral than fish. Trying to do my research before I make the leap. Found a ton of great info here, lots more to read. Any advice on setting up on a budget is appreciated, as I cannot afford this venture. I'll be trying to pick up what I can used on CL. Patience I do have, so is there any way I can save on buying live rock and sand? Can I buy some live sand and some.... not so live sand and cure the sand? Can the same be done with rock? I know it will take me several months to get together enough scratch to buy all the things that ill need, but I figured if possible I could buy the tank, build the stand (I can make it pretty later), buy and plumb the sump, check for leaks, then buy enough rodi and salt to mostly fill the tank, enough at least to start cycling it and curing sand/rock if that's an option. Id need all that time anyway to find a skimmer, return, powerheads, lighting, heaters, and probably an RODI filter. Does that sound like a plan? Am I on the right track? Anyone point me in the right direction?
