Tax return build plan

Witchking330 · Sep 23, 2019

Hi I'm looking forward to starting my first reef tank. Would like to keep it at $2000 for start up equipment....
Everything I want puts me at 2950.everything on the cheap puts me at 1400ish..... everything on the cheap plus dream tank puts me about 1950.

Should I get tank and upgrade equipment as I go. Or get good equipment and upgrade display at a later date.???

madweazl · Sep 23, 2019

I started out with cheaper stuff on the 75g and upgraded over time. I dont think it has made a difference in regard to success/failure but I suspect reliability improved as I bought higher quality items.

Reef man 89 · Sep 23, 2019

I would buy good stuff now. Why buy just ok stuff to upgrade later your just wasting money. Just means you will have more money for fish and coral.

mtfish · Sep 23, 2019

What is this tax return you speak of? Can you be more specific on what your goals are. A lot of tanks don't need high end equipment and controllers that can talk to your tank from the moon. On saying that, I would start the tank with the largest size you can dream of. Start with live rock (lots of folks are scared of live rock!?) and get tank through the nasty stages. If you are wanting sps corals, there are lights out there that are good and at a good price point. I am a big fan of reefbreeders, but there are several companies people are happy with. Get the lights you want in the long run at the beginning or you will not by happy. Good luck.

vetteguy53081 · Sep 23, 2019

Generally, start with equipment now and then tank display but there are two factors in making decision:
1- Tank prices increase each year. . . . . Get it now or wait??
2- Innovation for equipment is moving rapidly what is new today may be replaced in the new year with something more convenient for a few dollars more

foxt · Sep 23, 2019

Experience has taught me not to cheap out on things that are critical for either form or function. Buy quality return pumps, powerheads, lights, heaters, test kits. Since this is your first tank, you will be learning a lot, and you are better off spending your time getting to know how the chemistry and biology of your tank works rather than trying to fight a lower quality piece of hardware.

Shop around on the "for sale" threads, you will be able to pick up quality gear from people who are upgrading or moving on.

Witchking330 · Sep 23, 2019

vetteguy53081 said:
Generally, start with equipment now and then tank display but there are two factors in making decision:
1- Tank prices increase each year. . . . . Get it now or wait??
2- Innovation for equipment is moving rapidly what is new today may be replaced in the new year with something more convenient for a few dollars more

This is kind of how I was thinking...stand is a given either way... custom acrylic tank $715... If I went cheaper on some stuff and get quality critical components....I could keep it around my budget.. so I guess I'll marry the two ends of the spectrum and go from there.

SneakyTortuga · Sep 23, 2019

If you give us a general idea of...
1. Tank size
2.Equipment you intend on using
3. Method you intend on using
4. Livestock you intend on keeping

Im sure people would be able to help you a lot better

Quietman · Sep 23, 2019

Another strategy is to go with quality but simplify the setup and plan for backups as you upgrade down the road. You don't need a refugium right off the bat nor do you need a calcium reactor at first, etc. Also buy good quality with plans to use as future backups works very well (i.e., buying a solid AC return pump is cheaper and depending on brand darn near bullet proof and will last a very long time, and then when you get the sexy DC variable speed dream pump, use the old AC as a backup for emergencies). It's not money wasted and you can delay the "Premium purchases". Spend the bucks on quality equipment you'll need immediately and plan to keep for long term. It'll still cost the same but spread out over much longer term.

Witchking330 · Sep 23, 2019

SneakyTortuga said:
If you give us a general idea of...
1. Tank size
2.Equipment you intend on using
3. Method you intend on using
4. Livestock you intend on keeping

Im sure people would be able to help you a lot better

It's a 36x20x20 acrylic probably gonna go with two redsea led50w ,crystal 30 sump,sicce6.0 DC adv pump, not sure on skimmer probably something used or cheap....then save for nyos or maxspec one. Powerhead probably cheap gyre and save for maxspec one. Hand top off and dose till I can get two part doser one for that aio fanua Marin and one side for Oto.

madweazl · Sep 23, 2019

Witchking330 said:
It's a 36x20x20 acrylic probably gonna go with two redsea led50w ,crystal 30 sump,sicce6.0 DC adv pump, not sure on skimmer probably something used or cheap....then save for nyos or maxspec one. Powerhead probably cheap gyre and save for maxspec one. Hand top off and dose till I can get two part doser one for that aio fanua Marin and one side for Oto.

I'm not a fan of acrylic tanks for reefs; there are just too many ways/things to scratch it up. There used to be a huge disparity in clarity but starfire glass has shortened that gap significantly and being a smaller tank reduces that even further.

Witchking330 · Sep 23, 2019

I didn't really want to get into gear to much don't want to turn this into a big troll fight. But the about it rough build plan.

Witchking330 · Sep 23, 2019

madweazl said:
I'm not a fan of acrylic tanks for reefs; there are just too many ways/things to scratch it up. There used to be a huge disparity in clarity but starfire glass has shortened that gap significantly and being a smaller tank reduces that even further.

Well yes, Ive also stared at silicone for that first 20ish years ...so I'm gonna go with nice rounded acrylic seams.

pgammon · Sep 24, 2019

When I upgraded to my 120, I tried to find used quality equipment. Something to consider if you're not in a hurry.

Witchking330 · Sep 24, 2019

pgammon said:
When I upgraded to my 120, I tried to find used quality equipment. Something to consider if you're not in a hurry.

Ya I got a while yet so I'll definitely be looking out.... another thing is theirs like zero LFS in my area any more so everything is going to be online for the most part

Jay Z · Sep 24, 2019

Lot of new equipment coming out, or just out. Plus we have a excellent selling forum where good deals can be had every now and then.

Post up some pics of what you have and then a list of what your thinking about getting (the 3 lists you spoke of) We might be able to help you stream line it some. Not all the equipment is mandatory off the get go.

Witchking330 · Sep 24, 2019

Jay Z said:
Lot of new equipment coming out, or just out. Plus we have a excellent selling forum where good deals can be had every now and then.

Post up some pics of what you have and then a list of what your thinking about getting (the 3 lists you spoke of) We might be able to help you stream line it some. Not all the equipment is mandatory off the get go.

Ya I was told above...I was under the impression a skimmer was needed on start-up I might hold off....and that will allow me to get better lighting

pgammon · Sep 24, 2019

Controllers too, I did eventually get an Apex, which I really like, but I think I started off with timers and one of those switched box things.

Witchking330 · Sep 24, 2019

Ym gonna go with the power strips with WiFi phone interface to get started.

Jay Z · Sep 24, 2019

Was a good thread started the other week for a good wifi power strip that is controllable from internet and was fully programable too.

Just automated my whole aquarium for $70

Agreed. I have a RKL with 2 power bars and still have a 6 outlet power strip in the back, which is a little hard to reach to turn on/off outlets. One of these could come in handy.

www.reef2reef.com