Backround/Intro
Okay so here is the challenge that I wanted to do for myself, I have had reefs for about 2 years or so. I have mainly done more natural style reefs that include macroalgae, duller corals, as well as a more white spectrum of light. After my last tank ended on an Alk overdose, I have had about 2 months or so to prep for a new tank. Everything was flipped upside down when my college played a game of cat and mouse by saying that I would be moving back, switching to where I would not go back. This happened about 4-5 times before I finally got an official word from my aquatic plants' professor who said I would not be returning. This has pros & cons...mainly the build will be a bit slower as I won't have a lot of freedom living at home. So, I thought I might as well have some fun with this new tank. Enough rambling, let's get to the "challenge" guidelines that I have set for my self.
The 1K reef
*Disclaimer the 1k budget is only for initial stocking and setup, after 6 months or so then I am free to spend more if I would like too*
-Total INITIAL setup/stocking cannot exceed $1,000
-If I already own the piece of equipment it does not count towards the total
-Shipping DOES count towards the cost
-If an animal/livestock dies it can be replaced for equal/lesser value and not count towards the total
-lesser value replacements do not regain money
-more expensive replacements count as the difference between the old-new values
-food/water/replacement parts or filtration do NOT count towards the final cost
-CUC and Inverts (obviously) count towards the cost
-Any sales that come from the tank are added back to the tank fund
-$300 is reserved for an order to Austin Aqua Farms
Inspiration
I think that just about sums up the mini-challenge I am making for myself, I am excited to see what I can create. I have a general idea of what I would like the tank to look like:
Both of these came from ReefBuilders articles; I fell in love with euphyllia after I got some green/purple frammers and a pale purple hammer from my LFS. After that moment I knew that I wanted a euphyllia dominated tank and especially are seeing the two tanks above. The other aspect of the tank is that I am limited to a tank that is under 20 gallons and can be easily moved to/from my dorm. I picked out 3 aquariums to compare with (if you have another I should look at please mention) for potential tanks. All three of these, at least to me, have decent quality builds and are a nice size for my dorm.
| Brand | Waterbox 15 Peninsula | Innovative Marine
14 Peninsula | Fluval Evo 13.5 |
| Gallons | 15 | 14 | 13.5 |
| Cost | $179 | $249 | $179 |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 20” x 14” x 14” | 20” x 12” x 13” | 23” x 15” x 13” |
| Return Pump | 105 GPH | 326 GPH | 132 GPH |
| Return Pump (Upgrade) | Sicce 1.0
(251 GPH) | N/A | Sicce Macro
(158 GHP) |
| Upgrade cost | $54 | | $29 |
| Cost w/upgrade | $233 | $249 | $208 |
| Stock lighting | N/A | N/A | 14000K LED |
| Lighting (Upgrade) | AI Prime 16HD | AI Prime 16HD | AI Prime 16HD |
| Upgrade Cost | $237 | $235 | $235 |
| Cost w/upgrade | $470 | $484 | $443 |
| Heater (Own already) | HMA-S 50 watt | HMA-S 50 watt | HMA-S 50 watt |
| Cost | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cost w/upgrade | $470 | $484 | $443 |
| ATO (Own already) | Duetto | Duetto | Duetto |
| Cost | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rock | ReefSaver | ReefSaver | ReefSaver 15lbs |
| Cost | $60 | $51 | $45 |
| Cost w/rock | $530 | $535 | $488 |
Sand
(Already Own) | Aragalive 16lb
Natural Reef | Aragalive 16lb
Natural Reef | Aragalive 16lb
Natural Reef |
| Cost | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cost w/sand | $530 | $535 | $488 |
| Grand Total | $530 | $535 | $488 |
Livestock
Obviously, with the tank being so small I am super limited on what can be put in the tank and be semicomfortable? Easy to maintain would be great too. Possible ideas I have are:
Pair ORA sharknose gobies
ORA Clown of some kind
ORA pair of white-spotted pygmy filefish (cool fish but more work)
Besides fish, the tank will be mainly corals and especially euphyllias. Besides euphyllia I am thinking maybe some zoas and some other LPS (if I go the euphyllia route)...If I don't go the euphyllia route then maybe a gorgonian tank would be the runner up.
That just about wraps up the intro post, the tank won't be ordered until after labor day so I still have a month before a tank is even bought. Might pick up the AI Prime with my next paycheck though.
