Where to start in 2024?

[Peli45]

I attempted my first saltwater aquarium a little under a year ago, and it did not go very well for reasons likely related to old equipment. It was 55 gallons, and this time I would like to try something a bit smaller. I have successfully owned a freshwater aquarium for 3 ish years now. I consider myself to be quite educated, but I am looking for some fresh ideas or apporaches, spesifically in tank sizes. I am not looking to spend any more than 800 dollars on it, not including fish. Anything helps!

 

[BristleWormHater]

If you're budget is under 800 for just the tank that's good, there are many great tanks in that price range. Or are you saying under 800 for rank equipment, rocks, sand etc.. all the stuff needed to start?
Innovative marine and waterbox have great all in one tanks in the 10-40 gallon range which seems like a good place to start. I would avoid red sea tanks because they seem to have leaking issues.

 

[zheka757]

Not much left of 2024!
How about used setup? Might get something good in that process range

 

[Peli45]

If you're budget is under 800 for just the tank that's good, there are many great tanks in that price range. Or are you saying under 800 for rank equipment, rocks, sand etc.. all the stuff needed to start?
Innovative marine and waterbox have great all in one tanks in the 10-40 gallon range which seems like a good place to start. I would avoid red sea tanks because they seem to have leaking issues.

I did mean 800 for everything other than the fish and water, sorry for not being clear about that

 

[rtparty]

With the amount of people leaving the hobby, you can likely find a 20-30g gently used system around you for a steal.

BRS has a couple water box all in one systems on clearance. They are simply clearing out tanks that they have in stock since they are now drop shipping tanks from Waterbox directly.

$800 is possible but used is your best bet IMO.

 

[00W]

Used for sure.
Most of the stuff in my area that's used is just sitting, either on Facebook or craigslist.
Entire systems are going for a lot less than they used to.

 

[dedragon]

innovative marine 25 nuvo might work, decent size and wont break the bank. Will give you room for a decent light (noopsyche could work, or new smatfarms 140w), rock, heater, temp controller, rodi filter, etc. Also depends on if you are going to need a stand as well or if you have furniture to place it on already.

 

[Vincemal27]

Look on FB market place for a full used systems. 55 gals are hard because they are so narrow but a 40 breeder for a AIO tank will be perfect to start! AIO will set you up for the best success IMO

 

[dedragon]

here is a quick list of stuff you will need and pretty regular prices. Obviously you will still need rock, salt, and sand and stuff but that can usually be found cheaper at a LFS or even a petco (for substrate). This just might help put budgeting in perspective

 

[Peli45]

I dont know if anyone will reply to this, but I already have a heater, sand, light (that I think would work) and rocks from the last tank that could be used to build my next tank. I have been scanning facebook marketplace for some time and I see a number of amazing deals there, but all of them are too big, as this time around I am looking to do something in the 15-20g range. The 2 lights that I have are the smatfarms one, and the vipiraspectra 165w. The tank that is most on my radar is the nuvo fusion 20 long, which would go nice behind my couch.

here is a quick list of stuff you will need and pretty regular prices. Obviously you will still need rock, salt, and sand and stuff but that can usually be found cheaper at a LFS or even a petco (for substrate). This just might help put budgeting in perspective

 

[dedragon]

Idk if i would trust the rock from the last tank unless you know why it didnt go well. There could be copper or other metals absorbed into the rock and sand so only use it if you can trust it. If not, you wont need much rock and/or sand for this tank anyway so it wont be too expensive to buy.
You will most likely only need the 1 smatfarm on it but idk the exact spread on that light

 

[Peli45]

Idk if i would trust the rock from the last tank unless you know why it didnt go well. There could be copper or other metals absorbed into the rock and sand so only use it if you can trust it. If not, you wont need much rock and/or sand for this tank anyway so it wont be too expensive to buy.
You will most likely only need the 1 smatfarm on it but idk the exact spread on that light

I have a powerhead as well, but I dont know if that would be needed in a tank this small.