300 Gallon Fish Only How much?

[goldmullet]

Hi, I am getting ready for an 8 foot long tank. I want to do a Fish Only setup, but I am looking to get a ballpark amount of how much it cost to get up and running. So i would need a tank and the filtration.

PLease help me out?

Thanks

 

[aquamn1999]

need more info. do you want live rock? What type of tank? glass, acrylic? skimmer or no skimmer? lighting? sump or no sump? are you buying new or used? are you building your own stand or buying? Do you have an ro system or are do you have to buy one? There are to many variables . FYI just for my tank (96 x 36 x 24) with an external overflow was $2200.

 

[goldmullet]

I personally dont want live rock, maybe only in the sump.
Acrylic tank I think is the smarter choice.
I need a skimmer.
Lighting, nothing special cause I wont have corals just fish.
Yes a sump.
I could buy new or used if there is a good deal on one.
I currently dont have an RO system.

Thanks

 

[dave.m]

If not live rock what will you provide your fish for cover and to relieve stress?

Dave.M

 

[goldmullet]

I would use artificial coral inserts like thise pics.

 

[discus510]

if u gotta get everything even not for reef just fish with live rocks. u would need to get tank stand skimmer uv light powerhead lets say u get t5 lighting r u goin to get sand?? think about spending 5000 - 8000 with fishes depending on wat kind of fish ur plannin to do and wat type of stand

 

[albano]

I would use artificial coral inserts like thise pics.

IMO...they can look nice, WHEN they're NEW! Unfortunately they get covered with dirt/algae and usually have to be removed to be cleaned

 

[goldmullet]

Albano.
Have you ever had an artificial reef? I went to ATM aquariums in LAs Vegas and they are leaders in this. They claim the dont get covered in Algae. There setup is insane. And the tanks look super crisp and cool looking.

They have a reality TV show airing on Animal Planet later this year.

 

[lucky_snapper]

How much depends on if you want to go new or used on most of your stuff.. I have bought everything for my 220 and 210 setup second hand and have saved thousands.. Here is my breakdown.

210 tank with sump, 2150 gph external pump and 100lbs base rock $550
DIY stand- $100
250lbs argonite sand - $125
Life Reef Skimmer and pump $200
150 lbs live rock- $250
2 250 Metal Halide reflectors and ballasts with 6 bulbs -$100
RODI- $80 ebay
Mag 18- $50

Whats left to buy-

DIY LED's $700
Plumbing- $150
100lbs more live rock - $200-300

So you can do it on the cheap- no need to buy new.. and if your patient and willing to drive you can find a large 300+ tank for cheap.. there was a guy locally that sold a 240 for 200 and I saw a guy on ebay selling a 300 for $250 not long ago.

 

[LOTUS50GOD]

You should consider making a FOWLR. We are really trying to recreate a natural reef, and the fiberglass inserts often do not have the caves and crevices that natural live rock offers. Also live rock has much more bacterial mass needed to reduce nitrates.

 

[albano]

Albano.
Have you ever had an artificial reef? I went to ATM aquariums in LAs Vegas and they are leaders in this. They claim the dont get covered in Algae. There setup is insane. And the tanks look super crisp and cool looking.

I first had artificial corals in the 1970s (and still have some of them), and thru out the years I have received pieces as gifts that friends thought would be 'perfect' for my reef (as well as model ships, and bubble 'toys')...
Long story short, I have seen these reefs in many places, such as hospital lobbies, hotels, casinos and public aquariums...and IMO they are not as bright and clean as your pics show.

The pieces in ATM's showroom, had better "look super crisp and cool looking" or they won't be able to sell any! I can't believe that they would be that easy to keep clean...but, I don't know that for a fact!

 

[lucky_snapper]

Albino- Love the yellow G you have there.. one of my favorite cars .. so fun to drive.. Nothing like carving turns with an Italian 10 cyc behind you.

 

[frank the tank]

why would u do such a large tank for just fish seem like a lot of money just take the next step do coral

 

[albano]

Albino- Love the yellow G you have there.. one of my favorite cars .. so fun to drive.. Nothing like carving turns with an Italian 10 cyc behind you.

ALBINO? do I really look that pale?

Yeah great car (for the 2000 miles a year it's driven), but even with AWD, it sux in snow, and apparently no tire co. makes Z rated /studded snows!
What's up with that!
Truthfully, the Prowler gets much more attention, and a :thumbsup: from people of ALL ages, and I'll never sell that car.