Economy Build

[CrayolaViolence]

I've read a few posts on here recently about people building on a budget. While I have two successful tanks with the back bone of any system (skimmer, sump, lights), I'd like to try my hand at building an economy reef. I'm going to try and limit my system to a tank, stand and light. I'd like build with 75 gallons, but not sure if I can stick to my budget if I shop for a new tank. I have no clue if it will be possible or not but I've seen samples systems and I have an idea for one. This will also be a reef tank. I'm not budgeting for livestock because I already have a large number of frags I am growing out of my main tank. Also, I already have the fish that will occupy the tank.

First item of business, the tank. I currently have a 40 gallon that's new, purchased during the 1$ per gallon sale at petsmart. But like I said, I'd like larger if possible, so I'll start there.

 

[CrayolaViolence]

The plan:

Tank of unknown size: To section of portion of said tank to use as a refugium. The section will be blocked off with transparent acrylic and or glass. This will be either on the back or side. A small pump will be used to move water through the refugium, where it will flow into the main display.

Live rocks in main display
Live sand in main display
Live corals and fish.

No sump.
No skimmer.

Lights will be determined.

 

[reddtiger88]

Hi, I also started a 75 recently. I can find 75s all day long on craigslist. Seriously, daily. They run from 100 to 200 all day. The problem is separating them from the other garbage they are always trying to peddle. Like pc lights or hang on filters.

 

[CrayolaViolence]

75 gallons aren't that common here, and if I'm not willing to spend more than fifty bucks on a 75, not when you can get them brand spanking new at pet co for 75.00. I see a lot of 55 gallons, and they want 150.00 + for them. No thanks, can pick those up for 55.00 at pet smart during their dollar per gallon sale.

 

[CrayolaViolence]

Okay, so here's how it's gonna go.

I'm going to work two tanks. Why? cause I'm a glutton for punishment. No seriously, I had a forty, I'm going to do a planted macro tank with some slow water corals. The main job of the 40 will be to increase the population of my macro algae for the...drum roll 150. My farm tank is apparently going to get another life. Why not. I have it, it's free (sorta), paid for on a barter, and it's easy to work with. The L shape will come in handy.

First item of business, acrylic. Lowes this weekend for GFCI power strips, sealant, and then good will for light fixture options. Choice of light will be an experiment (gonna start on the 40 gal with it another reason to set up the smaller test tank). I'll be trying out LED light bulbs that screw into a basic socket. Will look for fixtures at the thrift store before spending any money.

This is what I have so far.

Equipment:
Tank 40.00
Jabeo wave maker--re-used 0.00
LED light bulb 4.50 with shipping (I'll probably need 2) but want to start with one to see how it looks and the corals react.
Stand--recycled free
Pice of plywood to increase top area $7.50

Stock:

Recycled sand--0.00
Fiji Pukani rock 75.00 (I'm pretty obsessive about rock and what kind I use. I firmly believe this is the first and most important part of any bio filter so needless to say I used what I considered the best LOL plus it's what I had on hand. HA!)

Need to buy: Macro algae


The Grocery list for the 150

Acrylic sheet
sealant


Grocery list for the 40 gal

Light fixtures.


Going to focus more on the 40 gal for now, till I get the farm tank emptied of all it's rock and cured sand.

 

[CrayolaViolence]

40 gal start:

 

[reddtiger88]

Nice! I wish I could recycle sand. I don't have any. I can't believe I'm have trouble finding enough Caribsea pink. Right now I'm in the middle of acid washing my rocks. I know your supposed to dechlorinate first but I'm doing it outside and I rinsed them heavily. There is a nice breeze, I'm down wind and I was using a nice mask. By the way the heavier the limestone the longer the dip to make it lighter. Just a little observation.


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[Fuel Doodle]

Sooo, this seems like you are going back to the 70s... with a good light don't need extra stuff if you want to do large constant water changes. Whole point of the hobby is to have good water and extra equipment you can buy just makes us have to do less water changes. Good luck!


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