PirateFish52
New member
I agree with Vietcu.
As we all know this hobby/money pit isn't cheap. The overwhelming majority of your costs come up front when you are getting started. Lights, skimmer, tank, stand, sump, and overflow box are the most, but are one time purchases (other than replacement bulbs)
Do what you can now, but know that you should get a good skimmer and an overflow box and sump eventually. This will make your reefing life that much easier.
Sumps are relatively easy to do, just drop 20 bucks on a 20 gallon tank and put it underneath. Slapshot16 might have a couple of 20 gallon tanks he might be willing to part with. A good overflow box will run you about 100. I got mine at Salty Critter in Vermillion. If you don't already know, Salty Critter is a place you should know.
Throw in some live rock/rubble down in the sump and a skimmer in there and you are good to go.
I bought a Seaclone skimmer like this one from Dr F&S.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+4400&pcatid=4400
I have used this in my 55 in my sump, but previously had it as a hang on in my 24 gallon nanocube.
It works fine right now, and I have a very heavy bioload, and is something that you might want to take a look at.
They one of many websites you can look to for deals. Marinedepot.com is another.
The protein skimmer is the cornerstone of a salt water tank. Not having a good one is like going into a gunfight with a penknife.
As we all know this hobby/money pit isn't cheap. The overwhelming majority of your costs come up front when you are getting started. Lights, skimmer, tank, stand, sump, and overflow box are the most, but are one time purchases (other than replacement bulbs)
Do what you can now, but know that you should get a good skimmer and an overflow box and sump eventually. This will make your reefing life that much easier.
Sumps are relatively easy to do, just drop 20 bucks on a 20 gallon tank and put it underneath. Slapshot16 might have a couple of 20 gallon tanks he might be willing to part with. A good overflow box will run you about 100. I got mine at Salty Critter in Vermillion. If you don't already know, Salty Critter is a place you should know.
Throw in some live rock/rubble down in the sump and a skimmer in there and you are good to go.
I bought a Seaclone skimmer like this one from Dr F&S.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+4400&pcatid=4400
I have used this in my 55 in my sump, but previously had it as a hang on in my 24 gallon nanocube.
It works fine right now, and I have a very heavy bioload, and is something that you might want to take a look at.
They one of many websites you can look to for deals. Marinedepot.com is another.
The protein skimmer is the cornerstone of a salt water tank. Not having a good one is like going into a gunfight with a penknife.
