new setup cost

[shyland83]

I'm still trying to decide on how big to go for my next tank. Right now I;m thinking a 120 oceanic with starphire. I think i can get the tank for around 800, i plan on building the stand, canopy and sump. am i crazy to think i can do the whole setup for under 2000? I'll try to get some of the equipment used if i can. I can get the tank for half the price if i dont go starphire so i have a big decision to make. I dont want to stretch myself too thin and have to cut corners.

 

[fishome25]

if you're talking about a reef... i don't think you will get everything you need

 

[Meisen]

hmmm:
tank 800+
homemade canopy/stand:200
protein skimmer: used, 200-300 Euroreef, Aqua C or like
return pump mag 24 or blueline 125.00-150.00
sump, glass 20-30 gal tank 30.00 or buy cheap used
lights: DIY MH kit or used ~ 250.00
heater: 2 200 W units, 50.00
plumbing, odds and ends: 50.00
salt/test kits/chemicals 60.00-70.00 to start, lots more down the road
substrate: special grade reef sand, SSB 80.00
flow: few maxijets and seios, 150.00 used/new mix

looks like around 2K to me. Its the high end stuff that kills a budget. Add a couple tunze and controllers in there and you are 1K over. Its not the basic setup that kills you but the

Or just look for a used 120 system for sale. I see them all the time around 2K or less. Sell off the livestock and any equipment you dont need and you have a nice kitty for getting started with the animals you want.

 

[Monkeyfish]

There was an ad in Newsday (I think it was in yesterday's paper) for 150 gallon complete set-up for $2500.