NH New Set up, requesting expert feedback ;)

[fescheft1]

Hi everyone. I used to live in Atlanta, so I knew many people in the Atlanta Reef Association. We had a great time. I had a 155 set up in Atlanta, but since I moved, I have not set up the tank.

It is now time to get back into the game. I am resetting the 155 from scratch. Unfortunately, I do not have the time that I used to have so I have to get certain aspects of the filtration and upkeep system automated (e.g., automated salt mixing, automated water replacement, calcium levels for stonys. The following is a quote that I received from a LPS. Seems excessive. Feedback is greatly appreciated. Show me that the Boston Reefers are at least as good as the Atlanta Reef Association.

BTW, I will be getting the live rock from another place since I feel that this is excessive in cost.

1. Sump System III $549.00
2. Recirculating Skimmer $900.00
3. Calcium Reactor $750.00
4. Main Return Pump $295.00
5. 2 - 250W Heater $56.50 $28.25ea.
6. Combination HQI and T5 Light Fixture $1200.00
7. 7 - Fiji Pink Live Sand 20/Lb. Bags. $176.75 $25.25ea.
8. 140 Lbs. Fiji Live Rock $980.00 $7.00/Lb.
9. Misc. Plumbing/Hardware. $250.00
10. Refugium $400.00
11. pH Contoller $140.00
12. CO2 Tank $60.00
13. Regulator/Solenoid/Bubble Counter $140.00
14. Auto Top-Off System $180.00
15. RO/DI System and Reservoir $425.00
16. Temp Alert System $39.25
17. 3 â€"œ Circulation Pumps $193.50 $64.50



Total Materials. $6061.50
Delivery $No Charge.
Installation $640.00 (Estimated at 8 hours labor)

TOTAL $6701.50

 

[nickyblase]

Hi, and welcome! First off, the main site for Boston Reefers is www.bostonreefers.org
There is also a regional NH one called ReefBuilders, which is newengland.reefbuilders.com

I would definitely check out both of these places, because (unless you are opposed to it), you can get many of these things used for a whole lot less cake.

People who are breaking down their systems like you did....

FWIW, the sand price seems about right, as does the return pump and lighting, depending on the brand.

I can't figure out why the refugium would be $400 though, unless it's going to be exhorbitantly large and intricate. Many people just go with used glass tanks and drill a couple bulkheads in it.

I can't recall what I paid for my controller/solenoid, etc. The CO2 tank sounds like a good price.

You can get live rock for a bunch less than $7/lb too. You could get some to seed the tank with, but I'd get a bunch of Marco dry rock and sit it in a rubbermaid tub - it's really nice rock, and much less expensive. Go onto either of the sites I mention above and there are links to Marco rocks. He's a sponsor for both sites.

FWIW - the 3 LFS I like in NH are Aquarium Gallery, Aqua Addicts, and Jay's.

Hope this helps!

P.S. $900 for a skimmer - what are you looking at - a Bubble King????