Andrew_Adrian
Member
So I've been craving a reef tank ever since I dismantled my 30 to head to college. The solution? Start a nano reef!
I've been planning a small 10 gallon reef for a few weeks now. And I finally decided: what the hell--It's only money! So I'll be eating 19cent ramen for a few months...I'd rather have something enjoyable in my 9' by 8' mini-room.
The Mission: Create a nice nano reef with as little money possible.
Armed with a small amount of cash and a NARC Aquarium Shop 10%-off card, I began my mission at Home Depot, picking up one of Lights Of America's 65w Floodlights, and a power cord for about $40.
I had already cased out an $11 AGA 10gallon aquarium a few days before at petco down the street, but unfortunately they sold the last one earlier that day. I left petco with a $3 Hydrometer though.
So, I have lights and a hydrometer... but no tank! Thankfully Pete at The Aquarium Shop helped me out with the Aquarium, Salt, and an AquaClear filter. Mission complete! I have the basic workings of a reef aquarium for just around 100 bucks! Granted I could have went with some much cheaper lights and a rubbermaid container, but I want to impress people--not make them laugh!
Here's some photos
I'll add live rock to get the cycle going tomorrow, and hopefully everything will be in working order by the meeting! If anyone has any livestock suggestions, that would be great too!
I've been planning a small 10 gallon reef for a few weeks now. And I finally decided: what the hell--It's only money! So I'll be eating 19cent ramen for a few months...I'd rather have something enjoyable in my 9' by 8' mini-room.
The Mission: Create a nice nano reef with as little money possible.
Armed with a small amount of cash and a NARC Aquarium Shop 10%-off card, I began my mission at Home Depot, picking up one of Lights Of America's 65w Floodlights, and a power cord for about $40.
I had already cased out an $11 AGA 10gallon aquarium a few days before at petco down the street, but unfortunately they sold the last one earlier that day. I left petco with a $3 Hydrometer though.
So, I have lights and a hydrometer... but no tank! Thankfully Pete at The Aquarium Shop helped me out with the Aquarium, Salt, and an AquaClear filter. Mission complete! I have the basic workings of a reef aquarium for just around 100 bucks! Granted I could have went with some much cheaper lights and a rubbermaid container, but I want to impress people--not make them laugh!
Here's some photos




I'll add live rock to get the cycle going tomorrow, and hopefully everything will be in working order by the meeting! If anyone has any livestock suggestions, that would be great too!
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