So I've been reef keeping for about 3 years now, started with a 30g, now I have a 75 gallon. I am acquiring a 270g reef tank this weekend. Theres no livestock, but its ready to go otherwise. I've been looking to upgrade for a while now but I wasn't quite ready for something this BIG. I'm a college student and I'm not exactly rolling in dough, so my reef keeping has always been DIY and budgeted. I'm worried that I wont be able to afford regular maintenance and utilities on a tank that large. It has 1- 400w, and 2- 250w metal halides, and some PCs, a chiller, 3/4 hp I think, a 100 gallon sump/refugium. I'm getting a good deal on it from a close family friend. Can anyone tell me what they spend per month on salt,water,electricity etc.. on a tank in similar size? Should I try and trade the tank for something a little smaller like a 180? Lets hear some wisdom from you experienced reefers. Thanks
should I take the 270 gallon plunge?
- Thread starter AB-Bug
- Start date
The 200/month figure I understand, but what exactly do you mean by $50-100/gallon? Do you mean to say that it will cost me between $1350 and $27000 to set it up? If so, Ive already acquired the equipment itself, so I'm not trying to figure those costs. Thanks alot for your input.
KenT
New member
If you've got the equipment your good to go. As for live rock and other livestock you can add as you go along. Lots of good deals from people taking down their tanks, and trimming corals that are getting to big for their system.
Expenses would be monthly electric, salt for water changes, water bill for water changes, R/O cartriges, yearly bulb replacement, reactor media, and food. I try not to throw money at my tank but I also do not keep track of the expenses either. I'm in it for the love of the hobby!
Expenses would be monthly electric, salt for water changes, water bill for water changes, R/O cartriges, yearly bulb replacement, reactor media, and food. I try not to throw money at my tank but I also do not keep track of the expenses either. I'm in it for the love of the hobby!
BigJay
New member
There are environmental considerations with owning a large tank that most people don't consider until it is too late.
1. 300+ gallons of 79 degree saltwater in a closed room DOES things to it. Between the heat, salt spray, and 3-4 gallons of evaporation daily, metal things nearby are going to rust, any wood is going to expand, and the room is going to be hot all of the time. Most big tank people add ductwork over the tank, ventilation fans, dehumidifiers, and additional air conditioning capacity.
2. Electrical. You can't run 1000 watts of lighting on a 300 gallon system on a 15 amp outlet like you can a 75 gallon tank. Count on at least two dedicated 20 amp GFI circuits, if not more.
3. Weight. A 300+ gallon system usually weighs too much to go on anything but a concrete foundation without sone kind of additional bracing.
If you can prepare ahead of time for this tank, I'd say go for it.
1. 300+ gallons of 79 degree saltwater in a closed room DOES things to it. Between the heat, salt spray, and 3-4 gallons of evaporation daily, metal things nearby are going to rust, any wood is going to expand, and the room is going to be hot all of the time. Most big tank people add ductwork over the tank, ventilation fans, dehumidifiers, and additional air conditioning capacity.
2. Electrical. You can't run 1000 watts of lighting on a 300 gallon system on a 15 amp outlet like you can a 75 gallon tank. Count on at least two dedicated 20 amp GFI circuits, if not more.
3. Weight. A 300+ gallon system usually weighs too much to go on anything but a concrete foundation without sone kind of additional bracing.
If you can prepare ahead of time for this tank, I'd say go for it.
I live in a rented condo, about 1500 sq feet, with really high ceilings. I will look into adding some type of ventilation, its going on a concrete foundation. I wish I knew more about electricity. I'm not sure what that translates to for me. These are great suggestions, thanks everyone.
8BALL_99
New member
This is a pretty big Red Flag IMO.. If you rent I probably wouldnt set up a 300 gallon tank.. JMO. But the tank will add a ton of moisture.. Not just that but you will need alot of juice to run lights pumps ect. So you probably will end up needing to run another circuit to the tank. On top of all that if your in school and still renting do you really want setup a 300 gallon tank now? All this stuff is really up to you. I'd also agree it will cost you 100-200 bucks a month onces it set up.
Well, after much hassling around today, I have the tank back at my house. Its gigantic, and I'm not filling it with saltwater anytime soon. I'm gonna list it and see if I cant just make a little profit to upgrade my existing tank with, or trade it out for a 155 bowfront 
THeres no way I'm ready for something that big. It took me actually seeing it to realize that. I am ready for something big though, like a 150 or 180. I'm gonna see what I can figure out.
THeres no way I'm ready for something that big. It took me actually seeing it to realize that. I am ready for something big though, like a 150 or 180. I'm gonna see what I can figure out.
