Start up cost

[CStrickland]

Used stuff is way too dependent on locality to estimate. Getting involved with a local reef club is a great way to start learning, and you'll find deals on used stuff in the club too.

You're going to blow through $500 pretty quick tho
For a 90, I'd say you'll hit your budget before your done buying a few basics.
Refurbished rodi - $150
100# of dry rock - $200
2x marsaqua 165w LED lights - $200

If you're not totally discouraged, maybe think about starting with a 40 breeder instead? They're easy to find and you can knock down equipment costs. It's a great starter tank. I think it's silly how macho people get, bragging about all the money they've wasted on this hobby. It doesn't have to be as expensive as some say, but $500 is going to take a smaller tank or a whole a lot of patience waiting for deals to come along, probably both. I got my 120 running for less than $1,000 (not counting stock) but I am very very cheap.

 

[CarrieB]

You can definitely get good deals on used tanks and whole systems if you wait and then are able to act quickly.

However, you need to keep in mind that equipment needs to be replaced periodically. You need to look at the age of each piece and figure out the chances that you might have to replace it. I bought a used tank that needed a new return pump because the owner couldn't afford one. I ended up buying new powerheads and a heater. Also adding an ATO and upgrading the lights. However if you bought one from someone that likes to spend money you might have better luck.

 

[homer1475]

I in the process of setting up an 80G with 30G sump. Including the tank(1k), minus some stuff I have that transferring over from my biocube(mp10's, and apex), I'm about 6K into this build.

And I have nothing flashy, apex comes over from my biocube, lights are Chinese black box(2 300W mars aquas), Dry pukani rock, dry sand, and skimmer(I've read very good things about the SC 302 skimmer) and return are el cheapo's that came with the PNP system I bought from SC aquariums.

 

[Salty168]

I was hoping to have this a my stocking list. For a 40b or 55, which could go in it?

Yellow Tang (1)

Flame Angel (1)

Sixline Wrasse (1)

Anthias Lyretail (1)

Ocellaris Clownfish (1 or 2) have not decided yet

Orange Spotted Goby (1)

Midas Blenny (1)

 

[Salty168]

I would have about 1k-2k to set it up and would probably have $300-$500 a year for maintenance.

 

[CStrickland]

Are you going to want any coral?

 

[Salty168]

Bump

 

[Salty168]

Yes

 

[FindingEmily]

I just want to clarify, I am by no means saying you need to spend a ton, nor am I trying to show off by stating how much I have spent. I was in the position where start up costs weren't a huge issue for me. By stating how much I have spent, I was merely trying to point out that it can get expensive, especially if you go with used, higher end equipment, which is the route I chose to go. Sorry to have ruffled any feathers, it was not my intention.

 

[Squibege]

Ugggg.... My 90 isn't extravagant by any means and I've got between 3-4K into it so far

 

[homer1475]

I just want to clarify, I am by no means saying you need to spend a ton, nor am I trying to show off by stating how much I have spent. I was in the position where start up costs weren't a huge issue for me. By stating how much I have spent, I was merely trying to point out that it can get expensive, especially if you go with used, higher end equipment, which is the route I chose to go. Sorry to have ruffled any feathers, it was not my intention.

I don't think you ruffled anyone's feathers, its just surprising you can spend that much on a 29G tank. I'm right there with you though, between new lights, an apex, 2 vortech mp10's, reactor, etc, etc, I'm right around 5 or 6k with my biocube too.

 

[FindingEmily]

I don't think you ruffled anyone's feathers, its just surprising you can spend that much on a 29G tank. I'm right there with you though, between new lights, an apex, 2 vortech mp10's, reactor, etc, etc, I'm right around 5 or 6k with my biocube too.

"its just surprising you can spend that much" -- my boyfriend says the same thing about the rest of my hobbies lol and thanks Homer. I'm just a "go big or go home" type of reef tank owner.

 

[davehead86]

I would have about 1k-2k to set it up and would probably have $300-$500 a year for maintenance.

You can certainly set up a 90 gallon for 2k.

 

[Jeff4777]

I cant even begin to add it up incase the wife sees this. LOL. But really... you will spend a lot.

 

[Cliving1]

I went used on an 80gallon with stand, previously owned light, new skimmer, new ato, new return pump. Currently sitting at about $900 before livestock.

 

[MRA3]

Hi Salty! - I just started with 75gal with stand new, Sump, Protein Skimmer, Overflow box Heater, therm, 60 lb live rock, 40 lb live sand, water test kit, fuval 2500 light...roughly $1500. You don;t have to go to this expense though.

Based on my experience researching...I've learned: 1) Best to find a knowledgeable and trustworthy live fish store....by trustworthy I mean a place that will help inform and lead you to making gold choices. 2)Go New: PETCO just started $1.00 per gallon tank sale and it runs through April 3) Think about starting with a smaller tank...maybe 40g...lower cost for filters/Sumps, protein skimmer, pump, and power heads, etc.; less fish compared to 90g but also a less complicated way to enter this hobby...better for you and the health and well being of the fish. 4) I met many kind people opwnly willing to share their experience and advise...some similar, some different regarding the same topics...but you find you way. Good Luck...I hope you find a way to jump in...it's fun, rewarding, and so much new things to learning. Be Well!

 

[Salty168]

Thanks! I keep hearing about all of these deals but I feel like I will never find one. lol. I feel that if I keep looking, one has to come my way soon.

 

[Salty168]

Bump

 

[Grandlotus]

My electric bill only went up about $40 a month.

I actually have a pair of MP40s and a gen 2 radion for sale.

 

[Salty150]

Thanks! I keep hearing about all of these deals but I feel like I will never find one. lol. I feel that if I keep looking, one has to come my way soon.

Where are you located?

Someone near me has a VERY nice 90 gallon set up for sale for $800.