Start up cost

[davehead86]

Once you buy all he equipment it isn't that much depending on what fish your looking for. If you have the right equipment then you should be able to keep your fish alive

To a point yes. Once the equipment is bought then its just maintenance and fish / coral purchases. But usually once you've bought all the equipment some of it is going to need to be replaced.

 

[bat21]

I am constantly spending money on my tank. It will add up more than you think.

 

[ljosh]

I see complete sw setups selling all the time on craiglist and Facebook reefing groups.
I've seen decent starter set ups in the 500-600 dollar range including livestock.
A little patience and checking these site regularly will pay off.

 

[Salty168]

Thank you.

How would you find a facebook reefing group? I dont have a facebook but could i search for one online? Northeast OH

 

[Brieninsac]

I have a similar sized system as to what you're looking to get. I didn't skimp too much on quality equipment but did buy most online at the best prices available. With that said I'd say I spend about $5,000 over the first couple of months setting up my system. Since then (6-months ago) I've probably dropped another grand on misc. stuff.

I've been pretty frugal when it's come to livestock and corals. Lots of $10 frags and $15-20 fish. However, I'm now buying larger more expensive corals as the frags are too slow at growing. Like watching paint dry.

 

[lpsouth1978]

We set up a 300g system about 1 year ago and the initial cost for the tank, stand, lights, and equipment was about $12,000. After rock, sand, fish, and corals, we are in the neighborhood of $20k. We probably spend about $150 for maintenance each month (salt, water, food, additives, etc.). Add in the QT set up and we have probably spent close to $30k over the first year of the tank's life.

If you are looking for a cheap pet/hobby, look for something else, ANYTHING else.:lolspin:

If you are serious about it, don't go cheap! But quality equipment and you will spend in the long run. Also, don't be afraid to fail. I took me several attempts before having a successful reef tank. They are challenging, but incredibly rewarding when you get it all figured out.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, I once had a 3g pico that I had more than $1,000 into.

 

[Salty168]

Yeah, I think I finally decided to go with a 40b. I hopefully will have many more chance for larger tanks later in life so I will tank it slower now.

 

[Asianmike]

I've spent around $3500-4K on my 40b I've had running since October. I do admit I bought my stuff all brand new and splurged on some stuff such as lighting, skimmer and power head. That's an estimate. I'd say I spent $2.5-3k right off the bat. But I try not looking at the money spent and I look at the progress made

 

[Salty150]

Yeah, I think I finally decided to go with a 40b. I hopefully will have many more chance for larger tanks later in life so I will tank it slower now.

The cost difference between a 40 gallon and 55/60 gallon is really negligible.

Go for what you really want, otherwise you will always be looking back and kicking yourself for not doing it.

 

[xcvnhvj]

What is the minimum budget one could be run on?

 

[ljosh]

Thank you.

How would you find a facebook reefing group? I dont have a facebook but could i search for one online? Northeast OH

I think you would need to make a Facebook profile.

Right off the bat I found the northeast ohio saltwater & reef group.

First sale post on there is a 125 gallon all equipment and 200# of liverock for 1000 dollars.

Or a 75 gallon setup with livestock for 500.

Lots of deals to be had. 68 sale posts on there right now.

 

[yuhbu]

Lighting is the biggest cost, both initially and long term. The lighting requirements and costs for a fish only system is much less expensive than for a reef tank. If you are patient you canfind used systems at very low prices

 

[BigEZ77]

At least twice your budget, lol.

 

[Salty168]

At least twice your budget, lol.

I'll have to see how much I can squeeze out.

 

[uncleL]

Hello

I wanted to ask you guys what you think the start up cost of a 90 gallon tank if I buy only the necessary things and were to buy the tank and equipment used?(tank,stand,rock,sand,lights,ps,rodi unit,heaters,powerheads,ect) Also what would be the maintenance cost for a year.(lights,salt,rodi filters,food,ect)

What is the minimum budget one could be run on?

The best way to start a SALTWATER system and you're on a budget is to find someone that has a complete setup for sale. Craigslist Craigslist Craigslist. Starting from scratch my 90 gallon has cost over $3,000

 

[killagoby]

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)

For that sized tanks I'd say

No
Yes
Yes
No
One
Yes
Yes

 

[leviburns89]

I just did a 55g craigslist build.

At the 4 month mark now, and total investment is nearing $1.5k

This is sumpless too.

But yeah, your first year will easily eat up a couple thousand at the very least.

 

[Honzgrewber]

I spent almost 2k on getting my first saltwater setup. That's only a 29 gallon tank mind you.

 

[Salty168]

The best way to start a SALTWATER system and you're on a budget is to find someone that has a complete setup for sale. Craigslist Craigslist Craigslist. Starting from scratch my 90 gallon has cost over $3,000

Yeah i have been checking craigslist but i don't really see anything at the moment

 

[vagrantprodigy]

I bought a 55 gallon with stand on Craigslist for $75 about a year and a half ago. LED lights cost $50. $100 for rock and sand. $150 for livestock. $50 for various macro. Diy filters attached cost around $50 total. $50 for salt. If you aren't one of those people who has to have the newest and best equipment wise, you can do this hobby on a budget.

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