would appreciate any help starting a reef tank

[bgwil99]

First off I want to say that I am new to forums, so if I mess up in the way of forum etiquette I appologize in advance.
I live in Perryville MO with my wife and three daughters. In September 2006 my youngest daughter (7 years old) was diagnosed with an inoperable tumer on her brain stem with a life expectancy of less than one year. Needles to say this news has been devistating to my wife and me.

My daughter has always been fasinated with the sea and sea life. Her favorite movies are Shark Tale and Finding Nemo. She has quite often asked for a nemo fish (clownfish) and I often considered getting back into marine aquariums to make that dream come true for her. When she was in the hospital during her diagnosis I bought a book on reef aquariums for her. She studied the pictures over and over and now has her heart set on a reef tank with two clownfish and one royal gramma.

This is where I need some help. I am on a very limited income especially now with the cost of medical bills and medications. I have priced aquariums and equipment and there is just no way I can buy that stuff new. I am hoping some of you up in Saint Louis who are veterans of the hobby either have or no someone who has an extra aquarium, and/or equipment, stands, ect. at a very reasonable price to help make this dream real for her. I am thinking of anywhere from 30 to 80 gallons. I think the closest to 30 the better to keep the cost of live rock and equipment down.

Also any info on cutting costs would be very welcome. For instance, can I use volcanic or lace rock to substitute some of the live rock? If so, at what ratio. Any cost cutting tips would be most appreciated. If I can make this work, I would also like to join your club in Saint Louis as it is only about one and a half hours away.

Brooke is a very sweet little girl who is going through quite a lot both physically and emotionally. Thank You for any help you might give in cheering her up.

 

[capncapo]

Welcome to Reef Central and the SLASH forum bgwil99.

We have some folks here who may be able to help.

I have a 30 gallon tank that I could let go of for a very good price. I don't have much else but maybe some others here might.

 

[pewter_jean]

I have an emperor hang on back filter, I have a 280 and a 400. I think the 280 would work nicely with the 30 gallon. I could also let this go at a good price.
Welcome to the forum. Hope you enjoy your visits.

 

[Im Lon 2]

Welcome a aboard.

If you went with a 30 gallon tank that would help keep your cost down, a lot. once you get everything post another link asking for 30-45 lbs of live Rock.. There is always be selling live rock on here as well, Most of the time at a really good price too.

As far as cutting cost.. Always check here before buying any equipment.. First check to see if anyone has anything used that will work, or maybe someone know of a cheaper place you can get the what you are looking for.

One of the biggest waste of moneys in this hobby is buying something, before you research it to find out (a) you don't need it or (b) the product doesn't hold up that well.

The Key is research. Ask plenty of question, we are hear to help.

 

[Paul B]

My husband, Paul B., and I would love to donate two "nemo-type" clown fish to your daughter's tank. Please let us know of possibly a local fish store in your area which we would be able to send money or create a gift certifcate. We are located on Long Island in New York and, of course, would not be able to donate in person. Please keep us apprised of your progress.
Sincerely,
Dale and Paul B.

 

[sirreal63]

I think we can all help this pretty easily. If each of us in Slash would donate one pc of rock we could easily fill a tank with rock. I have a few nice pcs that I would gladly donate for the cause. I also have a few pcs of equipment that I can donate. I'll check the fish closet and see what I have in there.

 

[sirreal63]

I have to donate...a retro 2x55 watt pc setup with crappy hood to fit a 29 gallon tank. this comes with bulbs...so if you find a 29 I have the light and hood covered. You may want to toss the hood, it is just a simple 1x8 white pine thrown together but it works. The pc retro works too.

 

[bigmayreefer]

I have a 29 with a 20 long sump on a simple metal stand. The display is drilled, plumbed, and back is painted black. It has a mag 9.5 pump for a return pump. Already has sand and about 15 lbs of nice purple liverock, so you would need a about 10-15 pounds more. The good thing is it has been up and running for about 3 months so you wont have to wait a long time for it to be ready for livestock. However i dont have a good light- its only has a standard flourescent on it- but you should be able to find a good Power Compact fixture cheap for this sized tank. Bring lidded buckets if you want it so you can take all the water.

 

[sirreal63]

I have the light covered...look above...donation to the cause.

 

[bigmayreefer]

sorry- didnt refresh the thread before i typed a post. I think a few more pounds of cured liverock and a heater and the girl will have a nemo tank.

 

[latazyo]

I was goign to offer a tank, but bigmay's set up is absolutely perfect for you

unfortunately (for me) that leaves me with nothing to donate to you, but advice and best wishes

what kind of fish/pet stores do you have access to in perryville?

do you have a walmart where you can buy a heater, etc?

 

[JxMetal]

I was going to offer my 30 but it looks like bigmay covered that.

applause to everyone that's already helped. i'll see what I have when I get home.

 

[bgwil99]

You guys (and gals) are incredible! Yeah, the 29 gallon with live rock, the clownfish, and the lights will be most appreciated. Brooke is getting impatient with the time it has taken me to get this together. This morning she has already brought it up three times."Daddy can I get my Nemo fish"? I showed her the posts of the generous offers and she was all smiles. Light at the end of the tunnell. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This morning has been very heart touching with the news of the two boys being found, then seeing the posts here. Also my wife networks with other families dealing with this cancer and one family she has been in contact with lost thier little girl last night. It has been a bitter-sweet morning.

Okay, so I need a heater. I used to have marine fish only tanks and used ebo-jager. Is this still a recomended brand? They were kinda pricey. Is there a good brand for less money? How many watts do I need for a 29gal?What about a power head or two for movement? Is that recomended? Do I need a hang on the back filter? Protein skimmer? If nothing celse comes up for donation or for sale, what is another good source for used equipment? I know I just asked to many questions, so I will shut up and watch for replys. All suggestions are welcome.

 

[panaboy95]

I have some nice peices of live rock. i just got about 60 pounds from kentrob. and i have some i can spare i have a few pretty good peices let me know when you get it up and i will come down to st. louis and meet you somewhere gateway aquatics or something.

 

[sirreal63]

I am sure someone can come up with a heater...a 100 watt one will work.

 

[sirreal63]

I will start a new thread for donations if everyone is ok with that.

 

[Dert42]

is someone going to make a trip down there to deliver?

I will donate 2 50g bags of Instant Ocean salt.

 

[spongebobby]

Hi bgwil99.... I also live in Perryville and would be willing to help out in anyway so if you need any help or need some advice don't hesitate to ask. If you would like maybe we can meet and you can bring your family over. I have a 120 gal reef. Has been set-up for 14 months and has a Nemo and Dori (my kids favorites).I can also supply you with your RO/DI water for your new water.

Just let me know..

 

[pewter_jean]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8969066#post8969066 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pewter_jean
I have an emperor hang on back filter, I have a 280 and a 400. I think the 280 would work nicely with the 30 gallon. I could also let this go at a good price.
Welcome to the forum. Hope you enjoy your visits.

Just for the record, the price was going to be a big picture of nemo, colored by your daughters to put up at the Frag swap.

 

[bgwil99]

I spoke with Brooke, and she is more than comfortable with that arrangement. She is so excited she hasn't stopped talking about it. The whole family is looking forward to having a piece of the sea in our home. Thanks to everyone involved with this very generous gesture!