Can I get a ballpark figure?

[raindancer]

I was wondering if anyone could give me a ballpark figure for cost in starting a SW set up. I would be starting from scratch. I would need to save up in order to do this, and I'm wondering if anyone could help me out.
I would like to get a 30-55 gallon tank. I'm not sure which. If you have a suggestion that would be great. Also, I know various fish cost different amounts, etc. And this would also be a fish only set up for now, but I would want to eventually have a reef.
Anyway. Just a ballpark, or what you initially spent to get up and running.
TIA.
Raindancer

 

[lefty]

Welcome to the boards!
When it comes to tank size, bigger is always better. If a 55 is the biggest you're willing to go, I'd go with that one. Bigger systems are more stable, too.
Ballpark figure, hmm. I have a 29g that I'm currently in the process of setting up. I'd have to say it's cost me around 500-600 dollars so far. I haven't even bought any fish yet, but the fish I want are relatively inexpensive. The 25 lbs of live rock I ordered a few days ago put me out $110. It's not a necessity, but I've decided to make it a "staple" item for my tank because of the many benefits it provides. I also bought an RO/DI water purification system that cost me $170. Both of these items aren't a necessity but they're extremely beneficial. Come to think of it, the fish will be the least expensive part of this whole deal.
Keep in mind that depending on your setup, it might not cost you this much. Or it might cost you more--it all depends on what you want.
Hope this helps!
-lefty

 

[humuhumu]

Depending on where you live a lot of times you can find a used complete set up. Try visiting the different boards. If you insist on a new set up your intial cost for a bare bones fish only are;
aquarium (stand and canopy)
heater
filtration
substrate
test kits
These items are easy to price on this web site. Lighting is also nicebut not absolutely necessary with a F/O tank.

 

[jjgl]

My tank is about 8 months old. I do have a few corals in there and 4 fish. Id have to say I have about 2000.00-2500.00 into it. That number includes everything from tank stand to live rock. Just think this all started because my 3 year old saw that evil movie.........NEMO. Ive learned this is a very expensive hobby, and a very addicting one. Good luck and have fun. Oh yeah if the price I said scares you keep in mind im in CT and everything seems to be outrageously priced here compared to othe places.

 

[snipe]

well I have close to 2g's in mine and it is only a 55 and I dont have a sump, fuge, or high end lighting or anything in it yet but rock and sand. No fish No cleanup crew No corals

 

[southcoral]

Well, I am in the same boat as you, I'm just starting out, I haven't purchased anything yet, doing a TON of research is always best, you'll save a lot of money and time in the long run. I have a 29g and don't even have the water in there yet. I've read that it is best to buy RO water, it's about 23 cents a gallon, that will run about 6.90 for a 29g. The bigger is probably the best to go with, your fish will have more room to swim, and you'll have more options later, after it's set up. Though it will be more expensive. As for the live rock/live sand, There's a DIY method I've read about. Split it about 90/10. Buy 90% playsand (you'll have to do research to find out exactly what type, because i don't know it off the top of my head) and 10% live sand. Same with the rock. The theory is, the bacteria off the live will go to the non-live. In about one years time, you won't be able to tell the difference between the two. Live rock is pretty expensive, at my LFS it's about 4.50 lb, which can total to $135 for a 29g, vs. 1.00 lb for regular, which will be about 39.15 (reg. rock + live rock 90/10), a lot cheaper huh? I was happy when I found that out, because I didn't want to invest a lot of money in this. Patience is a must for this hobby. You'll need to cycle for a month, so far i've found that you'll need to cover the tank to make it completely dark, but i don't know this for a fact. Wishing you all the luck! ~*thanks a bunch love ya*~

 

[bang guy]

Ballpark is about $20 a gallon for a bare-bones fish only if you do a lot of DIY projects, $30 for fish only where everything is purchased, $40 for a bare-bones reef and $50 a gallon for a nice reef where a lot if DIY.

 

[jdotg]

i guess i must be lucky...
i live in toronto, canada and it wont cost me nearly the numbers you guys mentioned...now mind you im getting:
a 32G set that comes with all the tools needed such as heater, thermo, food, net al that jazz...for $250CAD
a skimmer for $130CAD
an extra filter $40CAD
live sand $ 40CAD
hydrometer $40CAD
extra lights because the ones the setup comes in arent vibrant enough $50CAD
distilled water $50CAD
salt mixture $30CAD
rock decorations $80CAD3
this hobby adds up, but im buying this all in increments, and work from there, i wont be putting fish in for another 2-3 months, waiting until everything is perfect.
but i cant wait, literally!

 

[sammiefish]

jdotg,
Im not sure but it seems that Bang is right on with his estimates relative to your setup....
Again, I think Bangs estimates are right on!!!
have fun and good luck!!!!

 

[ryan115]

I would seriously look into getting a used system if you are just starting. I saw one recently at my University that was a 30g complete setup with pumps lights standsand a whole bunch of extras for $200. Personaly i bought my setup with tank, stand, canopy, rock, sand, water, pump, skimmer,etc... for $100 from an uncle. You can look in the classafieds forum here, they usually have good deals. Or just buy some things used and some new.

 

[jdotg]

sammie, i wasnt argueing with bang, but there are numbers from the top posters that are way more than the 'normal' market value.
well worth it in my opinion.
i just drink less in bars!

 

[sammiefish]

jdotg, sorry, I didnt mean to sound like a jerk!!!
the used thing is a good idea too! sometimes you can find a setup a year or less old... (owner changed mind, moving, etc. etc.) pennies on the dollar! check you local newspaper!!
ciao
chris

 

[snipe]

well also in canadian money it would cost more in american right? so it would actually be about the same.

 

[mbrands]

Originally posted by sammiefish
check you local newspaper!!
I would strongly suggest this method. Research the classified ads while you are doing your research online to learn about the hobby. I found a 200 gallon tank, with a custom stand, lights (regular, not expensive reef lights), 2 canister filters, heaters, etc, etc for $750 just last week. If only I could convince my wife that we need a tank that size! :notsure: