How much to start up a 60-75 gallon tank?

[leejacks]

I want a saltwater tank, preferably a 75 gal. How much would everything cost to start it up, not including the fish. The main thing i want is an eel for now, so can anyone give me a rough estimate of how much it would cost for everything i would need to set up to start placing fish in it. Thanks

 

[fbm]

That is like asking how much for a new car. There are so many choices, so many brands, so many filtration systems. Are you buying new or used?
I just set up a 72 bow front and I have about 1500 dollars in everything not including any livestock. But I also paid 400 bucks for my lighting system and if you where not planning on setting up a reef you could get away with a 50 dollar strip light.
I choose not to buy used because I could afford it and didn't want someone elses problems.
What you need to do is read alot and determine what kind of set up you want then price it. That will be the only accurate way of doing an estimate. Then once you have that add 30 percent or so for the stuff you forget to get.

 

[fedukeford]

with no fish, no rock, no special lights to have a reef, id say your looking in the $650 range, more twords $1000 if you get better filtration/skimmer/sump

 

[ecooper]

I just recently set up my 75, and I would say about $700-800 without anything in it (stand, tank, canopy, glass hoods, regular light, heather, wet/dry filter, Skilter, salt, test kits, etc). Add sand, live rock, fish, food, and I think I easily have $1100 in it. Oh, and don't forget the little quarantine tank!

 

[nigerbang]

Skilter.....They still make those?

 

[helpme74]

i have a 75 gal reef ready $2500.00

 

[zanoshanox]

for a descent tank you're looking at at least 1500 IMO...I think you should just get the best you can so that you dont have to get it later, if you can afford it that is. We need to knwo what you're looking at...first of all, is it going to be a reef or fish only?

 

[offshore80]

Question is do you want to set it up just cheep or do you want to set it up for longevity and ability to work correctly. There are a lot of products out there that can get you by but just can't handle the job. It's can get costly. If you want an eel you need lr for hiding... a very good filter and skimmer. If not you could find yourself doing lots of water changes to keep up with the nitrates... That can become a pain in the neck. I have 1000 bucks just in denitrifyers on my aggressive. And still can't get them below 50ppm.

 

[renogaw]

i got upwards of $2.5k into my 75 gallon and that included getting the tank/stand for free.

 

[ice4ice]

Buy your stuff a little at time to save yourself some sticker shock in the long run. That's what I'm doing now. But, if you're new into this hobby, read and research alot on what's involved in setting up a SW aquarium. Patience is the key. If you rush into this you will have problems. Patience is the most important key in running a successful SW tank.

 

[cwgibson]

i have one for sale if you live close to ga

 

[volitan_fa]

Probably around $1100 with everything brand new in a glass tank. That's including live rock and sand, but not livestock.