rainbowgrouper
New Member
I want a 50 gallon FOWLR saltwater tank when my dad get's a proper place ,but, I need to know how financially intensive it will be. (including running costs)
Need an opinion.
- Thread starter rainbowgrouper
- Start date
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by RainbowGrouper http:///t/397611/need-an-opinion#post_3544463
I want a 50 gallon FOWLR saltwater tank when my dad get's a proper place ,but, I need to know how financially intensive it will be. (including running costs)
Jay...that's laughable. It might be possible to get a 50g up and running for $500.00 IF everything is bought used... I had a 55g tank already and didn't need a stand, or filter....I wanted to convert it to saltwater, a friend told me it could be done for $600...LOL...it cost $1000.00 give or take a buck or two higher by the time it was set up and I purchased water from Walmart.
Now I know more then when I first started, and I know where to go for stuff, and that knowledge can be passed on to RainbowGrouper, so I'm sure I could do it cheaper...but not by much. Whatever you do Rainbow, do not ask any store for advice on equipment or what to get...you will pay more...MUCH more.
*Sand... you will need about 40 pounds = $139.00 on this site, it's good sand at a good price, crushed coral is hard to keep clean and very hard on your SW critters that like to dig, so I don't recommend it.
*Live rock costs between $8.00 to $10.00 per pound...You CAN use base rock (can be found for $3.00 to $5.00 per pound) Put it on the lower levels, and let the upper be live rock to seed it...So you would need at least 1 live rock... in a 50g tank you need at least 40 pounds of rock____________ 40x3 = $3.00 per pound, $120.00 40x5 = $200.00 (so between that price for base rock) you will spend about $60 to $80.00 on a good piece of live rock...so rock will cost around $200.00 to $280.00
*You need the stand and the tank..... $135.99 at *****
*T5 light: $119.00
*Salt mix: $40.00
*Walmart RO (reverse osmosis water) at .37 cents per gallon = $18.50 Your own RO unit would be best, but that will cost another $200.00...but Walmart is the cheapest place to buy it.. 5g jugs have a $15.00 deposit if memory serves.
*Test kit: $35.00
*Hydrometer: $6.00..............Refractometer (more accurate): $50.00
*Filter: Sump system would run around $300.00 for return pump, hoses or PVC, overflow box or have the tank drilled. Canister would run around: $150.00 Hang on the back:$70.00
*HOB Skimmer: $100.00 to $300.00
*Power heads (you should have 2) $40.00
*Heater: $40.00
Bottom line, for all new equipment, low balled price would be: (You can get the price lower if you purchase used, but used has it's disadvantages, it might not work, or the equipment could be contaminated). Expect to spend at least $839.00____________ I would budget $1000.00 for set up. The equipment, including the tank and stand is almost the same for a 50g to a 75g I would go for the 75g for a starter tank.
Monthly cost is cheap, set up is the killer....Just fish food, and a refill on the 5g jug about 2Xs for top offs...the electric bill difference is miniscule and not worth worrying about.
As needed you will have to purchase new test kits, and salt mix, but that isn't something you have to purchase each month.
Originally Posted by RainbowGrouper http:///t/397611/need-an-opinion#post_3544463
I want a 50 gallon FOWLR saltwater tank when my dad get's a proper place ,but, I need to know how financially intensive it will be. (including running costs)
Jay...that's laughable. It might be possible to get a 50g up and running for $500.00 IF everything is bought used... I had a 55g tank already and didn't need a stand, or filter....I wanted to convert it to saltwater, a friend told me it could be done for $600...LOL...it cost $1000.00 give or take a buck or two higher by the time it was set up and I purchased water from Walmart.
Now I know more then when I first started, and I know where to go for stuff, and that knowledge can be passed on to RainbowGrouper, so I'm sure I could do it cheaper...but not by much. Whatever you do Rainbow, do not ask any store for advice on equipment or what to get...you will pay more...MUCH more.
*Sand... you will need about 40 pounds = $139.00 on this site, it's good sand at a good price, crushed coral is hard to keep clean and very hard on your SW critters that like to dig, so I don't recommend it.
*Live rock costs between $8.00 to $10.00 per pound...You CAN use base rock (can be found for $3.00 to $5.00 per pound) Put it on the lower levels, and let the upper be live rock to seed it...So you would need at least 1 live rock... in a 50g tank you need at least 40 pounds of rock____________ 40x3 = $3.00 per pound, $120.00 40x5 = $200.00 (so between that price for base rock) you will spend about $60 to $80.00 on a good piece of live rock...so rock will cost around $200.00 to $280.00
*You need the stand and the tank..... $135.99 at *****
*T5 light: $119.00
*Salt mix: $40.00
*Walmart RO (reverse osmosis water) at .37 cents per gallon = $18.50 Your own RO unit would be best, but that will cost another $200.00...but Walmart is the cheapest place to buy it.. 5g jugs have a $15.00 deposit if memory serves.
*Test kit: $35.00
*Hydrometer: $6.00..............Refractometer (more accurate): $50.00
*Filter: Sump system would run around $300.00 for return pump, hoses or PVC, overflow box or have the tank drilled. Canister would run around: $150.00 Hang on the back:$70.00
*HOB Skimmer: $100.00 to $300.00
*Power heads (you should have 2) $40.00
*Heater: $40.00
Bottom line, for all new equipment, low balled price would be: (You can get the price lower if you purchase used, but used has it's disadvantages, it might not work, or the equipment could be contaminated). Expect to spend at least $839.00____________ I would budget $1000.00 for set up. The equipment, including the tank and stand is almost the same for a 50g to a 75g I would go for the 75g for a starter tank.
Monthly cost is cheap, set up is the killer....Just fish food, and a refill on the 5g jug about 2Xs for top offs...the electric bill difference is miniscule and not worth worrying about.
As needed you will have to purchase new test kits, and salt mix, but that isn't something you have to purchase each month.
beaslbob
Well-Known Member
Quote:Originally Posted by RainbowGrouper http:///t/397611/need-an-opinion#post_3544463
I want a 50 gallon FOWLR saltwater tank when my dad get's a proper place ,but, I need to know how financially intensive it will be. (including running costs)
I used macro algae behind a 1/4" squard plastic grid (egg crate) $11 or so.
lighting is used 4' 2 tube shop lights with 6500k tubes. $18 or so with tubes.
0-$10 of macro algaes.
a couple of power heads.
play sand from building supply stores. ($3 for 50 pound bags)
limestone rocks for a local quarry ($20/ton)
diy two part for calcium/alk/mag. ($50 for literally decades of chemicals).
calcium, alk, magnesium test kits (~$100 or so)
And just replaced the evaporative water with untreated tap water.
To cycle the tank I used common FW male mollies.
Tank ran for 9 years with a heavy bioload. In that time I used 3 bags of salt. Tank was 55g.
my .02
I want a 50 gallon FOWLR saltwater tank when my dad get's a proper place ,but, I need to know how financially intensive it will be. (including running costs)
I used macro algae behind a 1/4" squard plastic grid (egg crate) $11 or so.
lighting is used 4' 2 tube shop lights with 6500k tubes. $18 or so with tubes.
0-$10 of macro algaes.
a couple of power heads.
play sand from building supply stores. ($3 for 50 pound bags)
limestone rocks for a local quarry ($20/ton)
diy two part for calcium/alk/mag. ($50 for literally decades of chemicals).
calcium, alk, magnesium test kits (~$100 or so)
And just replaced the evaporative water with untreated tap water.
To cycle the tank I used common FW male mollies.
Tank ran for 9 years with a heavy bioload. In that time I used 3 bags of salt. Tank was 55g.
my .02
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
I have bought fish only saltwater tanks up to 55g before ... including the filters, lights, stand, canopy, sand, rock, and fish for $100. I spray painted the stand black and it ran for another 2 years before I tore it down.
You might could find a good deal on Craigslist.
You might could find a good deal on Craigslist.
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by jay0705 http:///t/397611/need-an-opinion#post_3544562
Lol nice flower. Are u a banker? Lol. Rock was the most expensive thing for me. Sand I payed 90. Tank and stand 300. Maybe I did low ball the guy.
LOL...I still remember the look on my husbands face when we paid over $1000.00 for the equipment the fellow told us would be around $500.00...
You can get good deals on tanks people no longer want. Buying used will save quite a bit of cash. Unfortunately you also buy whatever problems the original guy had too.
Originally Posted by jay0705 http:///t/397611/need-an-opinion#post_3544562
Lol nice flower. Are u a banker? Lol. Rock was the most expensive thing for me. Sand I payed 90. Tank and stand 300. Maybe I did low ball the guy.
LOL...I still remember the look on my husbands face when we paid over $1000.00 for the equipment the fellow told us would be around $500.00...
You can get good deals on tanks people no longer want. Buying used will save quite a bit of cash. Unfortunately you also buy whatever problems the original guy had too.
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by jay0705 http:///t/397611/need-an-opinion#post_3544835
Agreed. Ive always been afraid to buy used
Hi...I always purchased new, but some set ups are up and running, so you can see what your buying...it's worth a shot to look.
I sold everything from my 55g freshwater tank, including the tank and stand for $200.00...they got a great deal believe me. People sometimes have to move, or just get out of the hobby, there are some great deals out there.
Originally Posted by jay0705 http:///t/397611/need-an-opinion#post_3544835
Agreed. Ive always been afraid to buy used
Hi...I always purchased new, but some set ups are up and running, so you can see what your buying...it's worth a shot to look.
I sold everything from my 55g freshwater tank, including the tank and stand for $200.00...they got a great deal believe me. People sometimes have to move, or just get out of the hobby, there are some great deals out there.