Originally Posted by
charlotte515 http:///forum/post/2961139
Nice response, now can you spec out a system (~55gal) and where to get it.
I have a lenght restriction of 36" wide. I am looking for a reef capable but not over the top custom system that I will not have to upgrade after I figure all of this out. My budget without livestock is apprx $2000. This would include the tank, stand w/o canopy, lights (not suspended from the ceiling), filtration, power heads, live rock, live sand. Also need this to blend with with a teak decor.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
with a length restriction and wanting to keep it simple I'd go with a 34g solana. being rimless its way trendier, its cheaper and because of the lighting more capable of supporting anything than all stock redsea max (3 different cabinet colors to match your decor). it runs $800 with the 150w HQI, that includes stand and everything (google it for features. built in auto top off ect). you'll need to upgrade flow but you'll have plenty of money left over for that (vortech MP20 $300 will take care of that and thats the most prestigious/$$ option). tunze 9002 skimmer ($150) to replace the stock skimmer is another common option (not sure how much better it works but its silent). with that alone you've spent much less than $2000 and can keep anything.
you can either run the stock 150w HQI pendant
or buy it without lighting, get the elso zero edge pole ($200 or better yet make/buy your own) and hang what ever light pendant you wish. with your budget that wont be a problem
if you want a 36" tank specifically the most common standard sizes are 30 gallon long, 40 gallon breeder or 65gallon. for the 30-40g, well this is what I did (and for the 65g not that many changes need to be made either other than sustituting the appropriate sizes for sump, powerheads, skimmer ect).
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/323840/30g-considered-nano-new-start-up
there really aint much to my equipment list:
AGA (Aqueon now) standard 30g long $60
AGA standard 30g stand $??
walmart 10g tank for sump $10
Hdepot plexi glass and silicon for sump$20
egay overflow box and drain hose $60
return flare and .75" return hose $13
ViaAqua 600gph return pump for sump $30
small octopus sump skimmer $150
sunpod 150w x2 MH fixture $450
maxijet 400 $15
sureflow maxijet upggrade $15
magnet holder for maxijet $20
minijet for sump circulation $15
coralife digital timer strip $25
heater $20
= $903 plus whatever the stand cost (under $100)
