Start up costs

[c-wagon 39]

Hi everyone, I'm new here. I have recently become very interested in getting a marine aquarium set up and just wanted to know what I should expect the costs to be to get it going. I still have another year of college so even though I'm eager to start I don't want to get myself in over my head. I was thinking of putting the idea of a reef tank off for a couple of years until I have more experience and more money. So I figure that could save me some money for now, but I also want to make sure that I do it right the first time and not go cheap so it's fair to the fish. Any feedback on an estimate would be appreciated.

 

[mikeyjer]

Originally Posted by C-Wagon 39
Hi everyone, I'm new here. I have recently become very interested in getting a marine aquarium set up and just wanted to know what I should expect the costs to be to get it going. I still have another year of college so even though I'm eager to start I don't want to get myself in over my head. I was thinking of putting the idea of a reef tank off for a couple of years until I have more experience and more money. So I figure that could save me some money for now, but I also want to make sure that I do it right the first time and not go cheap so it's fair to the fish. Any feedback on an estimate would be appreciated.

The cost varies depending on the size of the tank you want and the type of setup you want. Like for an example, for my fish only with some live rocks in a 46 bowfront cost me around $300 But I got some of the stuffs at a good deal. Just shop around and study up on it before you rush into it!!! :happyfish

 

[mcsd22]

What size?

 

[c-wagon 39]

Originally Posted by mcsd22
What size?
My buddy has a 25 gallon and it seems like he is very restricted in what he can do because it is so small. I was thinking possibly a 55 gallon or somewhere in that area.What do you think is a good starting point for a beginner?

 

[40 galons]

i think the cost depends on how large of a tank your concidering getting. the larger, the more expencive its gonna get, and at the same time the larger the easier it is to keep it stable. i would do just as you say and do your homework and check it twice, because in this hobby there are gonna be mistakes made, the fewer the better ofcourse ).. i also think this is a great site to get information from too.... i think if you do a search on everything you want including tank size, what you plan on keeping you will will find it can get into the 100's of dollars very fast! hope i helped you out some ....good luck

 

[c-wagon 39]

Originally Posted by 40 galons
i think the cost depends on how large of a tank your concidering getting. the larger, the more expencive its gonna get, and at the same time the larger the easier it is to keep it stable. i would do just as you say and do your homework and check it twice, because in this hobby there are gonna be mistakes made, the fewer the better ofcourse ).. i also think this is a great site to get information from too.... i think if you do a search on everything you want including tank size, what you plan on keeping you will will find it can get into the 100's of dollars very fast! hope i helped you out some ....good luck
You did, thanks. I definitley plan on learning as much as I can first so I can hopefully get off to a flawless start. I guess I should have stated I was thinking 55 gallon.

 

[c-wagon 39]

The other thing I was wondering is, if I happen to move in a year is it even woth it for me to set up a tank? Or is it just easier to wait until I'm settled in somewhere? Thanks.

 

[renogaw]

so far, im at about $2000 to set up my 75gallon, and that does not include fish or corals/anenome. Heck, i don't even have water in it yet.

 

[shogun323]

I myself am around $2000 on my 50 gallon which doesnt include livestock. Everything adds up quick with heaters, powerheads, supplies for mixing salt, good test kits, refract., etc.
You can setup a tank for much cheaper I'm sure but I just wanted to do things right the first time instead of upgrading everything 6 months down the road.
As to whether or not it's worth it if you move in a year, IMO, it depends on how big of a tank and how far you'll be moving. If it's a 50 gallon and your moving across town I would say go for it. If your moving far or if it's a huge tank then I may reconsider it. That is just my thoughts if I were in your situation.
Another thought is that you could get a really nice 24 gallon aquapod that has everything you need built in for under $300. That could be cool to start with and easier to move. Check out the Nano Sectoin on the forum. The smaller the tank, the more delicate the ecosystem is but many people start with nano's.
Anyway, these are just some thoughts. Hope I could help.

 

[aquaman666]

Hello All!!!!
I'm here to shock you all; because I'm true old school when it comes to saltwater experience. My start up cost on my 135 gal tank is still below $1000.00. Let me explain alittle Before to let you I'm NO greenhorn. I started saltwater about 15 years ago with a 55 gal hex tank but I had a very low budget,so I started with a powerfilter,2powerheads and air pumps.In that tank I had a Black lionfish,Huma Huma,Snowflake Eel and about 15 Mollies.My lion grew to 15 inches before my divorce and the X got the TANK!! Now days starting 9 months ago I came across my 135 gal tank for $55.00 BUCKS! I thought the same as everyone else;(ITS GONNA COST ME THOUSANDs TO GET STARTED!!!).Then I thought if I did it once why couldn't I do it again? And guess what!!? 9 months from the start up my tank is doing great!!! I have 50 lbs of liverock (and still picking pieces),17 fish,35 varies snails,20 varies hermit crabs,4 cleaner shrimp,2 emerald crabs,2 pom-pom crabs,4 different Aneomes,a colt corel and a few other things. Now don't freak out on what I'm running it on. I have 2 Powerfilters,2 air pumps,2 Powerheads and a protein skimmer. My levels are a steady:Ammonia:0,Nitrites:0,Nitrates:5.0,ph:8.3. Oh and 2 small undergravel filters. I test My level every other day and I've done two 25% water changes just to do it.About twice a month I add Just freshwater(5 gal.), Just to let you know my tank cycled in 3 months. I know alot of you are tripping right now, so if you have any questions? Feel free to ask I'll download a picture of my tank soon.

 

[40 galons]

there ya have it ladies and getlemen a true reflection of perfection!

 

[tanks alot]

i have about $1000 in my 125 $1350 in my 145 and $2000 in my 75