Thinking about the hobby

[amlique]

I am considering getting into this seemingly fun and rewarding hobby. I have read the Conscientious Marine Aquarist and have been stalking these forums for the past few weeks. I am hoping that I can get a little feedback that can potientially save me a little of this start up value that I have figured up. I will list what I have figured I would need for a 150g reef setup, along with brands and prices that I have found. Are there other brands that work as well or better that may be cheaper? Anything else I need to purchase? Am I getting too much, (overkill)?
Aquarium: Acrylic 150g -->$250 @ LFS
Live Sand: 100lbs reccomended on this site. --->$200-$250
Live Rock: 225lbs -->$339--$450 (from what I've found, origin, quality)
Synthetic Salt: tropic Marine Salt -->$48.00
Hydrometer: -->$9.00 on this site.
Protien Skimmer: ASM G-2 Skimmer -->229.00
Refugium: unknown (any recomendations?)
Aquarium Sump: ??
Filter: (good reccomendations??)
Test Kits: red Sea Marine Lab -->27.00 (What else would I need for a reef tank?)
Vaccum: Python Vaccum System -->$30.00
Glass Cleaner: Gulfstream Magfloat - Acrylic -->$17.00
Heater: $30.00 +/- (and brand recommendations?)
Thermometer: Marina Thermo-Sensor -->$9.00
Quarantine Tank: Figured I'd get a nano tank for this -->$150.00
Net: Jalli Net -->$10.00
This Totals to $1346.50
I figure I will spend around another $300+/- for the filter, refugium/sump.
Is this a normal start up expense for this size of a set up, or does it seem low/high?
Would love the expert opinions.

 

[mandarin w]

Originally Posted by amlique
I am considering getting into this seemingly fun and rewarding hobby. I have read the Conscientious Marine Aquarist and have been stalking these forums for the past few weeks. I am hoping that I can get a little feedback that can potientially save me a little of this start up value that I have figured up. I will list what I have figured I would need for a 150g reef setup, along with brands and prices that I have found. Are there other brands that work as well or better that may be cheaper? Anything else I need to purchase? Am I getting too much, (overkill)?
Aquarium: Acrylic 150g -->$250 @ LFS
Acrylic tanks are nice, Just be warned they do scratch easily, So make sure the cleaning magnats you get are for acrylic. and use care when working on the tank
Live Sand: 100lbs reccomended on this site. --->$200-$250
The recommended sand is 1 to 1.5 pounds per gallon, same as rock.
Live Rock: 225lbs -->$339--$450 (from what I've found, origin, quality)
Synthetic Salt: tropic Marine Salt -->$48.00
Hydrometer: -->$9.00 on this site.
I would save the money on a hydrometer and just get a refragmenter. They are 100x more acurate. and only about $40 buck
Protien Skimmer: ASM G-2 Skimmer -->229.00
I personally would go with the ASM G-3 on a 150
Refugium: unknown (any recomendations?)
Aquarium Sump: ??
For the sump and fuge, I would save money and make my own. They are very helpful and the DIY forum here. and can give you tons of ideas
Filter: (good reccomendations??)
As for a filter, if you are having a sump, you don't have to have one. But I do run an XP3 on my 180, Just for carbon, and to polish the water off. But you don't need to. You can just place the carbon in a mesh bag and throw it in the sump.
Test Kits: red Sea Marine Lab -->27.00 (What else would I need for a reef tank?)
Red sea or American Pharm. are ok for the basic setting up of the tank. To check it thru the cycle phase. But as for later I would recommend Sailifer test kits. They are so much better.
Vaccum: Python Vaccum System -->$30.00
You don't really need this. Because you shouldn't vacume the sand bed. I personnaly use a turkey baster, and a regular clear tubing, much cheaper.
Just turn off the pumps so the water is still, use the turkey baster to blow off the rocks, and while the junk is suspended in the water, just use the hose to suck it out.
Glass Cleaner: Gulfstream Magfloat - Acrylic -->$17.00
So far down on the list, I didn't see it earlier, But you got it already. SMILE
Heater: $30.00 +/- (and brand recommendations?)
I would recommend getting two heaters. If one goes out. you still have coverage. I would think two 150watt.
Thermometer: Marina Thermo-Sensor -->$9.00
I would also get two here. one for each end of the tank. Then if one end tends to run cooler,you know to send more of the warmer water that way.
Quarantine Tank: Figured I'd get a nano tank for this -->$150.00I wouldn't spend that much for a QT tank, Just find a small used tank, You can find a 10 or 20 gallon all over the place for about $20. All you need with that is a small hang on back filter, a small light, and a piece or two of PVC for the fish to hide in. That all together shouldn't run you more than $50 bucks.
Net: Jalli Net -->$10.00
This Totals to $1346.50
I figure I will spend around another $300+/- for the filter, refugium/sump.
Is this a normal start up expense for this size of a set up, or does it seem low/high?
Would love the expert opinions.
If looks like you are pretty much on the ball. Other items you should get are:
First get a GFI outlet for the outlets that will service the tank.
When you get your extension cords, make sure they are surge protected. Look around HD or Lowes for shock buster type of cords.
I would strongly recommend checking with your LFS to see if there are any local hobbiest clubs in your area. Most areas do have clubs. I mention this because this can save you alot of time, money and headaches. The members in the clubs really enjoy the hobby and love the get with new hobbist and walk them thru the hobby. They can really help with helping the build a sump and fuge, Figure out the lighting. and other plans for the tank. I personnally was in the hobby for three years before I even knew there were clubs, and forums such as this. Just want you to know there is a lot of info and help out there. Just have to know it is there.

 

[canarygirl]

"First get a GFI outlet for the outlets that will service the tank."
Sorry...what does "GFI" mean?

 

[f14peter]

Originally Posted by Canarygirl
"First get a GFI outlet for the outlets that will service the tank."
Sorry...what does "GFI" mean?
Ground Fault Interrupt, or something to that effect. It instantly trips the electrical circuit if there's a problem like a short ro surge. Far far better (Mandatory in my mind) than just a run-of-the-mill surge protector.

 

[teresaq]

want to say welcome, and give me an e-mail for important info.
m0m24@earthlink dot net
also I dont see lights on your list. what type of corals are you wanting to keep? I also dont see a stand or canopy.?? sorry, also dont see any powerheads. you will need at least three maxijet 1200's maybe a couple of smaller ones for behind your rocks