Just a reminder: Budget saltwater tanks don't exist

[William Chiavetta]

I see people too often asking "I need help setting up a budget fish tank" but the best you can do is try to get sales or used things. the amount of money you spend reflects the quality of the tank. If you have a different opinion I'm open to hearing different viewpoints.

 

[Jekyl]

I set up my 90g about 6 years ago for under $1000. In today's money though that's like $5500. No used equipment either.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Reading your previous posts on here, it looks like your fairly new to reefing.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Also, you don't have to spend mega bucks on a instatank to have it look good. Look at all those here that ditch the hobby and wonder why they can't get a decent return on the majority of the LARGE investment.

Used gear works, 'off the rack' glass tanks work. Don't be blinded by influencers that you see here and across the Internet.

The best looking tanks I've personally seen are from second hand acrylic, second hand (resealed) glass, a lot of diy and frankly some budget reefing (used pumps, powerheads, sumps, etc...).

 

[PharmrJohn]

Yep. My view is to buy new. Look for sales. And NEVER get a used tank. I did that. And paid.

 

[Reefer Matt]

Depends on who you know. I give away good free stuff all the time in my area. Lots of used tanks are available now that a lot of people are leaving the hobby too. If you know what to look for, and can fix small problems yourself, then they can be worth it. But yes, reefing is typically not for those without disposable income.

 

[Katrina71]

I reef cheap. I buy 2nd, 3rd hand gear most of the time and have never had an issue. It really all depends on what your tank vision is to you. Imo

 

[spsick]

Been reefing for almost 20 years and had plenty of success on a budget. My current tank is the only one I’ve ever “splurged on” and bought a couple pieces of high end gear, but it’s still an Aqueon 75g on a DIY stand I drilled myself and put an external overflow

You can have a real nice tank with a basic Octo skimmer, a cheap used (or free) tek light and consistent dosing with 2 part. Or you can spend the cost of a new motorcycle on a fancy rimless tank. To each their own.

 

[William Chiavetta]

Yep. My view is to buy new. Look for sales. And NEVER get a used tank. I did that. And paid.

haha that really sucks

 

[William Chiavetta]

I set up my 90g about 6 years ago for under $1000. In today's money though that's like $5500. No used equipment either.

I don't personally feel like that's budget

 

[William Chiavetta]

Reading your previous posts on here, it looks like your fairly new to reefing.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Also, you don't have to spend mega bucks on a instatank to have it look good. Look at all those here that ditch the hobby and wonder why they can't get a decent return on the majority of the LARGE investment.

Used gear works, 'off the rack' glass tanks work. Don't be blinded by influencers that you see here and across the Internet.

The best looking tanks I've personally seen are from second hand acrylic, second hand (resealed) glass, a lot of diy and frankly some budget reefing (used pumps, powerheads, sumps, etc...).

I'm not saying spend 20k but the less you spend the more work and the more problems down the road you have. I would def say unless it's a tank 2nd hand is great

 

[William Chiavetta]

I reef cheap. I buy 2nd, 3rd hand gear most of the time and have never had an issue. It really all depends on what your tank vision is to you. Imo

used is great but ur still spending a crap ton of money

 

[William Chiavetta]

Depends on who you know. I give away good free stuff all the time in my area. Lots of used tanks are available now that a lot of people are leaving the hobby too. If you know what to look for, and can fix small problems yourself, then they can be worth it. But yes, reefing is typically not for those without disposable income.

I saw someone above saying they got a used tank and it was leaking the whole time

 

[Doctorgori]

you can buy something’s on a budget …
I think some of the “ mid grade” lighting options on Amazon work
Same goes for the Amazon quality wavemakers
…I wouldn’t skimp on the return pump or heater tho
I bet a “ doable” 40g or less can be put together sub $500

 

[William Chiavetta]

Been reefing for almost 20 years and had plenty of success on a budget. My current tank is the only one I’ve ever “splurged on” and bought a couple pieces of high end gear, but it’s still an Aqueon 75g on a DIY stand I drilled myself and put an external overflow

You can have a real nice tank with a basic Octo skimmer, a cheap used (or free) tek light and consistent dosing with 2 part. Or you can spend the cost of a new motorcycle on a fancy rimless tank. To each their own.

I wouldn't call that a budget though idrk tho u seem to be very experienced. One thing I will say is there has to be some amount of disposable money for the tank if the fish will have a comfortable life.

 

[Sophie"s mom]

I see people too often asking "I need help setting up a budget fish tank" but the best you can do is try to get sales or used things. the amount of money you spend reflects the quality of the tank. If you have a different opinion I'm open to hearing different viewpoints.

I just set up a 90 gallon 8 months ago, and I did not calculate costs involved Because I knew it would make me second guess!! I just wanted I , so I did it! Mine is about as “budget” as you get. No sump, no refugium, no frills, everything HOB, with a quality canister, and I am still a few thousand in! You are correct, if you are counting money before you even get started, then don’t start because it will not go well

 

[MoshJosh]

I think yes and no. My current set up works well with budget and DIY gear, but the road to getting here cost a lot in failed experiments/trial and error. . .

 

[William Chiavetta]

you can buy something’s on a budget …
I think some of the “ mid grade” lighting options on Amazon work
Same goes for the Amazon quality wavemakers
…I wouldn’t skimp on the return pump or heater tho
I bet a “ doable” 40g or less can be put together sub $500

I would agree but like if your doing corals maybe a better light would be optimal. Thank you for sharing your opinion. This has been a very interesting topic to me

 

[William Chiavetta]

I just set up a 90 gallon 8 months ago, and I did not calculate costs involved Beni knew it would make me second guess!! I just wanted I , so I did it! Mine is about as “budget” as you get. No sump, no refugium, no frills, everything HOB, with a quality canister, and I am still a free thousand in! You are correct, if you are counting money before you even get started, then don’t start because it will not go well

IMPRESSIVE!

 

[Reefer Matt]

I saw someone above saying they got a used tank and it was leaking the whole time

Yup. I suggest resealing if necessary, and filling up with tap water to leak test before using a tank. I have a 135 gallon I bought used, and it’s been in service now for 5 1/2 years. And for what it’s worth, new tanks can leak too.

 

[JayM]

Depends on what you consider “budget”. My used setup all-in was about 50% the cost of a comparable new setup. While not inexpensive, half the cost of new is “budget” in my opinion.