Reef ready tanks on a budget

[cgoodman2003!]

Hey all!

So recently my 65 gallon tank sprung a leak, and I had to abandon ship. I’ve been faced with two options, one of repairing the silicone and resealing everything myself, or the other option, buy a new tank.

I have yet to try resealing the tank, but in the event it does not work, I want to plan ahead. Any recommendations for cheap reef ready tanks? I’ve checked Facebook marketplace which has been great, but I wanted to see if anyone knew of any cheaper and better alternatives for a college kid on a budget. Thanks all!

 

[Glenner’sreef]

Petco has one dollar per gallon sales I believe multiple times a year. If the parents are helping out with college maybe they’ll throw in $65 for a new tank? Merry Christmas lol

 

[cgoodman2003!]

Petco has one dollar per gallon sales I believe multiple times a year. If the parents are helping out with college maybe they’ll throw in $65 for a new tank? Merry Christmas lol

The only problem with that is, how do I then make it reef safe? I’m no pro in acrylic cutting! Lol

 

[VintageReefer]

Aqueon 65 gallon aquarium 1 overflow black 36x18x25

Aqueon 65 Gallon Reef Ready 36x18x25

www.reeflifeaquariums.com

You can ask a LFS to order this. Petco is also an aqueon dealer, if you talk to the aquatics dept manager, they sometimes will special order things that they don’t normally carry.

 

[PharmrJohn]

Yeah, your gonna end up spending a few hundred bucks. Unless you really luck out. You COULD get a used tank, but I do not recommend it. I have a sour memory and a sob-story of doing just that.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

The Aqueon tanks are hit and miss as far as tempered glass goes. I know Seapora has 75 gallon tanks that they state are non tempered. If you don't mind a little drilling for an overflow I'd go that route. Mind you the only option nearby for me is Petco and they will not special order me a tank. If you have a decent LFS that''ll order what you want then there are reef ready Seapora tanks that I feel are better made than Aqueon's.

 

[ta88brian]

Petco has one dollar per gallon sales I believe multiple times a year. If the parents are helping out with college maybe they’ll throw in $65 for a new tank? Merry Christmas lol

Doesn't include 65gallon

 

[Glenner’sreef]

Doesn't include 65gallon

? I meant that if Petco sells an new Aqueon “65” gallon aquarium for $1 per gallon. That equals 65 bucks.

 

[cgoodman2003!]

The Aqueon tanks are hit and miss as far as tempered glass goes. I know Seapora has 75 gallon tanks that they state are non tempered. If you don't mind a little drilling for an overflow I'd go that route. Mind you the only option nearby for me is Petco and they will not special order me a tank. If you have a decent LFS that''ll order what you want then there are reef ready Seapora tanks that I feel are better made than Aqueon's.

I would prefer the drill route, though I don’t know how to do it.

 

[cgoodman2003!]

Yeah, your gonna end up spending a few hundred bucks. Unless you really luck out. You COULD get a used tank, but I do not recommend it. I have a sour memory and a sob-story of doing just that.

I was looking for tanks that had been deconstructed for their own good rather the tank being damaged. Do you think that’s any different?

 

[vcnt]

? I meant that if Petco sells an new Aqueon “65” gallon aquarium for $1 per gallon. That equals 65 bucks.

iirc petco doesnt do $/gallon anymore its 50% off most tanks

 

[stewy14]

Newbie? Looking to get into saltwater? On a budget? Here are some lists for you!

(Photo from https://reefbuilders.com/2023/08/14/how-to-set-up-a-nano-reef-tank/. didn't use anything from there but that photo, just thought it looked cool) As a Newbie myself, I struggled with finding affordable equipment on a tight budget, but after a lot of researching, I figured it out! So...

www.reef2reef.com