Starting From Scratch

[tankman2]

Hello everyone,

So for my next venture I have cleaned the slate and started over after recently selling my last tank.

I now want to setup an African cichlid display tank of 55 gallons. So, in starting from scratch I want to see what your guys opinions are and also what the total cost would be for starting a solid new tank. I would need:

1) 55 gallon tank complete with stand and canopy
2) Substrate: probably a white sand/coral base
3) Decor: Various rock work
4) Heater
5) Filter: What are opinions here on best kinds for this size and setup?
6) Air stone/pump
7) Light- any special kind?
8) Water test kit
9) Last but not least the fish- Id use a ballpark figure here on an average price for a juvenile ac. Not exactly sure how many I would be able to put in here as I've never had a 55 gallon before
10) Am I missing anything? I have water conditioner
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Total $ ??

 

[Malawi MaD]

Totally depend's on where you live, but im guessing your from the state's?? Im not sure on the prices for you (bet its cheaper than here though ) Also depends if your going for a brand new set-up or second hand?? Could be $200 to $700, i have no idea

 

[tankman2]

Yea im from the states, NY area. Im having a real hard time trying to find a 55/60 gallon tank new or used complete with stand and canopy. Anyone know of any sites that sell this as a package together?

 

[tankman2]

Also does anyone know approximately how many pounds of rock it would take to sufficiently fill a 55-65 gallon tank? Want to fill it with dead live rock

 

[Dieses Madchen]

I have about 40lbs of rock in my 55g mbuna tank A lot of places sell good rock for 10-25 cents a pound.

 

[tankman2]

Are these places online are do you shop around your LFS?

 

[hotdogoramer]

craigslist always has secondhand tanks up for sale especially in my area of NY. usually with a stand and the complete setup, even filters too. what part of NY do you live in?

 

[tankman2]

I'm in NJ right outside of the city. I actually ended up finding a nice setup on craigslist after doing much looking and having a little luck. Ended up with a used stand/canopy/55 gallon /light +light strip for $100!

Happy with my find, I needed to put a little bit of work into the wood stand but still worth it.

Now I need to find a glass top for the tank since I only have the canopy and light sitting over it.

Where are these places that sell nice rock for that cheap?

I've found marcosrocks.com which I will most likely use, does anyone think there are cheaper places online or if it would be cheaper in a LFS?

Thanks