Thinking Of Going Salt Water

[Sean W.]

so,

i just got a job at the LFS, and i cleaned a thousand fish tanks today and i really enjoyed cleaning the salt water tanks, the fish are just SO much better looking!

so im thinking of getting rid of my sig tank and starting a 40 gallon salt water Aquarium...


i literally have NO IDEA where to begin...

how much would it cost to get this going ( USD ) and ive also heard that a reef aquarium is significantly more difficult, so im thinking of just doing a fish setup...

thoughts, ideas... anything is appreciated.

 

[lucasfoster]

Ive just set up a slightly smaller tank than yours and must have spent at least £600 up to now!!
But if you have a lot of equipment already then you should not have that much to spend on!! If you buy second hand you can save a lot!!!!

 

[-Nemo-]

Welcome to the saltie side



You can have a simple reef tank, with just low light softies, without too much extra work. Mushrooms, zoas and leathers are pretty low maintenance and don't need a high powered light.

A 40G is a good starter tank. Since you're working at a LFS now, see if you can set-up any deals with your manager/boss for getting some equipment for cheaper. Tell them it will help you become more knowledgeable

Here are some general prices and what you need to start one up. Remember these prices are of BRAND NEW items. Try to work something out at your job, and if you can't try and buy some used equipment.


Assuming you already have the tank/stand, here are some initial costs:

Live rock (Usually around $8 a pound), you'll be wanting 40 pounds ==> $320, please note that you CAN start with less, I wouldn't suggest less than 20 pounds to start with though. Many people breaking down their tanks will sell LR for $3/lb. This drops down the total price to $120

Aragonite Sand (Usually $1/lb.) ==> $40

Powerheads, at least 2 equaling around 20x turnover an hour, so 800gph (Price depends on brand, I'll use koralia as they're a great brand) ==> $50

Heater (Assuming you don't have one) ==> $25

Skimmer, not absolutely necessarily but definitely recommended (Again, price depends on brand) ==> ~$120

Hydrometer/Refractometer (Refract is more accurate, so I'll use that) ==> ~$30

Marine Salt (Usually around 25$ for a 50G bag) ==> $25

Master test kit ==> ~$25


Which type of 40G do you have? How long is it? This will determine lighting for some low light corals. If your tank is short enough, you can probably get away with a cheap flourescent light.


Remember, these are retail, brand new prices.

 

[Sean W.]

i dont have a tank yet, im just brain storming and after spending so much time yetsterday cleaning the reef tanks i really want to get one.. i didnt realize it would cost this much tho... i was hoping like $200 total

 

[SlyPolak]

You can get NEW LR for alot less than $8...... ---> http/www.marcorocks.com/

about 2.50/ Lb with FREE shipping if you live in the US