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jcolon2

Advanced Reefer
Location
Long Island
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Note: Hello. Ok. So I have caught this saltwater bug and have been trying to create a tank that can be both beautiful and cost efficient. My current tank is insufficient. I want to house fish, inverts, and corals

If you were going to start either a 50 or 55 gallon tank and you were on a very tight budget, how would you do it, and how much would you pay for the tanks w/ and w/out the metal stands? First, would you prefer a 50 or a 55 gallon tank and why? Would you utilize a drilled tank or a non-drilled tank? (I'm confused about the purpose of an overflow box and a sump although, I somewhat understand them). What lighting would you use assumng you were going to house inverts? What fish or other specimens would you purchase? What other equipment, and specifically what brands would you use?

I have ideas however; I would love to hear all your ideas! Thank you MR.
 
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DCG1286

Advanced Reefer
Location
Flushing, NY
Rating - 100%
181   0   0
Note: Hello. Ok. So I have caught this saltwater bug and have been trying to create the perfect tank that can be both beautiful and cost efficient. My current tank is insufficient.

If you were going to start either a 50 or 55 gallon tank and you were on a very tight budget, how would you do it, and how much would you pay for the tanks w/ and w/out the metal stands? First, would you prefer a 50 or a 55 gallon tank and why? Would you utilize a drilled tank or a non-drilled tank? (I'm confused about the purpose of an overflow box and a sump although, I somewhat understand them). What lighting would you use assumng you were going to house inverts? What fish or other specimens would you purchase? What other equipment, and specifically what brands would you use?

I have ideas however; I would love to hear all your ideas! Thank you MR.

Perfect tank (no such thing)? Are you looking to set up a Fish-only or full-blown reef? I am kind of confused by your post. Sorry about that.
 

juiceguy

Advanced Reefer
Location
brooklyn
Rating - 100%
41   0   0
tight budget usually ends up costing you more in the long run, if you are handy with tools and have some carpentry, electrical and plumbing skills you can save $ that way
 
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Chiefmcfuz

Guest
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Having had a 55 I will say that the aquascaping is a bit of a PITA with a 12" deep tank. I would go with a tank that is at least 18" front to back, it gives you so much leeway with placement of rock and corals in your tank.
 
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Chiefmcfuz

Guest
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If you have a spot that will fit a 55 g tank I would also look into a 75g tank It would be the same width just 6 inches deeper front to back.
 

Treef

Advanced Reefer
Rating - 100%
23   0   0
If you are going to use a sump get a drilled tank imo. its the one thing I regret not getting when i started my tank, i use an overflow box now and it can be a pain.
 

NYreefNoob

Skimmer Freak
Location
poughquag, ny
Rating - 99.4%
168   1   0
in all honesty if money is a issue this isnt hte hobby for you, as stated cutting corners cost more in the long run, ends in failure and death of live stock, really figure on dropping atleast a thousand dollars for a basic set up or buy a complete system someone on here is selling, and learn about the hobby before jumping into it, not trying to persuade you away, but this isnt a cheap hobby
 

Dre

JUNIOR MEMBER
Location
NY/NJ
Rating - 100%
243   0   0
A 55 gal. is too high and too narrow IMO, go with a 50gal.Buy play sand form Toy's R Us and make your own stand with 5'' bolts and 2''x4''s. Buy your live/dead rocks from other members, don't stuff the tank with rocks all you need is a few pieces and finally buy your self a pair of Clownfish .
 

jcolon2

Advanced Reefer
Location
Long Island
Rating - 100%
22   0   0
Thanks everyone. I spoke with other members previously and they encouraged me to purchase a 50 as well. I am attempting to find one pre-drilled however, I have had no luck to date.

When I say I am on a tight budget I mean in relation to this hobby. I have already invested 1,000 dollars in my current tank, and I know I will continue to invest more money. I am not looking to purchase faulty products or take any short cuts. I have done much research however; I am still learning, that is why I am here on MR. As for the tank I am looking for, I simply want the most bang for the buck. I want a beautiful tank that runs efficiently. I will not be giving up this hobby; I have always like fish and saltwater tanks in general and I do not intend to put any specimens in harms way.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Justin
 
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Chiefmcfuz

Guest
Rating - 100%
22   0   0
Someone is sellin a 75 in the for sale forum with a stand, you should check it out.
 

jcolon2

Advanced Reefer
Location
Long Island
Rating - 100%
22   0   0
I would LOVE to purchase a 75 gallon tank, even larger. However, I cannot. It is not an issue of space. My mother is afraid of having all the weight in my room. I live in a small room on the thrid floor of my house, and I have over 2,000 lbs in furniture exluding the tank. It is her phobia, too much weight in a concentrated area : / So now I have to struggle to find a 50 and it isn't working out. i found someone selling a 50 gallon tank for 70 dollars however, it isn't drilled and has no stand.
 
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Chiefmcfuz

Guest
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Dude then go get that solana that is for sale in the vendor forum. I have one and love it !
 

albano

Saltwater since 1973
Staff member
Vendor
Rating - 100%
129   0   0
I have already invested 1,000 dollars in my current tank, and I know I will continue to invest more money.
You meant to say "I have already SPENT 1,000 dollars in my current tank, and I know I will continue to SPEND so much more money"...Unfortunately our money would be better INVESTED with Bernie Madoff! :shhh: But the addiction controls us!
 

emmanuel

Advanced Reefer
Location
astoria
Rating - 100%
158   0   0
that tank for sale looks like a great deal justin
Another simple and great looking tank for limited space is a 40 breeder Jabol had one set up with just an aquaclear hang on filter and a remora hang on skimmer with some vho lights and the tank was beautiful but the lights and tank alone would cost more than the $300 that they're asking for the tank in the link above
 

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