Hi All,
Here's my new passion, I've had fish only w/limited invert tanks for over 15 years but never really jumped in with both feet until now....
Tank: 200 gal. Acrylic w/2 corner overflows (one filled with Live rubble)
Filtration: 55 gal acrylic sump, Top Fathom TF200A skimmer w/ Rio 2100
Little Giant main pump going to 2 returns w/one split for 3.
300-350 Lbs. Live rock (Fiji, Tonga, Marshall)
Stand/Canopy: Custom built, all wood
Here's the cool part, All the stuff above was bought used and running for only $850!!!! When I started researching prices, I was quoted $2500 to over $4000 by several LFS for a 100 and that was just to start!
Here's what I've added:
-200 lbs. Arag. sand (not sugar but slightly larger size pebbles)
Wanted sand bed, but not overly deep.
-6 foot custom retro lighting kit from Cooltouch Lighting in Canada w/ 2 72" VHO and 2 400W MH (mogul base style) Ordered with ballasts and bulbs for $650 SHIPPED to CA . Everything completely wired and ready to install in canopy..I thought this was also a killer deal. ( tank came with reg style flourescent which I use for dawn/dusk light)
-Chiller is on da way which will be plumbed to a second filtration system w/ large canister style filter which will provide sufficient flow for chiller. This will be plumed into two of 5 unused bulkhead fittings in back of tank.
Started it up over 3 weeks ago. I've since added some Green Chromis damsels and some start-up critters, wondermud, and live sand activator from IPSF. From tests, it looks like it's already done a preliminary cycle. I call it preliminary because I don't believe it yet. Gonna give it another few weeks before the original tenants ( mixed species clown and a brackish catfish) move back in from the quarantine tank they are living in now. I know I can do it sooner, but patience is key. Although I'm just a reef rookie, I'm sure you Jedi Masters out there will agree. My total start -up cost to this point is still under 2 grand.... not too bad in my humble opinion. Thanks for looking.
[/b]
Here's my new passion, I've had fish only w/limited invert tanks for over 15 years but never really jumped in with both feet until now....
Tank: 200 gal. Acrylic w/2 corner overflows (one filled with Live rubble)
Filtration: 55 gal acrylic sump, Top Fathom TF200A skimmer w/ Rio 2100
Little Giant main pump going to 2 returns w/one split for 3.
300-350 Lbs. Live rock (Fiji, Tonga, Marshall)
Stand/Canopy: Custom built, all wood
Here's the cool part, All the stuff above was bought used and running for only $850!!!! When I started researching prices, I was quoted $2500 to over $4000 by several LFS for a 100 and that was just to start!
Here's what I've added:
-200 lbs. Arag. sand (not sugar but slightly larger size pebbles)
Wanted sand bed, but not overly deep.
-6 foot custom retro lighting kit from Cooltouch Lighting in Canada w/ 2 72" VHO and 2 400W MH (mogul base style) Ordered with ballasts and bulbs for $650 SHIPPED to CA . Everything completely wired and ready to install in canopy..I thought this was also a killer deal. ( tank came with reg style flourescent which I use for dawn/dusk light)
-Chiller is on da way which will be plumbed to a second filtration system w/ large canister style filter which will provide sufficient flow for chiller. This will be plumed into two of 5 unused bulkhead fittings in back of tank.
Started it up over 3 weeks ago. I've since added some Green Chromis damsels and some start-up critters, wondermud, and live sand activator from IPSF. From tests, it looks like it's already done a preliminary cycle. I call it preliminary because I don't believe it yet. Gonna give it another few weeks before the original tenants ( mixed species clown and a brackish catfish) move back in from the quarantine tank they are living in now. I know I can do it sooner, but patience is key. Although I'm just a reef rookie, I'm sure you Jedi Masters out there will agree. My total start -up cost to this point is still under 2 grand.... not too bad in my humble opinion. Thanks for looking.
[/b]
