$1000 build challenge

[kalan850]

Well hello everyone!
I've been away from the world of salt for a while now... Its probably been about 10 years!
I'm looking to jump back in and am looking for some ideas on a $1000 build that would include Tank, stand, lighting, sump, return pump, heater, wave maker. Need the overflow and tank operation to be as quiet as possible.

Looking to create a minimalistic aquascape with only a handful of softy colonies and a decent amount of fish (Definitely a flame angel and clowns for my daughter, and a blue spot puffer for myself lol) min display size 40 gallons max display size 75 gallons.
Equipment would be added later on down the road but I'm curious if this $1000 build can be done.

*I'm not seeing any used setups for sale in my area.
*Ill build the stand if necessary for try to achieve the challenge
*I've considered an AIO setup but I think going with a sump is in my best interest for the future of the system.

What are your thoughts? Any ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

It can be done... If you have some great self control and have realistic/low expectations. Scrounge around for a year for good used equipment.
Also Welcome!

 

[Hairyteeth]

Agreed, deals can be found if you have a little
Time and patience

 

[rtparty]

Check the Petco sales for the biggest tank you can get on the sale. I can’t remember if the 75 is on the sale any longer. If so it was like $150 or so. Then grab a 29g or thereabouts for the sump. Add a glass baffle and you’re done there.

Plenty of used lights and pumps on here to save a lot of money

 

[IceNein]

Welcome! If I were trying to build a tank under $1000, I would ditch the sump. It's an unnecessary added expense. Live rock, a heater, a power head, and a light is all you need. You could do a HOB so that you can run carbon/media/mechanical filtration if you'd like.

 

[Gukashar]

I was thinking about this for my first tank, and did a lot of searching in my area.
I agree that it's possible and it won't happen fast unless you get lucky.

I would monitor Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, and a local/regional reefing forum for deals on tanks. IMO, you should inspect every tank before purchase to ensure not tempered and plan to drill it yourself for sump. I saw a lot of freshwater tanks in my area.

Then I would take a gamble on Aliexpress gear. There is a big thread on the lights you could read through.
I bought the mp10 knock off from AliExpress and so far it appears to work well and is quiet.

I ended up not buying a used tank, because I didn't like the idea of stacking risk (used tank, cheap light/powerheads, petsmart tank sump, beginner). Recommend you do some risk analysis.

 

[areefer01]

Check the Petco sales for the biggest tank you can get on the sale. I can’t remember if the 75 is on the sale any longer. If so it was like $150 or so. Then grab a 29g or thereabouts for the sump. Add a glass baffle and you’re done there.

Plenty of used lights and pumps on here to save a lot of money

The 75 is an odd shape so some argue that it isn't ideal for a reef. On the other hand the 40 and 60 breeder are steals. 60 breeder may be a good option here. If the OP has tools one could pick up a couple of 2 x 4's and make a stand easy enough.

While we are talking about PetClub they also offer sales on rock. The CaribSea South Seas Base Rock, 40 lb box, is normally 87 USD but on sale a little over 40. Just need to keep an eye on that one.

OP - personal opinion but the minimal or negative aquascape fad isn't good for a healthy reef. Missing a lot of surface area for the biological filter. In my opinion.

 

[KrisReef]

YOu got a daughter?

We need to hook you up with a shipment of bootleg Girl Scout Cookies.

She will have money for college and you can get a proper set up like this one @WWC

 

[C_AWOL]

I didn't see beautiful as a requirement so here goes.

Aqueon 75g, $150 on sale (I dont think the back is tempered)
Diamond tipped glass hole saw, $8
2x4 for stand ~$30
Screws ~$20
Aqueon 40b, $70
Fiji cube (or similar external overflow) ~$150
Pvc piping + asst fittings + glue, ~150 (includes 1 gate valve)
Jebao dcp 6000 (or similar) $75
Jebao dmp 20 ~$100
Noopsyche k3 $180 (only need 1 in the middle for softies) or 2 k-minis 84x2=$168
Eheim jager 300w $42
Blood sweat and tears? Priceless.

Total = 963-975 assuming I added correctly.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

I didn't see beautiful as a requirement so here goes.

Aqueon 75g, $150 on sale (I dont think the back is tempered)
Diamond tipped glass hole saw, $8
2x4 for stand ~$30
Screws ~$20
Aqueon 40b, $70
Fiji cube (or similar external overflow) ~$150
Pvc piping + asst fittings + glue, ~150 (includes 1 gate valve)
Jebao dcp 6000 (or similar) $75
Jebao dmp 20 ~$100
Noopsyche k3 $180 (only need 1 in the middle for softies) or 2 k-minis 84x2=$168
Eheim jager 300w $42
Blood sweat and tears? Priceless.

Total = 963-975 assuming I added correctly.

Multiplied by 140% tariffs :anguished-face: :face-with-rolling-eyes::thinking-face:

 

[ReefQuestCorals]

Depending where you live Facebook Marketplace is where its at for any deals. I was searching up to 250 miles around my city on a look out for a good deal. If your patient they come up, just have to be fast to jump on them