Hey Everyone! New Reefer Here

TroPicZ · Sep 12, 2013

Hi guys, my name is Zach and I am attending my fourth year at San Diego State, majoring in Mech Engr and emphasizing renewable energy. I realized I have some spare time and so why not take up a new hobby. My mom has done freshwater aquas, but I wanted to do something different so I figured why not try some saltwater stuff and grow some corals. I know that it can be somewhat tricky but I enjoy challenges so I can't wait to get started.

As a student I don't have access to wads of cash but I was thinking of starting with 100$ and maybe adding stuff over time (ie maybe a total tank value of 200$ by december)

My main goal is to start with some corals, add some nice looking LEDs, and then once I've made sure my tank is stable, adding the fishies :D

I read that the bigger the tank the better for stability, so I'm trying to decide what tank to go with. Based on my budget, suggestions would be great. Money is more the constraint than size.

glb · Sep 12, 2013

Welcome! I'd say with $100 you're not going to be able to do corals at first. The bare minimum you need to get started is a tank, lights, a skimmer and some live rock. You could probably get some stuff used but I think it would be difficult to do on your budget. A smaller tank is harder to maintain but more affordable. I have a 12g nano I bought four years ago and it cost about $400 to get it up and running, and that was with fish only. You've come to the right place for advice! Hopefully others will have more ideas for you!