makingbubbles
Broke, Poor, Cheap Reefer
I started my tank in July of 09 just after my moms death (due to cancer). She always wanted a salt water tank, and was very interested in the hobby. So I went out and found a tank on craigslist.com for 125.00. It was a 75 gallon with a make shift stand. The next day i came across a free 75 gallon stand on craigslist. It was like fate brought us together. Then i started doing my research at forums and lfs's. Shortly after i was addicted and caught up in the world of reefing. The components that make up my system are cheap but adequate. Like the title emphasizes "budget".
Tank: 75 gallon Oceanic 125.00
Lights: (2) coralife 130watt pc lamps 120.00
Sump: Oceanic Model 75 Trickle filter 40.00
Skimmer: Ebay no name 50.00
Overflow: CSO 800gph with aqualifter 35.00
Return pump: Via Aqua 1800 25.00
Other Pumps: (1) knock off of a koralia 4 22.00
Total 417.00
I show the prices to let people that are new to the hobby, know what to expect. Those full systems on craigslist for 800$ are really a great deal.
My Live rock was started from 3 bought small rocks and the rest were dead or made diy rock. I bought most of my sand dead and 1 bag live sand. I think this is a good idea because you keep your tank sterile and is less likely to get unwanted hitch hikers. P.S. its cheaper too. My canopy is a diy project that cost me 32$. As you can see i tried to save money in every area, though i did not go as far as making a skimmer out of coke bottle two rubberbands and a tooth pic. Im not freaking Mc Guyver.
My livestock consist of....
Fish:
Mandarin
Cherub Angel
(2) Yellow Tail Damsels
Scooter Blenny
Ocellaris Clown
Corals:
Green Tip Frogspawn
Purple Tip Frogspawn
Trumpet Coral
Candycane Coral
Yellow Tip Torch
Purple Monti Cap
Red Monti Cap
Green Cats Paw
Keya Tree Coral
Green Star Polyps
Watermellon Mushrooms
Red discus Mushrooms
Cherry Bomb Zoas
Starburst Palys
Stardust Purple People Eater Palys
And some unidentified Polyps (that you guys need to id for me).
Anyways heres some pics (im not revhtree so i have pictures)
The tank is still kinda empty, but im still just starting out. (Rev needs to let me win some of these contest) I do hope that some one finds some kind of inspiration from this thread, and I give you the best of luck.
Tank: 75 gallon Oceanic 125.00
Lights: (2) coralife 130watt pc lamps 120.00
Sump: Oceanic Model 75 Trickle filter 40.00
Skimmer: Ebay no name 50.00
Overflow: CSO 800gph with aqualifter 35.00
Return pump: Via Aqua 1800 25.00
Other Pumps: (1) knock off of a koralia 4 22.00
Total 417.00
I show the prices to let people that are new to the hobby, know what to expect. Those full systems on craigslist for 800$ are really a great deal.
My Live rock was started from 3 bought small rocks and the rest were dead or made diy rock. I bought most of my sand dead and 1 bag live sand. I think this is a good idea because you keep your tank sterile and is less likely to get unwanted hitch hikers. P.S. its cheaper too. My canopy is a diy project that cost me 32$. As you can see i tried to save money in every area, though i did not go as far as making a skimmer out of coke bottle two rubberbands and a tooth pic. Im not freaking Mc Guyver.
My livestock consist of....
Fish:
Mandarin
Cherub Angel
(2) Yellow Tail Damsels
Scooter Blenny
Ocellaris Clown
Corals:
Green Tip Frogspawn
Purple Tip Frogspawn
Trumpet Coral
Candycane Coral
Yellow Tip Torch
Purple Monti Cap
Red Monti Cap
Green Cats Paw
Keya Tree Coral
Green Star Polyps
Watermellon Mushrooms
Red discus Mushrooms
Cherry Bomb Zoas
Starburst Palys
Stardust Purple People Eater Palys
And some unidentified Polyps (that you guys need to id for me).
Anyways heres some pics (im not revhtree so i have pictures)
The tank is still kinda empty, but im still just starting out. (Rev needs to let me win some of these contest) I do hope that some one finds some kind of inspiration from this thread, and I give you the best of luck.
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