My money saving Reef Build

[pierrelowey]

I have finally made the move from Freshwater/ Planted Tanks to Salt water (6 months ago), I was also dubious when I was younger as the cost always seems to be extortionate, but it has become a reality now I have a job.

I started my journey with tons of research, reading and hours of YouTube video's, but I wasn't actually planning on starting in this hobby when I did, but while doing my occasional window shop in a reef store I was offered a deal on a secondhand (nearly new) tank I couldn't resist! so here I am with a D-D Reef-Pro 1200. My long-term goal is a mixed reef tank with Lps and SPS.

I was always conscious of keeping costs down, so the majority of my tech has been secondhand with some amazing deals. My tank equipment is as below;

D-D Reef-Pro 1200
D-D Clarisea SK-3000 (filter roller)
Vecton 400 UV sterilizer (Yet to be setup)
Bubble Magus Curve 5 Skimmer
Ecotech Vortech MP40W QD
Jebao 2023 Wave Pump ELW-30
MATO 200P ATO
Aquati 5 Stage RO DI system
2x Radion XR30 Gen 5 Pro
2x EHEIM 250w Heaters
Jecod/ Jebao 2022 MDC 3500 Return Pump

the journey so far has been .... interesting and time cosuming haha but i am enjoying it. below are some pictures from when I started in Sept 2023;

i will follow with information on the progress and issues I came across and are still going through!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Great looking aquascape! Following along to see how your build progresses!

 

[pierrelowey]

It’s been 3 years to the day since I fill my tank with water, haven’t posted any updates since then, only asked questions about my woes . It’s been an experience for sure but very enjoyable and rewarding.