UGHHH PLEASE HELP!!

[Alex23]

Ok guys,

After doing a lot of research and looking around at tanks and equipment, I am still confused!

The situation: I was looking to buy an all-in-one tank. I see some I like, like the JBJ 30G Rimless, but none of them come with lights! I am trying to really get a good estimate on pricing. (I would like a 20G-40G size tank. )

So now I am considering getting a 'regular' tank and just adding a sump. I am not 100% on what goes in the sump, and that's where I need help. I hear different things from different people.

If you had to put in list form, could you please list all mandatory things I will need for the sump. Also some optional things for the sump. And a rough price range for each item. Please be clear on what is mandatory and what is optional.

Example:
- Protein Scimmer (Mandatory, Around $...)
-
-
-
etc.

I do have a regular 10G freshwater fish tank right now. It just has the LED lights it came with and the basic filter in the back right. Just out of curiosity, could I use this and get a sump for it? I would clean it out good.

Please feel free to let me know an additional information ;)

Alex.

 

[Diesel]

Sump, mandatory between $50 up to $3000+
Skimmer some what mandatory between $50 up to $2000+
Return pump, mandatory between the $50 up to $1500+
ATO mandatory between $25 up to $300
You can add a controller to your tank and hang the probes in the sump.
As well reactors, GFO, GAC or Bio-pellets not mandatory between $75 and $400+

Lights is a complet different story that you really have to do some homework on.
Lots of hobbyist get settled on LED's from China as they are inexpensive but some you will have problems with and other you don't.
Start or do a search on that here on R2R.
Wave makers/ flow pumps in the tank for the benefit of your corals, it all depends on the size of your tank and what kind of corals, from $75 up to $800. some what mandatory.

 

[Griff]

Alex what's your budget. That would help a lot.

Also what do you want to keep?
Corals as well as fish?
What type of fish?

I've seen fish only systems with a hang on the back filter and no skimmer. That's not the preferred method but it has worked.

I'd also agree with everything diesel said with the exception of an ATO.
The ATO does make things more stable and gives you some breathing room if you forget to top off one day but I don't have one on my IM Nuvo 30L, I just top it off every night before bed.

If keeping corals this is the list I would consider mandatory.

RO system DI also if keeping sps
All in one tank or tank with sump
Heater
Return pump
Skimmer
Lights (do research on this one)
Sand
Dry Rock or live rock
Refractometer
Something to store RODI water in (must be good grade)
Salt mix
Water movement gyre or wave makers


In my mind these things are all mandatory. If I left anything out someone correct me please, or if you disagree.
I didn't list prices but get on marine depot.com or bulkreefsupply and do some build setups and see the total. Even if you buy through your local fish store that will at least give you an idea of the cost.

 

[Diesel]

HA......... I forgot a heater, but hey from TX we don't need a heater.
I do have one just to make the list complete but it never came on.

 

[Alex23]

Sump, mandatory between $50 up to $3000+
Skimmer some what mandatory between $50 up to $2000+
Return pump, mandatory between the $50 up to $1500+
ATO mandatory between $25 up to $300
You can add a controller to your tank and hang the probes in the sump.
As well reactors, GFO, GAC or Bio-pellets not mandatory between $75 and $400+

Lights is a complet different story that you really have to do some homework on.
Lots of hobbyist get settled on LED's from China as they are inexpensive but some you will have problems with and other you don't.
Start or do a search on that here on R2R.
Wave makers/ flow pumps in the tank for the benefit of your corals, it all depends on the size of your tank and what kind of corals, from $75 up to $800. some what mandatory.

Ok this helps.

Do you think you can link me to some tanks 25G-40G, good pricing and good quality? Must come with lighting.
Thank you

 

[Anirban]

Sump, mandatory between $50 up to $3000+
Skimmer some what mandatory between $50 up to $2000+
Return pump, mandatory between the $50 up to $1500+
ATO mandatory between $25 up to $300
You can add a controller to your tank and hang the probes in the sump.
As well reactors, GFO, GAC or Bio-pellets not mandatory between $75 and $400+

Lights is a complet different story that you really have to do some homework on.
Lots of hobbyist get settled on LED's from China as they are inexpensive but some you will have problems with and other you don't.
Start or do a search on that here on R2R.
Wave makers/ flow pumps in the tank for the benefit of your corals, it all depends on the size of your tank and what kind of corals, from $75 up to $800. some what mandatory.

@Diesel you just gave that guy a 10k budget for 30G JBJ......:D

 

[Alex23]

Ok this helps.

Do you think you can link me to some tanks 25G-40G, good pricing and good quality? Must come with lighting.
Thank you

ignore this haha

 

[Diesel]

Ok this helps.

Do you think you can link me to some tanks 25G-40G, good pricing and good quality? Must come with lighting.
Thank you

Look in the R2R sponsor page as they will have the reef ready tanks.
Most tanks don't come with lighting but Redsea has a line that they do include lights, just the tanks ain't cheap but what is cheap in this hobby :rolleyes:

 

[Diesel]

@Diesel you just gave that guy a 10k budget for 30G JBJ......:D

Or a $300 budget............. depend how you add it up. ;)

 

[Alex23]

Alex what's your budget. That would help a lot.

Also what do you want to keep?
Corals as well as fish?
What type of fish?

I've seen fish only systems with a hang on the back filter and no skimmer. That's not the preferred method but it has worked.

I'd also agree with everything diesel said with the exception of an ATO.
The ATO does make things more stable and gives you some breathing room if you forget to top off one day but I don't have one on my IM Nuvo 30L, I just top it off every night before bed.

If keeping corals this is the list I would consider mandatory.

RO system DI also if keeping sps
All in one tank or tank with sump
Heater
Return pump
Skimmer
Lights (do research on this one)
Sand
Dry Rock or live rock
Refractometer
Something to store RODI water in (must be good grade)
Salt mix
Water movement gyre or wave makers


In my mind these things are all mandatory. If I left anything out someone correct me please, or if you disagree.
I didn't list prices but get on marine depot.com or bulkreefsupply and do some build setups and see the total. Even if you buy through your local fish store that will at least give you an idea of the cost.

Griff, I am looking to get a 25G-40G tank. Dont want to spend more than $350 on the tank alone. I am planning on getting coral as well as a couple fish. I am not sure how much each piece of equipment costs, but I am not planning on spending over $7-800. I think haha.

 

[Anirban]

Or a $300 budget............. depend how you add it up. ;)

With your recommendation I will always go for the best....I think alot of things we can reuse for later builds if we get those higher end equipments...

 

[Anirban]

Griff, I am looking to get a 25G-40G tank. Dont want to spend more than $350 on the tank alone. I am planning on getting coral as well as a couple fish. I am not sure how much each piece of equipment costs, but I am not planning on spending over $7-800. I think haha.

R u talking about $700-800 including tank cost... what u want to keep

 

[Alex23]

With your recommendation I will always go for the best....I think alot of things we can reuse for later builds if we get those higher end equipments...

Anirban,

What is your thoughts for my original question?

Like mandatory and optional equipment, lighting, all-in-one or sumps... etc.?

 

[Alex23]

R u talking about $700-800 including tank cost... what u want to keep

Yes. A total of 7-800. Including the tank.

 

[Anirban]

Anirban,

What is your thoughts for my original question?

Like mandatory and optional equipment, lighting, all-in-one or sumps... etc.?

Alot of people use all in one successfully and beautifully. But I am more of a orthodox person as basic setup concern. So for me basic investment will be

1. 40 gallon breeder
2. 20 gallon tank for sump and ebay sump kit
3. A startup skimmer like sca301
4. ATO
5. Koralia powerhead or wp 40
6. Two little fishes reactor for go and carbon
7. Rodi unit
8. Light Mars aqua 165 watt good enough for lps and basic sps
9. Return pump.
10. You can build a stand within $50

I generally prefer diy stuff as this cut a lot of cost.

 

[Diesel]

Griff, I am looking to get a 25G-40G tank. Dont want to spend more than $350 on the tank alone. I am planning on getting coral as well as a couple fish. I am not sure how much each piece of equipment costs, but I am not planning on spending over $7-800. I think haha.

Google in your area for a local reef club, you might find one used but don't expect to get a new set up for $350.
Do the quick math here for a budget tank new,
40 breeder on gallon days, $40
Drilling 3 holes in the tank $50
Sand two small bags, $20
Live rock 30LB $80
20 gallon sump DIY $50
Small skimmer $50
Heater 50W $15
Plumbing and return pump $100
Chinese LED $150
flow pump $50
Test kits $150
Fish food $25
Bacteria $30
DIY stand, $75
Some what of cheap corals like zoa's, mushrooms, other polyps $100
Fish around the same amount. $100
I might have forgot something but new you looking to spend easily 10 Franklins.
Used you might find this for half or maybe...... maybe around the $350 mark.

 

[Anirban]

Google in your area for a local reef club, you might find one used but don't expect to get a new set up for $350.
Do the quick math here for a budget tank new,
40 breeder on gallon days, $40
Drilling 3 holes in the tank $50
Sand two small bags, $20
Live rock 30LB $80
20 gallon sump DIY $50
Small skimmer $50
Heater 50W $15
Plumbing and return pump $100
Chinese LED $150
flow pump $50
Test kits $150
Fish food $25
Bacteria $30
DIY stand, $75
Some what of cheap corals like zoa's, mushrooms, other polyps $100
Fish around the same amount. $100
I might have forgot something but new you looking to spend easily 10 Franklins.
Used you might find this for half or maybe...... maybe around the $350 mark.

Now that's a great budget startup reef....

 

[Alex23]

@Anirban and @Diesel
Thanks.

When I went to the lfs yesterday, the man said for the sump, mandatory things to have would be only the scimmer. A refugium if I want as well.

See he is saying just this, and you guys are saying way more. See why I am confused?? Haha.

 

[Anirban]

@Anirban and @Diesel
Thanks.

When I went to the lfs yesterday, the man said for the sump, mandatory things to have would be only the scimmer. A refugium if I want as well.

See he is saying just this, and you guys are saying way more. See why I am confused?? Haha.

In sump

1. Heater
2. Skimmer
3. Refugium chart
4. Light to grow chaeto
5. Return pump

LFS are good on advice but always double check as they generally more towards selling stuffs.

 

[Alex23]

In sump

1. Heater
2. Skimmer
3. Refugium chart
4. Light to grow chaeto
5. Return pump

LFS are good on advice but always double check as they generally more towards selling stuffs.

True haha. But this guy really did try to help me get an understanding of the tank setup.

So I also showed him a tank. Not an all-in-one. When he looked at it, he said he doesn't think it will work because it doesn't have room for filtration or something? He was saying if I wanted that, I would have to drill holes in it and run pipes, and he doesn't recommend doing this and I don't see myself drilling into tanks.
What kind of tank would be good then...? The one I showed him was just a corner tank from Petsmart or something.

Can you send me a link to a regular tank that would work? Nothing special, just an example :P What do you have also?