55gal. on a budget

MJaquariums · 02-18-2008, 03:13 PM

I'm going to get a 55 gal. from a friend, but sadly i have no money

So im trying to figure out the cheapest set-up that i could have with only... maybe 2 clownfish in the tank. This will hopefully only be temperary until i get some more money and can upgrade all the equipment, and add fish. I just don't want an empty tank sitting around in my room. I know i will of course need a heater, thermometer, ect. But im trying to figure out if i could get by on some stuff.Could you guys tell me some way to save alot of money (keeping in mind that ive never built anything involving glass or wood) or some stuff that i can do without just until i get enough money.

hng · 02-18-2008, 03:24 PM

Oh boy, that's a tough question. You're going to get a million different opinions on this. If this is only for fish, and no anemone, I would get:

aragonite sand (don't waste money on the live sand stuff)
few pieces of good looking live rock
about 20-40 pounds of base rock
Ebo Jager heater 150 watts
Penguin 350 Biowheel filter
Koralia 3 powerhead
Any cheap fluorescent (but not power compact) lighting

Add sand and base rock and live rock and let tank cycle for 2-3 weeks, then test water. If testing OK, add fish, if not, wait another 2-3 weeks and retest. This would not be ideal tank setup, but for some fish, it will do OK. An improvement would be to add a protein skimmer such as the coralife super skimmer or aqua c remora.

Nicco0315 · 02-18-2008, 04:09 PM

But be careful where you purchase your live rock from because it gets pretty pricey unless you shop around and it also depends on what type of live rock you choose. If your not in a rush keeping adding live rock in the tank until you have enough to satisfy your tank needs (meaning about 55 lbs). Just add about 10-15 lbs. of rock at first then when you have the money to spend add more. It worked for me. Just becareful on how much rock you add at one time because your parameter might go up. Then after your done adding your live rock check all your parameters to make sure you can start adding your fish. Patience is the key.

MJaquariums · 02-18-2008, 04:09 PM

Correct me if i'm wrong but i thought a Penguin 350 Biowheel filter or other filters like that are bad for a saltwater tank

Nicco0315 · 02-18-2008, 04:12 PM

I have had a penguin biowheel for a filter and have had great success with one. It's an easy salution till you are ready to upgrade and have the funds for an upgrade IMO.

hng · 02-18-2008, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJaquariums

Correct me if i'm wrong but i thought a Penguin 350 Biowheel filter or other filters like that are bad for a saltwater tank

It's not bad, in fact a biowheel works GREAT for a marine tank. It's only problem is that it may work too well in converting ammonia to nitrate. If you have a fish only tank, that's not a huge deal since fish can tolerete much higher levels of nitrate than corals. Also, keep in mind that the spirit of the recommendation was to get you a functioning system for the least amount of money. If you got more money, lemme know...I'll help you spend it quick!

MJaquariums · 02-18-2008, 04:25 PM

oh, thanks for clearing that one up for meI told you im a newbe to saltwater tanks

snow_man84088 · 02-18-2008, 04:43 PM

You are on the right path by coming here to ask questions. The one thing that someone told me when i first joined this forum and I will always remember it is, "Nothing good ever happens fast in saltwater tanks" So be patient if you decide to start one and it will pay off.

Doug1 · 02-18-2008, 07:58 PM

Where is Byron,Mn? I know there are at least 3-4 marine aquarium clubs in Minnesota. I would see who's closest and hang out on their club forums. May be able to get a good deal on rock and lighting as well as a lot of great advice from someone who's done it.
If you can get someones old Live rock and have the patience to let it cure properly you might save a ton. Besides someone might make you a nice deal on a skimmer thats more than enough for your 55g cause they upgraded

MJaquariums · 02-21-2008, 09:23 PM

Thanks for the help, any other money saving tips???

Hop · 02-21-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJaquariums

Thanks for the help, any other money saving tips???

Get out now while you are ahead

Caball362 · 02-21-2008, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hop

Get out now while you are ahead

Jnicho · 02-21-2008, 09:36 PM

Here is my 55G LPS/Softy tank that I did on a budget...I have about $1500 in it so far!

A lot of that cost is of course live stock, but I did lots of DIY projects too. I've been keeping various tanks for over 20 years so I had some pretty good ideas how/where to cut corners. Unfortunate many of the ideas I implemented required a good knowledge of the hobby to be successful and would not lend themselves too well to someone new to the hobby.