Why not post a request in the Buy and Sell forum. Decide on what you want, and post it. Most reefers have enough stuff sitting around to set up a nano sysstem. I know I have enough to do a 10 gallon nano, and except for the tank I could do a 20H. I am sure you piece together a system by asking for specifics. :biggrin: :eek:

Loud is a relative term, I can hear water running etc but it's not like being at the beach on a windy day.
One thing you could do to save money is to keep your tank for the first part as a low light tank, a couple of fluorescent lights (marine glow etc) and you can keep mushrooms, sponges (although I wouldn't really recomend them for beginners) and a host of other lower light loving stuff.

The thing I don't like about used is, you can take a look at power heads etc, they look fine but they can die within a few hours, also people will tell you that something is in great shape, you drive over and find out "the last time I saw it it didn't have that big crack in it". Or, "wow lookie there lots of spider webs huh."

You can get a decent 33 gallon/50 gallon set up for close to your $500 budget if you keep your bioload low, (IE NO SKIMMER) keep your lighting needs low, and ask alot of questions before you buy stuff.

Thats my two cents worth.

Doug

why wouldn't you reccommend mushroom to beginers. After i year i am still a rank ametuer , some of my first bought mushrooms have propigated and are all over my tanks. Was so worried about getting clams cause i heard they were expensive and required pristine water. Well i got two for 30$ from a guy shutting down his tank and they are doing well, one has actually noticably grown. also heard manarine gobies were far above newbies well i have two of the fattest gobies i have ever seen -one in each tank. Read somewhere its tough to have two in the same tank true or false? Advice from one newbie to another - everyone talks about lighting, current, water chemistry, and water changes, my humble opinion is buy as much good live rock as you can afford or fit in your tank. And a thick substrate (lots of sand) is a good base to build on.

Sorry, should have been more clear. I wouldn't recommend sponges for beginners.

Doug