cancel the starphire - it isnt going to make a "MASSIVE OMG YOU CANT SEE THE ANYTHING IN THE TANK" difference, lol.
if you're on a budget cut the luxury items out. FYI you WILL NOT be able to build a setup for $1500 unless you buy someone else's setup used. A custom tank is the WORST thing you can buy when trying to save money.
I built a 45 gallon setup - hoping to only spend $1500... came close - $2500 LOL. But everything was new.
custom tank $350
eheim 1250 (used) - $60
two koralia 1050's - $100
ATI Sunpower (8x39) - $500 (you can buy a generic t5 unit for half that price though)
T5 bulbs - $160
Stand - $500 (you can build a crappy unfinished one for $100)
Sump with baffles (bought a generic tank and had baffles custom tank and diyed it) $100
plumbing - $100 (larger diameter = more expensive)
eco reefer rock (45lbs)and sand (80lbs) - $200
SWC Skimmer - $170
BRS DUAL REACTOR - $60
TUNZE ATO - $160 (luxury item - you can build your own for $50)
RKL with extra PC4 - $200 (optional but you will need a few timers so this may be a better option)
MAxijets 1200 for reactor + mixing = $50
2x Jager heaters (150w) - $60
doubt you will spend less than what i did. I live by the border so i didnt have to pay tax on half this stuff and everything is cheaper in the States. I probably have another $200 in misc crap lying around as well.
remember you still havent bought CARBON, GFO, pellets spare reactor, auto feeder for when you are away.
i just stocked my tank with fish - $600 - includes a few coral frags as well. Food is another $50.
if you buy crappy quality stuff you will end up replacing it with the good stuff - then you will have paid more than you initially though you would. Its an expensive hobby. If you wanna go cheap get a Biocube 14 and you will be in under a $1000 after you are done modding it
