Shopping for new complete set-up ... Ideas wanted...

[fishmaster]

[quote=Todd;288857]I think that he was talking about if the glass shop breaks the panel while drilling, they would cut and drill another panel.

Yah, that's what I was saying.

[phillybean]

DIY and buying used is half the fun (so far for me, all the fun).

My 75 gallon will be completed for about $1000 out of my pocket. That includes a 75, with a dart closed loop, 45 gallon sump, 2 x 175 MH, 88lbs live rock, 120lbs sand, RODI, salt, etc. Now I swung a few good deals to make that happen, but it's doable. Once it's done (should be running by end of January) and corals etc. are added, I think it will rival most "store bought" custom set ups.

Currently on the buy and sell forum, you can get a 125 gallon, with metal stand and lighting for $425. Get it drilled at a glass shop or drill it yourself (search RC). Add a calfo overflow. Skin the metal stand with ply wood, stain it, add doors. Buy a 55 gallon used tank, have a glass shop cut baffles to size. Pick up a used skimmer or a nice Octopus skimmer (cheap, but good). Get a closed loop, a mag 7 for return. And pick up two boxes of Fiji Live Rock from J&L.

$425 for Tank, Stand, Lights.
$100 for glass work
$200 for wood/stain
$300 for skimmer
$400 for closed loop
$75 for Mag 7
$600 for Live Rock
$200 for sand
$400 for metal haliades
$300 for misc & beer


Total of $3000 for a 125 gallon tank ready to go. I think I went over kill on some of the prices as well.

[cav~firez22]

Originally Posted by phillybean

DIY and buying used is half the fun (so far for me, all the fun).

My 75 gallon will be completed for about $1000 out of my pocket. That includes a 75, with a dart closed loop, 45 gallon sump, 2 x 175 MH, 88lbs live rock, 120lbs sand, RODI, salt, etc. Now I swung a few good deals to make that happen, but it's doable. Once it's done (should be running by end of January) and corals etc. are added, I think it will rival most "store bought" custom set ups.

Currently on the buy and sell forum, you can get a 125 gallon, with metal stand and lighting for $425. Get it drilled at a glass shop or drill it yourself (search RC). Add a calfo overflow. Skin the metal stand with ply wood, stain it, add doors. Buy a 55 gallon used tank, have a glass shop cut baffles to size. Pick up a used skimmer or a nice Octopus skimmer (cheap, but good). Get a closed loop, a mag 7 for return. And pick up two boxes of Fiji Live Rock from J&L.

$425 for Tank, Stand, Lights.
$100 for glass work
$200 for wood/stain
$300 for skimmer
$400 for closed loop
$75 for Mag 7
$600 for Live Rock
$200 for sand
$400 for metal haliades
$300 for misc & beer


Total of $3000 for a 125 gallon tank ready to go. I think I went over kill on some of the prices as well.

well, for starters, $300.00 for misc & Beer?
Why so little, I think you could make it $200 for a skimmer, and $400 for Misc and beer.

that evens it out a bit better.


Merry Christmas everyone.

[VFX]

Originally Posted by Myka

That's just silly. Tanks aren't expensive.

Some of the tanks suggested cost $400 upwards... that may not be expensive to you but I have no problems admitting it's expensive to me.

Also, would a tank really be under warranty if you crack it whilst trying to effect some DIY mods like drilling?

In any case, no need to say it's silly for not wanting to drop $400 if I crack a panel!?!?!

[Adanac00]

Hey VFX sent you a PM as i am another Chilliwack Resident looking to start a new Reef tank!

Kody

[phillybean]

Hah Cav, your right, 400 for misc and beer does sound better.

My tank will be set up and should be done cycling by March. Hopefully you'll have some frags for me

So Far the cheapest place in town I've seen for Frags is Pet City for 25 bucks each

[Myka]

Originally Posted by VFX

Also, would a tank really be under warranty if you crack it whilst trying to effect some DIY mods like drilling?

In any case, no need to say it's silly for not wanting to drop $400 if I crack a panel!?!?!

LOL! You won't crack a panel drilling it. Drilling it yourself voids warranty. Buy it pre-drilled with overflows, like an AGA Reef Ready. Put it on an AGA stand and voila...20 year warranty. Worth the $600-700 for the tank and stand if you ask me.

[pinhead]

Originally Posted by VFX

Some of the tanks suggested cost $400 upwards... that may not be expensive to you but I have no problems admitting it's expensive to me.

Boxing day sales coming up. Here's a link from my second favorite website - Redflagdeals. Big Al's has some good prices on new tanks.

120 gallon - $170

Biocube 8 for $99 also looks interesting
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/249/bigals01bd2.jpg
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/6323/bigals02gu7.jpg

[Tom R]

While some say that tanks are not expensive they do cost real money. However it is the stuff you put inside the tank and the stuff you support the than with which really cost the money.

Good luck on your quest.

Tom R

[VFX]

got this quote...

$800 120 gallon reef-ready tank
$400 Euro-Reef Skimmer
$400 Coral-life Calc Reactor kit
$1600 Giesmann Infiniti MH & T5 unit

Total: $3200 plus taxes

'Deal' with pumps, powers heads, sump & plumbing - $4500 plus taxes.

add 100lbs of LR, sand, salt etc. $800

So I'm looking at $6k taxes in before I've even got a stand or cabinet to house it all.

Wow, I got some saving up to do!

These prices sound in the right ballpark?

.