I really want a reef tank...

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Let me tell you this...your tank is doable for much less than that.

Yes, its going to be expensive, but you can cut corners, especially with softies.

As you grow, and your knowledge, wants, and needs do, you can continue to upgrade your system.

Things you will want for a softie tank:

Lights...MH probably with depth like this...3x 400w would be nice, but...im sure there is an AT fixture that would work for much less money. Aquatraders fixtures are more than good enough for a beginner to grow any softie that their little heart desires.

Heater.

A couple skimmers...you can get 2x of the 150g rated AquaC remoras...and that would probably work. I am a fan of oversized skimmers, but you could get away with this until you sumped your system and put a mega skimmer in it.

LR, aragonite, salt...and you are off to the races.

I dont even use reef crystals on my pred/macro/softie tank...and get great growth out of everything.

Yes...I have droped $1500 on a 75g in less than 3 months (it was a running system) as I mentioned earlier today. Could I have grown (And did I grow?) softies without this stuff? Yes.

You dont need half of that stuff to grow softies. I would say you could probably set this up fairly nicely for under $2k if you already have the tank and stand.
 
Marry me, Fleshy.

Thank you for the link, fishman. 3 of these on this 300 gallon would do? Just by itself? /n00b

This tank, isn't mine yet...But will run me $500. So, I could expect to spend anywhere between 2-3k on the startup? It has skimmers, sump, pumps and all the like. Personally, the best part of setting up a tank is aquascaping :D Im planning on getting 300-350lbs of live rock...And then SLOWLY....very slowly, adding soft corals after getting 3 metal halide lights...
 
Am I correct?
 
Lance, I cant marry you. But I can help you set up this fish tank. :D

Get me some specifics on EXACTLY what you are getting with this tank. As of right now, it sounds like a great deal! Once I know that I can give you a better adjusted price with what I would replace, and what else I would get to make your setup great for softies.

I would think that 3x 400w MH on that tank would work great...in fact you could probably grow whatever you wanted to in there. Those are some really nice lamps, and if you can afford them, go for it.
 
Another thing...be careful with live rock.

Its better to order lets say 200# and then go to local stores and buy pieces you can see, and have plans for in your tank.

For example you set up the basework, and then pick up ledges ect, nice piece that will make your aquascape exactly what you want it from stores.
 
I can definitely afford them...It'll just take time, I guess. I could have a temporary lighting system until I order the corals, so I could grow out some coralline algae and get the tank balanced.

One other question....This 4 striped damsel in my 36g....If I add him in after the 300g is set up with other fish in it...He won't get all macho macho and take out my $100 fish? :grinno:

And I already bought the ring...So...Too bad.
/wedding music
 
Alright...I haven't found a single LFS other than petco(...Which doesn't count imo.)
within about 30 miles of me...And being 14 with no drivers permit doesn't help.
 
Take the ring back, and get some money for this fish tank!

Ordering fish online might be a better choice. You will also get a gurantee on your SW fish, which you wont get from petco. I might go that route, especially if you know exactly what you are going to stock, you can get it all in one go, and probably get free shipping.

I would add the large damsel after everything else was settled into your new tank.
 
:( Ok...Fine.

Yeah...I'll probably get non-live stuff from petco. Salt mix and sand....

Are you kidding me? Large damsel? He's like...an inch long maybe. He still managed to kill off 6 other damsels (some of them a fair bit bigger than him)

I love him for that, so I want to keep him :D
 
Keep him, just add him last.

Look to fosters and smith aquatics for your salt. Their prices are MUCH cheaper than petcos, and they offer flat rate shipping, which is on EVERYTHING Im pretty sure. Do one big order of dry goods, help a small town business grow, and get better prices at that!
 
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