How much does it cost to set up a coral reef aquarium?
by Aquaboy on Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 | 4 Comments
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depends on what size a 29 gallon with fish cost me 200 dollars ( i had the tank already ) and possibly more with fish and corals along with a lamp for corals my total cost was about $ 400
Depends on the size. A nano tank (smaller than 20 gallons) will be cheaper, as there is no need for things like protein skimmers or sumps. Lighting will cost you around $200, sand is only a few dollars. Live Rock will cost about $5 a pound (about $50-$75 for a small tank). $20 for a powerhead to circulate water. $30 for salt. Most fish and corals run between $15 and $100.
Ther are some great how-tos that you should read if you are thinking about doing a reef tank. I’v elinked a couple below.
Setting up a reef aquarium can cost thousdands of dollars. If you do your homework and research you can shave a few bucks off.
Size does matter. Largertanks cost more.
Things that will eat up your budget.
Tank itself
Lights. You will need either VHO, metal Halide, or Power COmpact type lights. Even small systems these can cost over $100.00 For a larger system they can reach $1000.00
Protein Skimmer. It is vital to have this. Do not skimp, get the bets you can afford. PLan for 100 to 200 minimum for a normal size tank
Water Circulation. Reef tanks need water circulation. You could do with just powerheads, but often you will need more. Another couple of hundred.
Live rock. Again, $5 to 9 a pound delivered. Sand is cheaper.
So, for a 110 gallon tank, with 2 400 watt metal halid lights, a good skimmer, a 30 gallon sump, recirc pump, and some water flow pumps, the rock and sane, you ar elooking at a discounted price of $898.00. That was the cheapest I could come up wioth for a tank of this size. Plus add the cost of animals liek corals and fish, and add another $800.00
You could do a 12 gallon Nano reef for under $300.00
I suggest you invest first in BOOKS. Read them and answer many questions and avoid the common fist timer mistakes. I suggest the Reef Aquarium Series by C. Delbeeck and J. Sprung, and Aquarium Corals by Eric Borneman. There are many other good titles. Check your local library and save more money.
Also, the internet. http://www.reefcentral.com and www. reefs.org are very good sources for information. Both have a good set of forums with many knowledgeable people that can help you prevent ocmmon mistakes.
Take a look at Reefkeeping Magazine and Advanced Aquarist Magazine online. They have articles that will help introduce yourself to the hobby.
Good luck
well to put it in not so stupid long winded biogeeks words. ALOT! the tank alone will cost$$$$$$so will all the lights especially vho(very high outputs) and metal halides, chillers …for godsakes unless you are rollin in dough and can afford it go ahead i myself went a little at a time