The reef tank on a budget

[terrypercula]

First I'd like to start off with this, this is a thread with one purpose, to show while it is an expensive hobby with some extra work you do not need to blow the bank to enjoy a piece of the ocean.

Background to this whole idea:
I am in the process of moving. At the new place sits my temporary holding tank a 20long that I picked up for $20 at a $1 per gallon sale. Once the 40 is back up the 20 long shall be turned into the reef on a budget tank. Now here's the inspiration on the tank. A friend of mine wants to do a tank but was looking into equipment and just got scared away. So I bet him I can wow him within his budget. Along the way I will show him the process of setting up a tank, teach him about basic water chemistry, lighting, filtration etc...

I figured since I'm doing it anyway why not document the process for other people with the same mindset.

As of right now the equipment list is short.
Standard 20 long
HOB filter
Not even at $50 yet.
Currently have my eyes on a light and we'll see what happens from there.

Should be an interesting experiment and I hope everyone who follows along enjoys the process.

[hellfish01]

im interested to see were this will go!

[Zeal0t]

I like the concept. I have sacred friends off with price tags before, so I will show them your progress and see if they will give it another go.

[terrypercula]

A light is officially been purchased.30" Aquatic life 4 bulb T5 with fairly new bulbs for $120 shipped. Now you could probably go a little cheaper but I've used these fixtures before and they are pretty good quality so I went with what I was comfortable with and what I know could keep any coral.

[terrypercula]

im interested to see were this will go!

Me too haha

I like the concept. I have sacred friends off with price tags before, so I will show them your progress and see if they will give it another go.

It's easy to get scared off. ATI has fixtures out there for $1300 plus, Radions over $600, even nice halide fixtures aren't cheap. However using the used market and working with local reefers you can save a lot of money and still put together a quality reef.

[idisc]

Just wondering why you chose to use the t5 instead of an LED like the 165watt on ebay for 90$. I am upgrading my 10 to a 20 tomorrow and trying to figure out which light to use on it.

I know the 165watt on ebay is supposed to cover 24", but with some lps on the sides or softies I think it is the best bet. Let me know your thoughts and your bulb choice on the t5.

[terrypercula]

Just wondering why you chose to use the t5 instead of an LED like the 165watt on ebay for 90$. I am upgrading my 10 to a 20 tomorrow and trying to figure out which light to use on it.

I know the 165watt on ebay is supposed to cover 24", but with some lps on the sides or softies I think it is the best bet. Let me know your thoughts and your bulb choice on the t5.

Both have pros and cons. I guess the main reason I went with the aquatic life fixture is my previous experience with them plus the built in timers which will be easier for me on my weird work schedule. I could have ran a standard house timer on the eBay LED as well too.

The LED fixtures off eBay are powerful as hell, I could easily have covered 30" and just hung it higher and turned it up a little more. Less heat and no bulb changes is nice but those particular fixtures have very little control compared to higher end LED fixtures. My go to Budget LED would probably be the Reef Breeders Photon series. A 24 would give me decent control and enough power for the 20 long all for $329. While that's good value for money I wouldn't consider it a budget light per say.

The Aquatic Life fixtures give you a lot for your money and they are real quality fixtures. The negatives of course are the bulb changes do add up at $20 a bulb every 9 months or so which is when I typically change out T5's.

Bulb combos I like personally are ATI blue plus(2) purple plus(1) coral plus(1)

[terrypercula]

I forgot to ask are you running a standard 20(24" long) or a 20 long (30" long)?

[idisc]

Basic 20L 30"
2x Hydor 425
Marineland 200 HoB (Floss, Carbon, Purigen)
50watt heater (May need to bump up to a 100watt)
Lighting (2x Par38 + 1x 3x actinic solar flare) - Not enough to cover the entire 30" which is why I'm thinking of a new lighting system.

Currently have 13lbs cured LR with a lot of coralline on it I will be transferring. Will purchase about 7-10 more lbs from store today. As much as I would like to transfer all my sand I am not sure it is the best idea. I might just use a few cups of my current sand and a 20lb bag of new live sand.

[Fishy 1]

Hey Dave, great idea starting a thread like this as with your skills I'm sure you can show people you don't need to blow big bucks on a very pretty reef. I'll certainly be following this one with keen interest.:)

[terrypercula]

Basic 20L 30"
2x Hydor 425
Marineland 200 HoB (Floss, Carbon, Purigen)
50watt heater (May need to bump up to a 100watt)
Lighting (2x Par38 + 1x 3x actinic solar flare) - Not enough to cover the entire 30" which is why I'm thinking of a new lighting system.

Currently have 13lbs cured LR with a lot of coralline on it I will be transferring. Will purchase about 7-10 more lbs from store today. As much as I would like to transfer all my sand I am not sure it is the best idea. I might just use a few cups of my current sand and a 20lb bag of new live sand.

That sounds like a good set up. How long has the 10 been set up?

[terrypercula]

Hey Dave, great idea starting a thread like this as with your skills I'm sure you can show people you don't need to blow big bucks on a very pretty reef. I'll certainly be following this one with keen interest.:)

Thank you. I'm well within budget so far lol still need rock sand and a power head. Just for an initial set up. Also have a little time before I get the 40 up so there's no rush.

[idisc]

Just over 3 months. Running out of room for coral. Might turn it into a frag tank.

[G_Sanab922]

Nice choice of lighting either way. But did you consider a DIY LED fixture? I've seen them put together for around $50 with CREE Bulbs..

[terrypercula]

Nice choice of lighting either way. But did you consider a DIY LED fixture? I've seen them put together for around $50 with CREE Bulbs..

I certainly could have gone that route. I think it is important to note there are a lot of options for someone on a budget especially if you're a hardcore DIYer.

[G_Sanab922]

I certainly could have gone that route. I think it is important to note there are a lot of options for someone on a budget especially if you're a hardcore DIYer.

True, lots of options. Anyways following along here!

[terrypercula]

Now let's talk power heads for this tank. Just like any reef you need good circulation. In a mixed reef I tend to shoot for 30-50x turnover. Which means I want at least 600gph-1000gph and I could even do up to 1200gph but wouldn't really want to due to the mix of corals I plan on adding. So let's look at some options.

Ecotech Vortech MP10-while I use the ecotech line of pumps on my main tank due to their superior controllability and small footprint they are far from what I would consider a good choice for a budget reef. So it would seem due to cost the Vortech(and any Tunze options) are out of the running.

Hydor Koralia-I've used Koralia pumps several tines over the years. Mix their overall build quality and quiet operation along with magnet held pumps all at a very affordable price tag they're always a good option.

Maxijets-while cheap and a good utility pump to have floating around the suction cups are HORRIBLE, they aren't built the best and frankly they're just bad. For me they are out of the running.

Jebao WP10-I have said some bad things about these pumps, I've been hard on them but that was within the context of them as overall quality and how they compare to the Tunze and Ecotech products. In that context I still maintain they don't hold a candle to the higher end pumps BUT they're not supposed to. I've always said that they were the PERFECT power head for a tank on the budget. A little bit of controllability for a good price makes it my choice for the reef on a budget.

[G_Sanab922]

I've used koralias with no problem. And so has a friend of mine. Definitely good choice when on a budget.

Be careful when hitting 1000ghp and over. If you are putting sand it might stir up the sand. That's what happened when I used my 1150 koralia in my 20g. Just something to consider from my experience.

[terrypercula]

I've used koralias with no problem. And so has a friend of mine. Definitely good choice when on a budget.

Be careful when hitting 1000ghp and over. If you are putting sand it might stir up the sand. That's what happened when I used my 1150 koralia in my 20g. Just something to consider from my experience.

Very true. I think my oldest koralias are on 5 years. Awesome pumps.

[Fishy 1]

I'm just about to order a jebao wp25 for my shallow tank build, I look forward to seeing how the wp10 goes for you:)

[terrypercula]

I'm just about to order a jebao wp25 for my shallow tank build, I look forward to seeing how the wp10 goes for you:)

I've played with the 25 and 40 before. My 40 was insanely loud and big, on else mode you could hear it three rooms away. The 25 was a lot smaller and near silent but the controller wasn't working properly after a week. With some better quality control I wouldn't have a problem giving Jebao good word. Honestly despite the control on the Jebao the reliability almost makes me want to go Hydor instead because I just haven't had luck with Jebao as a company. I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't go Jebao here though because honestly as I said they are perfect if you're on a budget.

[darienreefs]

Interested in this thread. I have started saltwater tanks on a budget and they never worked now that I'm starting to get better equipment I'm having better success. A pair of koralias and a smart wave is a good way to go. Use them on my 30 breeder and love them.

[terrypercula]

Interested in this thread. I have started saltwater tanks on a budget and they never worked now that I'm starting to get better equipment I'm having better success. A pair of koralias and a smart wave is a good way to go. Use them on my 30 breeder and love them.

There really is a balance to be struck here between budgeting and still getting at least decent quality stuff. I'm a big believer in the phrase "you get what you pay for" but as this hobby grows it's getting easier and easier to make due with less. Also as it grows an more people male changes you can find yourself some really good equipment for a fraction of the price. The same goes with livestock, doing something like join local reef clubs and getting into trading can land you some cool stuff you may have never gotten otherwise.

[Hentz]

I'm starting to think you're the new Hentz ;)

[terrypercula]

I'm starting to think you're the new Hentz ;)

Lol there's an excuse for this one.

[terrypercula]

Light came in today. Just as I expected it to be, easy control, well built all for a budget price.

http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b625/David_Korn/IMG_20140903_131737_678_zps79757588.jpg

http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b625/David_Korn/IMG_20140903_131746_211_zps46c07a64.jpg

[DoubleM 10]

Light came in today. Just as I expected it to be, easy control, well built all for a budget price.

http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b625/David_Korn/IMG_20140903_131737_678_zps79757588.jpg

http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b625/David_Korn/IMG_20140903_131746_211_zps46c07a64.jpg

i really like that light fixute. i had 2 of them. a 36" one and a 48" one. great product. good choice IMO. looks like you are doing well

[terrypercula]

i really like that light fixute. i had 2 of them. a 36" one and a 48" one. great product. good choice IMO. looks like you are doing well

I have a little experience with them before as well. I've seen nothing but good reviews and for the price I couldn't pass it up. I know it'll get the job done and keep anything I want in the tank.

[Fishy 1]

That looks like a very nice light for the price. Let's see a shot of the tank and all the gear Dave:thumbsup:

[terrypercula]

That looks like a very nice light for the price. Let's see a shot of the tank and all the gear Dave:thumbsup:

Right now it's a holding center lol I'll get pics of the real budget tank once it's going

[Fishy 1]

Right now it's a holding center lol I'll get pics of the real budget tank once it's going
Haha, sounds good. What are your plans for corals are you going softie/ LPS dominant?

[Booboobear259]

Cool thread. Updates?

[terrypercula]

Cool thread. Updates?

Not much. As of right now ordering the pump and I'm around an estimated $250 I'm kind of guessing on rock because it's rock I've had around. MP10 is on it now which is a very un-budget like pump lol that will be on to bigger better things in the future.

[terrypercula]

Super far away pick with aquatic life blues going ha

http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b625/David_Korn/IMG_20140908_204736_537_zps82e9ff70.jpg

[Booboobear259]

Looks good so far can't wait to see the finished project

[azdiver]

I'M tagging along , can't wait to see how this turns out in the end

[terrypercula]

Couple first impressions(sort of because I've had Jebao pumps before just not the 10) It would seem the smaller the Jebao pumps the better they are. The footprint of the 10 is much more acceptable compared to the 25, 40 and 60 which are obnoxiously big. The 10 is still much of the same when it cones to a few other factors though. Controllability-the ability to pulse or run constant is still controllable however the speed settings are still seemingly useless. Noise-still a little rattle and vibration but all in all much much quieter than the 25 or 40. I'll give it more time and a full review.

http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b625/David_Korn/IMG_20140916_131557_740_zps8kqt5wrj.jpg (http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/David_Korn/media/IMG_20140916_131557_740_zps8kqt5wrj.jpg.html)

http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b625/David_Korn/IMG_20140916_131650_711_zpsxkspvzjq.jpg (http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/David_Korn/media/IMG_20140916_131650_711_zpsxkspvzjq.jpg.html)

[Masedaddy]

I get my Jebao stuff through a LFS which gets them through a US Supplier. THe LFS offers a 1 yr warranty. I have had several Jebao Wavemakers all have worked very well. The only thing I didn't like was the night mode diode that I felt was an after thought on the manufacturers side. It was just to finicky for my liking. Right now I run 2 WP-10's on my 29 gallon SPS heavy reef. They work just fine for me. I did have one that sounded like the impeller was askew. So I just took it back to the LFS and it was replaced no questions asked.... I find they work well for the money. I am thinking of selling the 2 Wp-10's and going to 1 RW-8. It is the new model and because I am a SPS heavy tank I need a lot of flow.

I'm interested in your build on a budget, I too built my 29 gallon on a budget but there are certain things I couldn't help but buy a quality product.

If you are looking for a decent skimmer for your budget build I will suggest the SC Aquariums skimmers. I have the SCA-301 on my 29 gallon and it has performed flawlessly. It cost me 79 bucks from the manufacturer including the pump.

[terrypercula]

I get my Jebao stuff through a LFS which gets them through a US Supplier. THe LFS offers a 1 yr warranty. I have had several Jebao Wavemakers all have worked very well. The only thing I didn't like was the night mode diode that I felt was an after thought on the manufacturers side. It was just to finicky for my liking. Right now I run 2 WP-10's on my 29 gallon SPS heavy reef. They work just fine for me. I did have one that sounded like the impeller was askew. So I just took it back to the LFS and it was replaced no questions asked.... I find they work well for the money. I am thinking of selling the 2 Wp-10's and going to 1 RW-8. It is the new model and because I am a SPS heavy tank I need a lot of flow.

I'm interested in your build on a budget, I too built my 29 gallon on a budget but there are certain things I couldn't help but buy a quality product.

If you are looking for a decent skimmer for your budget build I will suggest the SC Aquariums skimmers. I have the SCA-301 on my 29 gallon and it has performed flawlessly. It cost me 79 bucks from the manufacturer including the pump.

I agree for the money they're awesome. I mean this thing was $45 shipped for a fully controllable pump. Once you take the money out of the equation I'm not sold enough on them to run on my main tanks. Budget reef or a frag tank or FOWLR though I wouldn't hesitate to run them. I hear the RW's are far more controllable and the power can legitimately be turned down. If that's the case and they can prove their reliability to me then maybe I'd consider them for my main tanks.

[terrypercula]

If anyone is curious about the delay on getting this thing really going here's why...

http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b625/David_Korn/IMG_148291932488887_zpsudlzgjc6.jpeg (http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/David_Korn/media/IMG_148291932488887_zpsudlzgjc6.jpeg.html)

I just had my boy last week!

[Masedaddy]

Awesome!

[Fishy 1]

That's awesome Dave, congratulations on the new frag:)

[Booboobear259]

Congrats

[terrypercula]

This thread has taken a huge backseat to my biocube thread but I do have good news for everyone. My friend did love the tank and it made him want to set up his own. My budget tank has been broken down and his has been set up and cycled. I upgraded my RO/DI and he's buying my old one, he's buying the T5 fixture that I used, he'll have some overhang because he's only doing a 10 gallon. He went with a Hydor over the Jebao. After seeing my Jebao in action initially he was impressed after hearing me constantly complain about it he slowly lost interest and figured it wasn't worth the $50 I got it for. I got him into some good habbits, weekly water changes and such. Now he's really excited to load it up with corals aND already thinking about future upgrades. I'll have some pictures for everyone as soon as I see the tank next. :thumbsup:

[terrypercula]

Here's his tank. Actually just got back from the LFS so some things aren't open yet.
http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b625/David_Korn/20150122_213146_zpswexgikys.jpg (http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/David_Korn/media/20150122_213146_zpswexgikys.jpg.html)