Hello. New here!

[SandManAtlc]

Hello all. For about 10 years I've been into freshwater tanks. I loved growing mini sword-tail carpets etc. I've always wanted a saltwater aquarium. While the idea of keeping strictly fish is cool and all, I'd like to try my best to reproduce what you see in the wild. So I've decided to go with a reef tank. I have The Modern Coral Reef Aquarium volumes 1-3 along with other books, but not many of them go a whole lot into detail on diy cost. I was wondering what it would cost to have an acryllic tank built to hold, say, 300-400 gallons. Also, building my own sump, light fictures etc. Or would it just be worth buying them pre-made? I guess I'm wondering if all this is realistic for me right now, or if I should just shoot for something smaller. Thank you so much in advance, and you guys have a wonderfull site going on here!

[six.line]

Welcome to ReefCentral. I'm sure someone will post a big zooming fish. :D

As far as the books go, that's great. The more you read, the more you get confused. ;)

Seriously, lots of people with lots of knowledge and lots of people with no knowledge will very often disagree. While I'm sure that the guy who does everything unorthodox surely does have a nice tank, the odds of it working for you are small. Take your time and read as much as you can, and form your own opinions. :) Be patient.

Custom made tank pricing is beyond me. I really think it depends on where you go and who you talk to. It would make sense (at least to me) to have someone local make it. Shipping on anything that big would mean seriously dollars.

Starting big is great if you have the cash. Big tanks mean big margin of error. My little 15gal nano has given me a few problems in the month I've had it up, and I imagine it would be easier to deal with everything with a larger tank. It's completely up to you. Bear in mind that through live rock alone, you'll spend anywhere from $1500 - $2000 for a 300 gallon tank. Then you have sand, lighting (don't skimp there!) and other equipment.

Your best bet (my opinion) is to read and plan. I mean seriously put it on paper and stick with it. I'm sure you'll find many other opinions. :D

Good luck with your tank.

[Andrew]

[welcome]

[scrmbld33]

what is your planned budget?

[Rjukan]

Lol hi Sand, wild how many similarities there are between our information huh? 10years fresh, pond, then the biggie: land surveyor.

I dont really know how much building a tank of that size with acrylic, but building a nice sump/fuge is pretty easy to do and much less expensive then buying premade, more then 50% less in most cases. In the DIY forums there might be a few threads that will answer some of your cost questions. There are a few good cell cast acrylic distributers online, I was very happy with Delvies Plastic.

Off topic question here but do you all use the HP48 GX still or have moved on to the HP49 G+?

[six.line]

Real men (engineers, I mean) use TI. :D

[SandManAtlc]

Off topic question here but do you all use the HP48 GX still or have moved on to the HP49 G+?

GPT-8200 with the TDS Recon. Just recently we trashed the SMI software. We are just a small business in the Atlanta area. We have three field crews at the moment. Cant wait till we get GPS one day.

[smilinteddy]

Do check out the resources on wetwebmedia.com. Great FAQ's on everything from livestock selection to setup, to some DIY resources.

The Conceintious Marine Aquarist by Bob Fenner is a great book, as are the books by Anthony Calfo. Those you'll have to buy or locate at a local library... but the website is great because just like reefcentral, it's free :).

It's just useful because you can search the FAQ's and get some instantaneous info.

[boodwah]

Sandman,
I saw some people in a thread on here talking about Water Cages in Dickson, TN the other day. I was researching on here for info regarding restarting my old saltwater hobby. Well, I visited the factory and ended up bringing home a 90 Gal with stand, cap, a 30 gallon sump/refugium, Bio-Balls, overflow, and glass tops. It cost me less than $800, $860 with the confisicatory Tennessee sales tax. The glass is very thick compared to some of the others I have seen. The stand and cap are unfinished, which is how I wanted it because we can match it to our furniture.
He makes all sizes and custom makes tanks to fit any space or budget. And he is a very nice guy to deal with. He builds tanks for many zoos and aquariums throughout North America. You can Google Glass Cages if you want to find out more. But I am very happy so far. Now, to look up the info on plumbing and setting up my sumpifuge.

[snakeklr]

[welcome]

[Norboo]

[welcome]

[Mrs.kbmdale]

SandMan,
<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>


Ok, nobody's done it yet so I will :) Here are some VERY informative and useful links to get ya started. Hope ya find some of them helpful. Good Luck,

PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE.... is the KEY to this WONDERFUL hobby! ;)


Links:
Helpful Dictionary (http://www.reefcorner.com/dictionary.htm)
Lighting the Reef Tank: A Primer for Beginners (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-08/dw/index.php)
Alright Newbie; Let's shed some light on this subject. (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=550860)
Thoughts on Reef Aquarium Lighting...by Anthony Calfo (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-08/ac/feature/index.php)
So you got a new fish tank Newbie (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=239848)
An Introduction to Substrate Choices (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=732378)
Reef Aquarium Water Parameters w/ Randy Holmes-Farley (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php)
Filter this Through that Thick Skull of Your's-Newbie!! (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=707105)
Bunch 'O Stickies (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1337387#post1337387)


Most of all, remember, this is a hobby- YOUR hobby- so HAVE FUN, and Happy Reefing :D


Brianna:rollface: