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View Full Version : $350 Reef Contest!!


thefuture
02/15/2006, 11:53 PM
who can make a reef (drygoods) for 350$ or less including all the bare essententials to keep corals and fish. you can explain your method of filtration & lighting and why you choose that method and why its effective. if you think you can make a cheap but yet effective reef, show us what you have. at the end, reef-central readers will decide on the best reef. may the best win!!!

ps. experienced reefers show your skill and beat these newbs

brad23
02/15/2006, 11:55 PM
Newb

thefuture
02/15/2006, 11:57 PM
what?

Petie
02/15/2006, 11:58 PM
No tank size restrictions?

Dubbin1
02/16/2006, 12:01 AM
37g cube all done for under $350 including the 250w Hamilton MH pendent. Finding quality used equipment is the trick. Just need to finish the stand :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v465/dubbin1/pict3081.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v465/dubbin1/mreel.jpg

acroporid23
02/16/2006, 12:22 AM
nicely done i think i spent around 350 for just my 65 gallon tank LOL

thefuture
02/16/2006, 12:29 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6752730#post6752730 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Petie
No tank size restrictions?

yes no tank restriction

tkeracer619
02/16/2006, 12:29 AM
my powerbill for my tank over a 3 month period is 350 bucks.

thefuture
02/16/2006, 12:30 AM
Dubbin1 nice tank.
can u list your drygoods please?

thefuture
02/16/2006, 12:51 AM
i forgot to mention that all equipment have to be brand new at retail price. it wouldnt be a chalenge now would it if you cna just use old stuff

Fmellish
02/16/2006, 12:54 AM
I'm over $7,000 after 3 months into project.

Dubbin1
02/16/2006, 12:55 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6753032#post6753032 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thefuture
i forgot to mention that all equipment have to be brand new at retail price. it wouldnt be a chalenge now would it if you cna just use old stuff

Oh so now you're changing the rules :rolleyes: :p

gfk
02/16/2006, 12:55 AM
unpossible....... if it has to be new... i mean i could have a fish only with live rock for under 350 bucks.

2 powerheads, a heater, a hob filter, 100 bucks worth of live rock, and a crappy light, thatd be way under, but the tank would suck

Dubbin1
02/16/2006, 01:03 AM
It is very possible. Just grab a 12g nano cube ($100), Some rock ($50) and a heater ($20). Add a few corals and you have a reef tank for under $350.

JmLee
02/16/2006, 03:20 AM
i could do with even less! a 2 gallon fish bowl, Sand, like 2 small / medium pieces of cured LR, air pump, natural sunlight and 1- 1/4 cup water change every 2-3 days. oh yeah.. maybe a heater.

Andrew
02/16/2006, 06:02 AM
My may be able to do a 29 gallon tank for under $350. Just find used equipment, liverock from someones who breaking down their tank, used lights, ect and you'll be good.

thefuture
02/17/2006, 09:56 PM
anyone else?

Martin's Reef
02/17/2006, 10:05 PM
Has to be all NEW equipment?

The Reefer91
02/17/2006, 10:12 PM
are they suppost to be our tanks? or just ideas?

minimalist
02/17/2006, 10:13 PM
I'm under $350.00 before shipping. All brand new equipment...

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=779447

The Reefer91
02/17/2006, 11:01 PM
here's under 300$: 20g tank 30$. Visi-therm heater 15$. coralife 24"PC 2 36watt light 60$. coralife superskimmer 88$ 10lbs live rock from LFS 50$. instant ocean salt 20$. Top fin powerfilter for mechnical filtration 12$. sand 20$

:)

NCreefwannabe
02/18/2006, 12:10 AM
Its very possible, but with used products lol.

JmLee
02/18/2006, 12:53 AM
you definitley arent gona get a SPS reef tank outa that.

thefuture
02/18/2006, 01:11 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6767931#post6767931 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Reefer91
are they suppost to be our tanks? or just ideas?

doesnt matter, aslong as its under 350$ and its all new stuff. lol

jeffbrig
02/18/2006, 01:19 AM
Feel free to pick this apart:

55g tank $75 (LFS)
2 ARO VHO ballasts w/4 48" bulbs - $170 (hellolights)
Sequence Cimarron for closed loop over the back - $100 (recent sale at azponds)
Bucket & hose- $5
Siphon and water change daily using nsw - $0
------------------------------------------
Total: $350

Assumptions:
- climate controlled house, no need to heat/cool tank
- tank placed on a piece of sturdy furniture
- near enough to ocean to get nsw

:D :D :D

That's 440watts of light and 55x turnover, should be good enough for some SPS. The ARO AS-220 is an absolute steal for VHOs on tanks up to 48". The Sequence Cimarron is sold as a fw pump, but I spoke with someone at sequence who said the seal isn't their best but CAN be used in sw (In fact, they sent me a Cimarron loaner right now while my normal pump is in for repair, it's working great).

Another option would be to drop one of the VHO ballasts, and use the extra $85 to pick up a small skimmer.

JmLee
02/18/2006, 01:26 AM
what about filtration? no skimmer?.

reefshadow
02/18/2006, 01:44 AM
What's the deal with this anyhoo?

Does the winner get $350.00 or just the eternal fame and undying devotion of legions of adoring fans?

The rules seem kinda shakey

(scratches head)

:)

Edit- Weird, this is my 350th post. I think I should win by default.

ratherbediving
02/18/2006, 02:34 AM
I would try for a low light reef-- you would keep xenia, mushrooms, other low light stuff that can tolerate relatively high nitrates. Live rock will be a big part of the filtration...

55 gallon tank --$60 at LFS

48" dual bulb flourescent fixture -- $83
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=23843;category_id=1853;pcid1=1843;pcid2=

Seaclone protein skimmer ($65)
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22453;category_id=3203;pcid1=;pcid2=

(no idea if this thing works... maybe better off with just a HOB filter)

2 Seio 820 power heads ($100)
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=30545;category_id=3871;pcid1=2181;pcid2=

Heater 200 watt visi therm ($16)

6$ Hydrometer...
$330.. leaves $20 for test kits...

Pineapple House
02/18/2006, 04:25 AM
Yes, it would be possible to setup a reeftank for under $350.00. This, as you already meantioned, would get you the bare essentials but nothing else. Here's a quick list below:
12 gallon Eclipse Aquarium :$150.00
---Includes some Filtration (Carbon, Sponge and Pad) and Lighting

15lbs Livesand: $15.00

15lbs Liverock: $30.00

Extra Maxi-Jet Powerhead: $15.00

Test Kits:
Nitrate: $10.00
Nitrite: $10.00
Ammonia: $10.00
pH: 10.00
Hydrometer: $7.00

Heater: $15.00

Thermometer: $2.00

Salt Mix: $20.00

Having all of the above add up to only $284...Priceless! ;)

The total cost for the above would be $284 which would give you some extra money to upgrade the lighting system on the tank to some power compacts. You should be under $350.00 when the lighting is completed.

But my question is why would you want to be so cheap with an aquarium? Sure, it can be done, but why? What I explained above was merely just the items that needed to be listed. I'm not even going to go into the cost of water changes, cooling, fans, a sump, a skimmer, additives, the monthly cost of electricity, fish, corals, fish food, etc. If you're serious about getting into a reef aquarium, save up enough to be able to purchase quality equipment which will last you for years.

On a side note, my electricity bill alone is around $220.00 per month not including the water bill for the RO/DI...I'm almost afraid to look at that :eek:

Graham

know-it-all
02/18/2006, 07:47 AM
does it need to be sustained for any period of time?

10 gal ($10)
20"pc lights ($80)
Maxijet pH ($17)
Hydro-flow ($17)
10 gal saltwater from LFS ($15)
live-rock 10-15 pounds of good size
1-2 pounds rubble ($100)
your total so far is $239

that leaves $111 for corals and fish

jeffbrig
02/18/2006, 09:15 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6768892#post6768892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JmLee
what about filtration? no skimmer?.

If you keep a low bioload, i.e. just corals, you can keep a tank without skimming or filtration. LR will process ammonia, and frequent water changes would keep nitrates in check. Yes, it would be a TON of work keeping up with the water changes, but it could be done.

Keep in mind, I didn't set the ridiculous price requirement, I'm just throwing out possibilities. Personally, I would never choose to run my own tank without a skimmer. I'm just playing the game.

ACBlinky
02/18/2006, 09:25 AM
Prices are rounded, but here you go:

5.5g tank - $15
80W PC fixture - $100
small PH - free with salt
small HOB filter - $15
sand - $15
bucket - free with LFS purchase
mini siphon - $5
live rock (8lbs) - $50
Mag-Float - $5
salt - $30 (Boxing Day special on IO)
heater - $20
frags
- zoas - $5
- leather - $30
- Xenia - free (from my other tank)
- torch $10
- bleached brain - $10
GSP - free
candycane - free
fish
- Ocellaris clown $10
- clown goby $20
macroalgae - free
snails - $5
hermits - $5

Total: $350

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a21/ACBlinky/PicoFeb18.jpg

thefuture
02/18/2006, 09:29 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6768947#post6768947 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefshadow
What's the deal with this anyhoo?

Does the winner get $350.00 or just the eternal fame and undying devotion of legions of adoring fans?

The rules seem kinda shakey

(scratches head)

:)

Edit- Weird, this is my 350th post. I think I should win by default.

No the winner doesnt get 350$, they just get the eternal fame and undying devotion of legions of adoring fans. congratulations on youur 350th post! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

thefuture
02/18/2006, 10:06 AM
if you were given only 350$ to initiate your DREAM REEF in a 20g seaclear tank measuring 24" x 13" x 16" and you had to have the following items in your reef. what would they be?

-protein skimmer (effective for tank size)
-test kits (hydrometer, nitrate, nitrite, amonia, thermometer & etc)
-salt
-lighting (sustain corals)
-live rock
-sand
-heater
-means of circulation (powerhead, etc)

there is no need for a stand. you will attain some sand and frags from your friends tank to seed you aquarium. you can add others as your budget permits you. all items must be brand new and labeld correctly as thier name appears.

ps. experienced reefers show your skill and beat these newbs

thefuture
02/18/2006, 10:07 AM
ACBlinky nice tank!!

know-it-all
02/18/2006, 10:29 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6770193#post6770193 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thefuture
if you were given only 350$ to initiate your DREAM REEF in a 20g seaclear tank measuring 24" x 13" x 16" and you had to have the following items in your reef. what would they be?

-protein skimmer (effective for tank size)
-test kits (hydrometer, nitrate, nitrite, amonia, thermometer & etc)
-salt
-lighting (sustain corals)
-live rock
-sand
-heater
-means of circulation (powerhead, etc)

there is no need for a stand. you will attain some sand and frags from your friends tank to seed you aquarium. you can add others as your budget permits you. all items must be brand new and labeld correctly as thier name appears.

ps. experienced reefers show your skill and beat these newbs


Can it be submerged in my bigger tank?:D
Do i need to buy the tank?
can we use DIY items?
I would also think that if your on a budget, you'd be surfing on E-bay
to pick-up used equipment, like your skimmer/power heads/heater

ACBlinky
02/18/2006, 09:03 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6770198#post6770198 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thefuture
ACBlinky nice tank!!
Thanks so much. It started with some rescued corals that needed a quiet place to recover and ended up becoming this fun little pico. In reality the numbers I posted aren't what I paid; much of the equipment, including the lights, was already here (left over from other tanks). All I had to do was buy some more LR, some sand and the fish to add to what was already there so it felt pretty inexpensive to set up :D
Honestly, I think when you're setting up a tank it's good to have a budget in mind but I wouldn't want to limit myself to a specific number - $350 is nothing when it comes to this hobby :)

chvojka
02/18/2006, 09:10 PM
Looks like we have some potential contestants here if they put their reef where their mouth is haha.

thefuture
02/18/2006, 09:17 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6773952#post6773952 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chvojka
Looks like we have some potential contestants here if they put their reef where their mouth is haha.

haha funny. people here on RC are so nice, i enjoy being on here

gflat65
02/20/2006, 03:43 PM
Not sure what the rules have changed to now, but initially, they were just dry goods...

20L-$25 at Petco (free to me-used)
VHO setup-$100 hellolights
Magnum 250 HOB-$55 online (free to me from friend used)
Visitherm heater-$12 when I bought it
MJ600-$15
Surface Skimmer-$10
Substrate-$20
Salt-$10 for 50 gallon bag (LFS when buying 200 gallon box)
CPR Bakpak-$120 (free to me from friend-used and old style)
Total-$368... Actual cost-$167 (this tank would not have been built if I had to buy things new...).

All live rock was surplus from the other four tanks I have (averaged about $2.50/# for most of it-but not drygoods, so doesn't total in price). Nearly all corals from one of my other displays (once again, not dry goods, so...).

I can't seem to get the color right with the lighting. All pics I take are a little fuzzy...

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/gflat65/HPIM4795.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/gflat65/HPIM4796.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/gflat65/HPIM4797.jpg

Reefjunkee
02/20/2006, 03:49 PM
thats about what i have in my nano

thefuture
02/27/2006, 07:20 PM
thanks for all teh help and input. i have decided to setup my own tank and i am spending more than 350$ on it. haha http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=787452 check it out and give me some input