New Tank on < $1000 budget - suggestions needed

T

tropical dude

Taking Fishkeeping to new heights
Mar 21, 2009
44
0
0
I have some spare cash and have been wanting a new tank for a while. I also want to try out some new DIY projects as well. The only thing I know for sure is that I want as large of a tank as I can afford and I plan on doing everything I can DIY. Including the stand, filter, canopy (if used), and any other things I can throw together.

I know the biggest investment will be the tank and lighting. A tank in the 100 gallon range goes for ~$300 on glasscages.com or about $420 shipped with black silicone. Then about $300 for lights (hopefully less but...) and about $50 for materials for stand and canopy. Throw in $100 for a good pump and a few decent powerheads and I am up to $800. That leaves $150-200 for stocking and a little for other misc. expenses.

I am actually going for a 135 gal. (72x18x25) tank with enough lighting for plants but not so much as to need CO2. I am planning on a DIY wet-dry and sump for filtration with a mag-drive 9.5. A few powerheads for some extra circulation and I should be ready to go.

If there is anything I am missing or something that could help me lower costs for this build, please let me know. Also, will I need a glass top(s) with a canopy?

I am trying to cut costs as much as I can and still make this a very nice tank that can be upgraded later as needed. What exactly would you recommend for the lighting?

EDIT: I forgot about the heater, that will be another $50.
 
Welcome to the site, tropical dude.

The best source I've found for tanks, especially in larger sizes, has been buying them second-hand off Craigslist. Just be patient and don't grab the real overpriced ones. No matter what area you're in, you'll find ads listing tanks for sale around $1 to $2 per gallon size. (Have to check frequently because those sell fast.) Most of those include the tops, canopies, stands, standard lighting, and often a fairly decent filter. Starting with that leaves you more money from your budget to upgrade the lights, add a secondary filter, and get anything else you need. If the setup comes with supplies that includes a test kit, that's probably expired so always check it.

Many people buy full fish tank setups brand new on impulse... then within just 3 months, they've become discouraged over so many failures and the expense because they believed what the retailer has been telling them. The tank is emptied and and gets relegated to the garage, where it's in the way. There's not a darn thing wrong with these still-new setups. Just remember to ask them "does it hold water without leaks?" and "has the glass (acrylic) even been damaged and repaired?" When you look at one, check for excessive scratches.
 
You can try (if you want) to go low tech on plants (low light, no CO2, no ferts, ect).
Get plants like Java fern, some slow growing Crpyts, ect. These will grow in just ordinary lights.
 
Something you may want to think about is the cost of running a big tank from month to month
 
I would take a guess that is costing me someplace close to $500 a year in food filters and power to light my a 120gl
 
check out mfks classified. holy crap. if you live in so cal, it will be a cinch to pick up a used 100 gallon for about $100. we picked up a 100 gallon acrylic with black background for $115. needs some work (scratched), but well worth the effort. cheapest way to go for lights would be home depot or lowes for shop lights. cheap and effective. i got a 4' light, plus bulbs, plus tax came to about $35. pool filter sand is cheap for substrate. there are lots of plants that are relatively cheap, grow like mad and dont need super high amounts of light or special treatment. also, the classifieds here are a great place to get great plants for not a lot of $$$ and are from reliable vendors.
 
Yep, check Craigs List and local papers for good used tanks. Definitely ask them about the condition of the tank, etc. Check it out before committing to buying. Check often and be patient.

I recommend play sand (if you're willing to tank a lot of time & energy with initial cleaning), pool filter sand, or silica sand for a cheap substrate that is great for plants and fish. If heard of people finding 100 pound bags for less than $20.

And check out the Classifieds on here, Monster Fish Keepers (MFK), and other hobbyist forums. You can find awesome deals on everything from tanks and equipment to fish to plants. I've bought almost all of my plants through AC with great success.

You might find some deals on Aquabid or Ebay, but it seems many are just looking to get money and the "deals" are not good. But, you can find some honest deals out there.
 
well welcome to the ac world

for sure check the classifieds lots of good deals to be had with used gear, all of my tanks have been second hand
 
I didn't really want to go with cheap lighting since I wanted to have many plant options and in my area (southwest VA) there are few tanks. The power bill is not a huge concern and I am not on public water (so no water bill or treatments) and I use individual powdered fertilizers for plants (very cheap but a bit of work).

So overall, I think I can do it. I may have to go easy on stocking at first, but I need to know a bit more about lighting and what I should do for a canopy. Also, will play sand be too sharp on bottom dwelling fish? I have a nice idea for rock terraces to elevate planted areas (thus increasing the amount of light they receive). And what length lights will I need for such a tank (72" long)?
 
just because the lights are cheap doesnt mean they arent effective. a similar fixture to the one i have would run $300 and up. mine is inexpensive, but it does a good job. you mentioned that you had a budget at the beginning... better to save your money for quality plants and livestock. the equipment you can fudge a bit and still get good results.

another way to do lighting for less is to look at retrofit kits
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom