[wes138]

i have about a grand to spend and i wanna try my hand at an agressive saltwater fish only tank. Would it be possible for me to do this? whatta u guys reccomend

[Rin]

[lurker mode off]
That's really an open-ended question. Are you a DIY type or do you like to buy 'off the shelf'.

I'd definately start with 75 gal, overflow box, simple sump (something like a 30 gal tank that can be easily converted to a refugium later, if you want.), a skimmer--Aqua-C is my preference, deep sand bed, a few live rocks, a good strong return pump...Nothing less than 900 gph, and then wait and see what you feel like once that's all set up. Since you are going fish only, you don't need to spend a great deal on lighting. 2 x 55 watt PC or 2 x 110 watt VHO would probably be nice.

hmmm...I think I just spent your entire grand and we haven't discussed cleanup crews or fish or the little details like nets, scrubber magnets, additives, food, test kits, etc. Oh heck you can get that stuff later after your next paycheck. Well, maybe not the test kit, you better get that first after the tank is set up. Ack, I also forgot to include the stand. Do you have another 200 or so for a nice stand?

See what I mean...this takes planning. Start with some of the details above. Shop around. Don't go for anything until you know what your actually paying for. Basically, start building your tank on paper. Keep a detailed list of all the components. If you get stumped, come back and ask a couple of questions--we'll help.

Oh, And welcome to REEFLAND. As long as you stay out of the 'General' forum, we're still the friendliest board on the net--I think.

P.S. Sorry Mods, I call them like I see them.

[lurker mode on]

[wes138]

yea a grand isnt set in stone i could go over a bit. I do like to do stuff myself becuase thats the only way to learn. 1000 was just what i wanted to spend but i can spen as much as i need to as long as it isnt 2500 bucks!!!! If anyones selling a tank or anything i might find useful let me know

[Abet]

Hello Wes,
Its possible, these prices gathered locally:
75gl (new) $120
30 gl (refugium) $ 40 est.
SD for DSB 6 bags $ 24
2 bags of marine salt 50 lb mix $ 32
overflow $ 80 or you can have drilled $30 est.
Pump Mag drive 1200 $ 80
3 40 watt Light fixture HD $ 32 (2 for tank, 1 for refugium)
bulbs 4 ea HD $ 30
Plumbing hardware $ 20 est.
detrivore kit w/ LS IA $130 more or less
DIY stand 2x4 HD and hardware $ 30 est.
total : $ 610

This is what I think you will need to get started, others will add or delete some items like test kits, etc. But this should give you an idea.
Also, total price depends if you can get SD, otherwise add about a $100 or get a skimmer and not use a DSB. Personally, I'd skip the skimmer and place DSB on both tanks.
Or a 1" sand bed in main tank with DSB in refugium with caulerpa ($10 Inland Aquatics), a lot of variations available for you.
Since your making your stand, you might want to make room for a 40 or 55 gl tank to act as refugium (bigger the better)
Noticed I have not included LR prices vary, you can use lace rock w/c costs .75/lb.
Just like Rin said, "it takes planning, shop around" this is just the tip of the iceberg, I have omitted a lot of things that you will need as you really get into it.
Like I said there are a lot of ways to successfully set up a tank.
Start reading books and boards like this and setup your system the way you want it. Welcome to my obsession
HTH