Help putting together a saltwater system?

[milesc514]

Hi All,
I've decided to finally pursue my fascination with salt water aquariums and begin one as a hobby. Thus, I am now trying to figure anything and everything I need. I've read a bunch of tutorials and several several threads of others experiences in order to educate myself with the general terms and setups etc.

I'm planning on a budget of around 3k (this is flexible) and I would like a setup between 70 and 90 gallons - as an addition to my bedroom (meaning there is a sound consideration as well, so any additional tips would be great).

I'm interested in a reef ready tank and certainly open to a used tank, stand etc, whatever I can get away with if there isn't too much potential downfall. I live in Montreal Canada, and there are a few stores a bit of a ways out (living downtown, but without a car...), and I haven't been in or called around for any rough quotes yet based on my established requirements. Classified wehsites in the area don't seem to have much action in this department unfortunately, but I plan on contacting some 'professionals' in the area who advertise their services and see if I can get any leads going on used or established setups/equipment. But in the big picture I don't want to cheap out and have myself to blame if/when something goes wrong!

I believe myself to have reasonable beginner knowledge in this topic - however, I have no experience. That being said, its right up my alley and I would love to hear what you all have to offer in terms of advice to have in mind while I'm putting together a setup. I plan to have water in the tank within about 2-3 months, so if I haven't found anything used and reasonable by then, I'll be willing to fork out a bit more for the new equipment. Anything worth doing is worth doing right - so I'm not going to rush it! Half the fun is in the planning anyways.

If there is anything I should be asking myself or considering, please let me know!

Thanks in advance

[milesc514]

I came across this on a local classifieds site. Does it take much to convert this to a reef tank? If so, what would be a reasonable offer for the equipment outlined here? I am awaiting some more pics...The tank is empty and everything is sitting in rubber maids right now apparently.

Thanks!

Hi, I've got a 90 gallon aquarium pre-drilled for salt water application with a Saline Solution wet/dry filter, Saline Solution skimmer, Supreme Mag Drive 1200GPH water pump, PFO VHO Electronic lighting kit with 4 bulb reflector and night light attached, plumbing accessories, 135 lb live sand, 160 lb live rock (FIJI and Tonga), 3 buckets of Instant Ocean salt mix, multiple heaters, and last but not least 6 stage RO/DI water filter.

Make me a offer, I'm not set on any price, so I'm pretty flexible and you can pick and choose different items that i have.

[zhenya]

Hi milesc514,



If you are looking to have an aquarium in your bedroom I would recommend that you take a look at the Red Sea Max 250, plug & play aquarium system.
I just saw one at my local store and it is really a very nice set up. Includes everything and you can place it flush against the wall, plug just one cord into receptacle and you are in business. ;)
Red Sea MAX 250 Plug & Play Coral Reef System, Pre-Order > Pre-Order

Or you can simply browse Red Sea's website for more information. I have a condo down the Jersey Shore and am thinking of purchasing this set up after I move the for good.

[gregr]

First, kudos to you for doing your homework
Gene's idea is pretty cool- everything there that you need, all in a very compact package.
Something to consider before you buy is what animals do you want to keep? If you can, figure that out first then build (or buy complete, as the case may be) your system so the needs of the most challenging thing you want to keep can be met. For a lot of reefkeepers it's sps corals that are the biggest challenge. With the used system you quoted I don't think you'll be able to keep sps corals very happy. Fish only- no problem.