New tank, what do you suggest?

[scotto]

My friend wants to get into salt water tanks. He wants to start a tank, under $250, 20-30 gallons. give me links, or any other useful information. THANKS.

[Jason McKenzie]

I would suggest he read the 3Reef Steps Starting here
It is very necessary to understand what he wants to do before he goes out and buys equipment. Other wise he will spend too much money. The Local fish stores will see him coming a mile away.
Sorry to push reading these links rather than spewing what I think, but this hobby like all hobbies is all about education.
Personally I research Reef Aquariums for 1.5 years before I spent a dime. And then I found some items I purchase a waste of money.
Once he has read more and has specific question please ask away.

Jason

[Phil5613]

What equip does he have already? $250 to start with is kinda light it can be done but reef keeping is work and a very tight budget makes it more work
Rough estimate
tank top stand $190
20-30 lbs lr even at $4 lb $80-$120
ls $30/20 lb bag at least 2-3 bags $60/$90
light $150ish
heater $30
salt $25
Hydrometer $10
Thermometer $5
Skimmer $140
Filter/ Sump????
Taking the lowest estimate you are sitting at $690. You can do better maybe if you shop around for everything and do some diy but to do what you want in the $250 range will be really tough.

[Craig Manoukian]

Follow the good advice from these two guys. Happy researching, you won't be sorry!

what websites have the best prices/variety?

Scott depends on what you are looking for.
look at our advertisement banners at the top as they have some very nice prices.

[Phil5613]

Do a search on the web and see for yourself Thats part of learning the reef thing the research. After you find some sites you like ask yourself what equipment you want and shop. Also don't rule out your lfs, clubs in the area and such. Pick up the newspaper and look go to Ebay there is a ton of places search for yourself then ask questions you will find this method most fulfilling.

[omard]

Hiya Scott (from another "Scott&quot

Just back from vacation so lots of "catching up" to do.

Not a "hobby" (I like to think of it more as an "art&quot that can really be done well on the "cheap" - takes some considerable investment as mentioned in all very good advice provided in earlier posts...

But does not have to be real expensive to just get started to learn the ropes and find out if it is something you want to get into before pouring all your retirement funds into (like some here - )

A smaller tank is much less forgiving and harder to manage for a beginner (has to do with less water volumn) --- more the better. - So you really don't need alot of lr to get started - big debate on now how much LR really needed and what is best for fish/critters...esp. w/newer protein skimmers. 10 - 15 lbs may be enough for start (my recommendation is get some ready to go stuff from someone like GulfView Marine - minium cycle, lots of life..(Gulf View Marine - http://www.gulf-view.com/liverock.html - just a "few" pounds of his "top shelf" stuff would look great in a smaller tank) - give you more water volumn and "room" for critters)

Some very inexpensive simmers available out there for a starter tank on a low budget - look at the "Skilters" - I started out with one of these and it really did the job on my "smaller" beginner tank...even use it today as an axilerary filter when I think my tank needs it.

Lighting another big issue, don't skimp on, but you don't need Metal Halide for lots of neat stuff.

Go for it - and holler for help here when you need it - as you can see, lots of it around -

Rgds

OmarD

very nice Scott aka omard
Karma again goes to you.

[verbal]

My friend wants to get into salt water tanks.

I guess the question is ... what kind of salt water tank? ... as this will dictate a lot of what you really need and ultimately a lot of your costs. A fish only system may fit your friend's needs and wants and this type of set-up has less demands with regards to lighting and water quality than a reef system so may save on equipment costs.

In any case ... what everyone else has already said ... research, research, research. Get a base knowledge, ask advice ... the folks here have really helped us along.