Upgrading---How Much to Spend

Ok, we're going to upgrade to a 180. My LFS tells me that all-in, tank, stand, skimmer, pumps, sump, refugium tank and lighting will be $7-8,000 not including any rock, sand, chiller or reactors. He tells me thats for REALLY good stuff. I'm getting a detailed list and will post it once I get it.

Question: is that the range? It does not seem easy to research pricing on the internet for larger tanks and equipment, probably due to the difficulty in shipping. If anyone knows any good sites to check prices or to buy that would be appreciated as well.

Thanks all for your great advice and input.

Kirk

 

That seems on the high end to me. Are you set on getting all new equipment? If not there are a few places you could cut some major money off of that quote.

 

That does sound a little high. I would recommend getting the tank from a LFS due to shipping, but everything else you can shop around. You should make your own stand and canopy. That would save a little.

 

That's on par for quality stuff, but you could also spend more. A custom 180 with a high quality stand and hood can run $4,000-$6,000 alone on the premium end.

For most of that stuff, I would try to find used equipment. much of the equipment we use in this hobby never goes bad and used is just as good as new. Even decent tanks and stands can be found used and save a lot of money.

Is there a reef club near you? I get a lot of equipment at extremely low prices from other people in my reef club. I've saved thousands of dollars on the same stuff you are looking at buying now.

 

As much as you can afford to answer your first question.

I agree with what has already been said, tank and stank I'd get from your LFS, then I would search for online suppliers in your country using google. You can also use the shopping option on google to find other shops that supply the product you are after. You can save a lot of money onine by shopping around...

 

As for livestock, your LFS will usually have the best deals for fish, I don't like the idea of mail order fish (transport stress), although that's how your store would have received them, but if it's a descent store then they would have quarantined the fish when the come in and you can see what you are getting.
Mail order corals/inverts online can save quite a lot of money also, but again you don't know what condition they will be in when you receive them. If you do go the mail order route, be aware of the time of year and I'd purchase them around spring/autumn before/after it gets rediculously hot or cold.

 

what?????? 8 thousand????? thats too much. not just a little much. I got tank, stand, sand, rocks, salt for only 1400.... ( mine is 150 but i mean 180 shouldnt go all the way to 8 thousand.) i have everything new.

i might spend all in all about 3000...but thats it...unless your buying some luxurious tank i dont see how it can be that much..

 

Thanks all so far. I do know some of the equipment we are discussing:
1. Marineland Tank with Starphire on 3 sides, 2 over flows inset from the corners to allow end viewing.
2. Vertex Alpha 200 Skimmer
3. Marinelands new 72" 3 in one light
4. Stand & Canopy: Not sure if we are going custom or Marineland

That's all I know for now, will update when details are more clear on his bid.

Thanks again for all the great advice.
kl

 

How big is your sump going to be? I squeezed an Alpha 250 into a 55. It was real tight, but it works. Great skimmer. You're gonna like the 200

 

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