Rule of thumb for cost? - Aquarium Advice

Zidion · 06-26-2006, 03:24 PM

I am finally getting a house and want to set up an aquarium

I remember a while ago reading about a rule of thumb though when figuring out the cost of an aqurium (like the # of gallons X some number=average cost). Anyknow know what im talking about?

I am trying to figure out what size I can afford

austinsdad · 06-26-2006, 03:28 PM

My 155 was $38 per. That was everything but critters. I'd love to see what others did. I believe I've heard $25 or so before.

What size you thinkin' about anyway?

Zidion · 06-26-2006, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinsdad

My 155 was $38 per. That was everything but critters. I'd love to see what others did. I believe I've heard $25 or so before.

What size you thinkin' about anyway?

50-75

Was looking at the 24" nanocube though, but thought it might be too hard since its smaller.

austinsdad · 06-26-2006, 03:55 PM

Small is hard in this hobby IMO. Too bad you're not near. Got a brand new 72g bow setup to get rid of.

cplawrence · 06-27-2006, 12:32 AM

Typically, 29 gallons is suggested as the smallest size to start with. That being said, the nanocube has you just a twinge under that, so it would not be unreasonable. Nice features to the nanocubes are the appearance and the fact that they are overall self-contained. However, the simplicity of being self-contained also means that customization (wanting to increase the lighting, add a protein skimmer, etc.) becomes much more difficult.
The price per gallon changes substantially depending on whether you want to keep corals or not. With corals, I typically hear $30+/gallon. I am just a bit under $30/gallon for my 29. Without, it might be closer to $20/gallon.

newlywed04 · 06-27-2006, 03:55 PM

At this point counting 135 gal tank and glass covers, enclosed stand, 30 gal refugium, RO DI system,protien skimmer, heaters, salt mixes, 120lbs argonite, 120lbs liverock, wave makers and timers and 2 metal halide pendants, I have $1,500 into the tank, + livestock. If you shop around and do much of the work yourself you can keep prices down.
Good Luck

dscount · 06-28-2006, 03:24 AM

My 75 Gal - About $1,300 into w/o livestock. 60lb LR, 80lb LS, 4 powerhead, 265watt, heater, skimmer, fluval, 18 gal sump, return, overflow, test kits, tools and salt.

Jermz79 · 06-28-2006, 03:53 PM

hmmmm .. I don't think I have ever figured out what I've spent.

Tank = Free
Stand = Free
Lights = $170
Filter = $35
PowerHeads ~ $40
LR = approx. 80lbs. $450 depending on price?
LS = about $80

so actual tank setup cost $775 approx. with a big portion saved by the tank and stand given to me.

Livestock ... well some was free through trades and some I've purchased. All together I would say $1000 after said and done! This of course does not include maintenance and other products, food, vitamins , additives etc.

Here's some pics.

**roka64** · 06-28-2006, 05:22 PM

Quote:

hmmmm .. I don't think I have ever figured out what I've spent.

Me either, I don't think I really want to know! LOL!
I did keep almost all of my reciepts....maybe one day I'll add it up....

06-26-2006, 03:24 PM	#1
Zidion Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 26	Rule of thumb for cost? I am finally getting a house and want to set up an aquarium I remember a while ago reading about a rule of thumb though when figuring out the cost of an aqurium (like the # of gallons X some number=average cost). Anyknow know what im talking about? I am trying to figure out what size I can afford

06-26-2006, 03:28 PM	#2
austinsdad Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clinton, Maryland Posts: 4,175 Images: 12	My 155 was $38 per. That was everything but critters. I'd love to see what others did. I believe I've heard $25 or so before. What size you thinkin' about anyway? __________________ -Ray- "Life may not be the party we hoped for but while we are here we might as well dance!"

06-26-2006, 03:55 PM	#4
austinsdad Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clinton, Maryland Posts: 4,175 Images: 12	Small is hard in this hobby IMO. Too bad you're not near. Got a brand new 72g bow setup to get rid of. __________________ -Ray- "Life may not be the party we hoped for but while we are here we might as well dance!"

06-27-2006, 03:55 PM	#6
newlywed04 Aquarium Advice Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: western massachusetts Posts: 7 Images: 2	At this point counting 135 gal tank and glass covers, enclosed stand, 30 gal refugium, RO DI system,protien skimmer, heaters, salt mixes, 120lbs argonite, 120lbs liverock, wave makers and timers and 2 metal halide pendants, I have $1,500 into the tank, + livestock. If you shop around and do much of the work yourself you can keep prices down. Good Luck __________________ "Sometimes I feel like a dog standing on a tool box in the back of a pick up truck doin 90 'round a corner just trying to hang on for dear life."

06-28-2006, 03:24 AM	#7
dscount Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Posts: 232 Images: 2	My 75 Gal - About $1,300 into w/o livestock. 60lb LR, 80lb LS, 4 powerhead, 265watt, heater, skimmer, fluval, 18 gal sump, return, overflow, test kits, tools and salt. __________________ 75 [acronym="Gallon"]gal[/acronym] Saltwater: Shallow 2"-3" Sand Bed, 1140 Powerhead, 402 Powerhead, 140 Powerhead, Two 65 watt 10k + Two 65 watt true actinic 03 blue lights (260 watts), 40 lbs [acronym="Live rock"]LR[/acronym] and 90 lbs [acronym="Live sand"]LS[/acronym], Berlin XL Skimmer & 18 GAL Sump 18 [acronym="Gallon"]gal[/acronym] Sump: Fluval 204, Skilter Filter, Mag 7 Return, 200 watt Heater, 1140 Powerhead, 10 lb [acronym="Live rock"]LR[/acronym] and 10 lb shells ([acronym="Live rock"]LR[/acronym]?) Tank guest list: Blue Tang, Clown, 2 Starfish, 2 Damsels, 30 Red Tip Hermits, 10 Scarlet Reef Hermits, 55 Turbo Snails, 3 Abalone Snails, 2 Nassarius snail, 1 Scarlet Skunk Shrimp and a three bulb Anemones.

06-27-2006, 12:32 AM	#5
cplawrence Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 221	Typically, 29 gallons is suggested as the smallest size to start with. That being said, the nanocube has you just a twinge under that, so it would not be unreasonable. Nice features to the nanocubes are the appearance and the fact that they are overall self-contained. However, the simplicity of being self-contained also means that customization (wanting to increase the lighting, add a protein skimmer, etc.) becomes much more difficult. The price per gallon changes substantially depending on whether you want to keep corals or not. With corals, I typically hear $30+/gallon. I am just a bit under $30/gallon for my 29. Without, it might be closer to $20/gallon.

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