Starting a 20Gallon SW Tank

[rhuth]

Hey guys,

I'm a longtime FW tank owner that has had success. I am looking to start off a SW tank this summer. As a college student, I will be on a very limited budget. I have the basic necessities of a FW tank including a 20G tank, light, heater, filter, etc. I am wondering what sort of investment I will be getting into if I undertake the most beginner friendly and basic SW tank I can. Under $300?

Thanks!
Rob

 

[Stinky Pete]

What kind of filter will you be using? A protein skimmer and RO/DI unit will be your biggest expenses. Neither one is a absolutely necessary but the RO unit will save you $ in the long run and a skimmer is highly recommended. Under $300 will be tough by the time you get rock , sand, refractometer (much better then hydrometer) test kits ect.

 

[rhuth]

My biggest concern is cost. If there is something I can live without when setting up the tank that will not burn me on cost in the long run I would love to opt out of it. However, I obviously want to set up a healthy system. I have a basic FW top-fin power filter and being new, I have no idea if this is acceptable for saltwater.

 

[Stinky Pete]

It can be if you run a skimmer with it. You can get a decent skimmer for around $150. Their are cheaper skimmers out there but you would be wasting your $. Most if them are worthless You can get salt water and top off water from a local fish store for a while. It gets old quick tho. You can also used distilled water for top off but it's about $1 a gallon. You would probably need a good couple gallons a week. It starts adding up.