newbie help please 29g start up

[tremolo]

Hello new to the forums and saltwater

I have a 29 gal tank with the lights, heater, and a fluval canister filter. I am trying to decide if i want to go freshwater or saltwater in this tank. I originally was going to do freshwater but every fish i look at that i would like to put in there gets too big. So i am thinking about saltwater because it seams that even the smallest fish look sooo cool. So here is my question, if i was to go saltwater i will do fowlr. How much would you say that the startup would cost with out the cost of fish? I guess i basically need salt for the water, live rock, crushed coral/ sand (you guys decide)and the other basic needs like test kits and chemical if needed. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys

Vince

 

[Devilishturtles]

I will go over some of my costs, just for comparison.

Salt, 160 gallon mix bucket - $39
Live Rock - Depends on where you get it from. I'm guessing you'll spend anywhere from $100 to $200 for 30-50 lbs.
Sand - Better than CC in my opinion, You can find for maybe $20 if you like Aragonite. Live sand will cost you about $40 for 30 lbs or so.
Test kits - Saltwater Master kit $15

Total- $250-$300

No other chemicals needed really in a FOWLR setup.

You can cycle your tank with the liverock as well. Add it in and you'll be set. Again, this is a rough estimate. You may find some good deals around.

Welcome to AA, btw.

 

[jaiden]

maybe a powerhead or two for some extra water movement. you can use hirocks.com rock to save some money (doesn't look as good at first, but it works)

 

[lando]

Welcome to AquariumAdvice.com!!!
While some may disagree with me, I think a 29gal is a good starter size for someone lookin gto get into SW. The bigger, the better, but a 29gal is not too bad. The start-up costs will not break the bank and the, with regular maintanance, the tank should remain fairly foregiving. IF it were me, I would skip the canister filter and invest the money in a good skimmer and LR. You will need about 45-60lbs for good biological filtration. LS is a much better choice for substrate then is CC. Do not be surprised if the price of starting a tank climbs with each day. It seems there is always something you forget about or decide you need.

 

[roka64]

Welcome to AA!!

Here are some ideas for a smaller tank, with lots of color:

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/categ.cfm?pCatId=15
Check the nano fish.

LS is a much better choice for substrate then is CC

I agree, just went through the pain of removing my CC and replacing w/LS.
Looks like Devilishturtles hit it pretty close in costs. You can get online and get better deals than at your LFS (mine seems to double the prices of anything online).

 

[FishFrik]

Wow devil, that's a really good start-up cost. I wish i found this forum earlier so i wouldn't have to paid so much to start up my 29G XD

 

[Scottm]

Get the best skimmer you can afford, most important piece of equipment bar none.

 

[melosu58]

I say make sure of the skimmer also