the amount you spend is directly related to how high end you want to go. Also your willingness and capability to spot a killer deal when you see it. My 125predator tank was $350 for everything (tank, stand, skimmer, ph's,etc) i spent 120 on new ph's, 150 on a new skimmer, 55 on a rufugium (20 for the parts to build it), every bit of a 1,000 on fish total. so im right around 1,575 or so.and thats not taking into account the salt, test kits, etc. just as a case point, i picked up my 72g bowfront for free from someone i ran into at the pet store (tank,stand,filtration, lighting, deco) so it really does matter how lucky you are and resourceful