[dori9941]

Tax refund came early and it was almost $4,000! We split it and After taking some out for camera and things ( though I haven't spent any) I have $1,300 to work with. I am truely blessed.

I'm getting a 55 gal. and i'll have my husbands work (glass) divide it. Will that work better then a divider? . This way my 2 diff. puffers will have loads of room. they r still small!

I think for now i'll have fowlr. More $$ for fish! I'll wait to upgrade till next year. This way I can get supplies for about 6-9 months to make weekly pay better
All bulk!!!

Now I need the 55 sw tank set up. I need your thoughts.

1. Brands?
2. Site links to cheap shipping or stuff?
3. What fish would u choose (peace full only)
4. Any other tips to avoid Wasting loads of money. This is my 1st tank over 20g!

[ilovemash]

Are you wanting to get glass or acrylic? Both have pros and cons. You may also want to check out craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums and look in your area for used aquarium setups. That would save you quite a bit of cash, alot of people post them for very cheap.

[Jeremy0322]

As for dividing it you may regret that later. Go to the lfs and see if they have a tank divider there that can be taken out when you are done with it and want to convert over. That will be easier than gluing and such.

[e_baer]

Originally Posted by dori9941

4. Any other tips to avoid Wasting loads of money. This is my 1st tank over 20g!

You can always give some to me

[R-e-D]

nice elliot .. really thought the first reply would have been that ..

ok i like the glass divider idea , i did this to a freshwater 55 once and then you can just use a razor and cout it out if you want to later .. you can pick up a simple wet/dry filter and some lr rubble to go in it and your all ready to go ...

[reefnoob1991]

Puffers will grow way too big for a 55 gal, especially if its divided

[e_baer]

Well, there are dwarf puffers out there. I agree though, once they get larger they will be too large for a divided 55g. Most require a 30g minimum and then you also have to take into account the amount of space taken my LR and LS.

[joeydunn]

Craigslist is one of the best places IMO to look for a items. You can find complete setups for little $$$$.

[dori9941]

Originally Posted by ilovemash

Are you wanting to get glass or acrylic? Both have pros and cons. You may also want to check out craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums and look in your area for used aquarium setups. That would save you quite a bit of cash, alot of people post them for very cheap.

ty. i will read all but i went to that link and theres a 55 with stand, glass tops and 4 foot light in my area I cant' reply or don't know how I tryed to send and put my name and e mail in I have know idea what the next. Can some one help me

u have to put the word fish in search and click jan. 10th 55 g with stand link

[dori9941]

Originally Posted by Jeremy0322

As for dividing it you may regret that later. Go to the lfs and see if they have a tank divider there that can be taken out when you are done with it and want to convert over. That will be easier than gluing and such.

you have a good point and they will tolorate the same water.

[dori9941]

Size,
They are small and 1 will Get A diff. tank next year for he will get 6" as to the 3" the other will get too. I fully agree on all you guys have said
Puff is almost an Inch.
Jaws, looks very good and has recovered from wal mart. he is 1" and a quarter
"" that means inches right, confusion with a side of sleep deprevation, it can get to you! lol

I have had Puff a long time. He has grown slowly.
Will that change this year?

[dori9941]

Originally Posted by e_baer

Well, there are dwarf puffers out there. I agree though, once they get larger they will be too large for a divided 55g. Most require a 30g minimum and then you also have to take into account the amount of space taken my LR and LS.

If I could part I would. They need a lot.
my snail need to get bigger. I feel bad. I give those daily but have been out for a month. I Will Take Snails! they have good teeth, they are filed down well. one has had them daily for over a year and has never had a problem.
I love them too much and don't want to have the older one end up back at the store. People disagree over the Salt and these puffers too much. I know them to do better with salt. Right now high-end brackish.

[dori9941]

Marineland Instant Ocean Kit 55 Gallon
Does any one have or recommand this?
is the light low or mod.?

[dori9941]

Originally Posted by R-e-D

nice elliot .. really thought the first reply would have been that ..

ok i like the glass divider idea , i did this to a freshwater 55 once and then you can just use a razor and cout it out if you want to later .. you can pick up a simple wet/dry filter and some lr rubble to go in it and your all ready to go ...

Or make a waterfall ??? could you do a return pump and put the glass close to the side and fill it with live rock? return lines and all plubming will be my down fall.

my husband works at a glass shop. i have 2 glass cutters. I would have him do it though, lol
and yes he could just order glass for; sump, and both tanks with discount but he is always sleepyyyyyyyyy
he'd rather pay. I've had a huge ckeck and its too high too cash anywhere. i'm glad the bank will open Tuesday.

[dori9941]

Originally Posted by e_baer

Well, there are dwarf puffers out there. I agree though, once they get larger they will be too large for a divided 55g. Most require a 30g minimum and then you also have to take into account the amount of space taken my LR and LS.

You think I'll make it a year?

[e_baer]

Originally Posted by dori9941

You think I'll make it a year?

i havent the slightest idea...lol sorry.

[dori9941]

I think I will Jaw will need that tank to him self soon enough. I don't want to mess up thier perfectly cared for fin and tails! lol
the size diff. and puffers tempers make me feel i need to keep them seperate

[Madreefer]

Originally Posted by dori9941

4. Any other tips to avoid Wasting loads of money. This is my 1st tank over 20g!

You know what I have only recently discovered myself? BUY USED. You would be amazed at what you can get from people that are moving, getting out of the hobby, got a spouse that doesn't like the tanks, etc. You can get thousands of dollars worth of tank/equipment for a quarter ( or less) of the new retail price.

Use ebay with a search limiter of within 50 miles of your zip code, or craigslist for your town/area. I've seen COMPLETE reef systems sold in the 75 gallon range for half of what you have to spend.

[Marine1]

I agree with the others. Look for a used tank, like on craigslist. Also, I would recommend going larger than 55 gallon. I have a 55 and I wish I went at least 75. The 55 gallon tanks are way too narrow to have nice aquascaping and room for the fish. With 1300 you can get a used 125 gal stand and then have enough to make your own sump and buy a decent skimmer for filtration. The live rock and sand, if you decide to go with that, will be one of the more expensive items. What I did was buy some base rock 40lbs and then added 20 lbs of live rock on it. After a few months it is now all live rock at a fraction of the cost. Just a suggestion.

If you are set on getting a 55 gal tank. I purchased mine at PetSmart with a filter and heater for $120.

IMHO, if I had $1,300 to spend on a tank set up I would go slow and bet the absolute largest tank affordable. I am dying to get a 150 gallon tank, so I can get the nicer fish like angels, dog-faced puffer, tangs, etc. Anyway, good luck and take it sloooooooowwww. Its easier on the wallet.

[dori9941]

just news on things and a few thoughts related to the title ty
Dr. had to give me pain meds just so you know why im writeing messed up my vision is blurred. If bad grammer upsets u might not want to read

Don't you just love it when you get the only $$$ you get to spend care free. I make my half of the refund last 4 months most years and I take a $500 house fund for food, cleaner, bathroom tis., garbage bags. Then we half the rest. i am lucky and thank my husband because he is sweet enough to do this even though I don't work. It will be our 9th year aniversery . the $ is my gift because I don't buy myself stuff, so I have to spend it on me.

Down side, and so up side to the down side
the bank is holding our check for 5 day. I can wait Just makes it better. the rims on our car r all warped, but the ins. will cover 3 but we now have to get tires and 1 rim. This will effect what I have to Work with. The brakes and rot. are bad, also. our car is in the shop. I think I can still do a lot though. I want to buy enough salt, frozen food, filter cart. and water tests, plus water conditioner so that it will not have to take it from his weekly check.

I make him claim single with no dependents all your. this works well

I will let you all know what I get and thank you for the links and ideas. You all mean a lot too me and this site.

[dori9941]

Originally Posted by Marine1

I agree with the others. Look for a used tank, like on craigslist. Also, I would recommend going larger than 55 gallon. I have a 55 and I wish I went at least 75. The 55 gallon tanks are way too narrow to have nice aquascaping and room for the fish. With 1300 you can get a used 125 gal stand and then have enough to make your own sump and buy a decent skimmer for filtration. The live rock and sand, if you decide to go with that, will be one of the more expensive items. What I did was buy some base rock 40lbs and then added 20 lbs of live rock on it. After a few months it is now all live rock at a fraction of the cost. Just a suggestion.

If you are set on getting a 55 gal tank. I purchased mine at PetSmart with a filter and heater for $120.

IMHO, if I had $1,300 to spend on a tank set up I would go slow and bet the absolute largest tank affordable. I am dying to get a 150 gallon tank, so I can get the nicer fish like angels, dog-faced puffer, tangs, etc. Anyway, good luck and take it sloooooooowwww. Its easier on the wallet.

yep, yep, yep. I will go slow. I'm not a impulse buyer. i feel guity if i spend $ I don't wont to take from my family. after i move the fish i will have a empty ten and 20 g

[reefnoob1991]

I say you should go all out! I got a 75 gallon tank and stand, building my own sump and buying a 2x250W 14000k sunpod for less than 1200$

[dori9941]

ty. I know water quality is better the bigger the tank size.
I plan own getting a sw hood and lights for the 20 gal. My fish will be changed from my 12g to the 20g. Can I put 2 power head in a 20g with out effecting the lifestock or will it be too strong?
I will try for a 75. It will depend on the car trouble. ty God for insur.

[reefnoob1991]

Heh, well I just turned 17 and I did almost everything for mine by myself except for my dad sawing the baffles...so if you need any help feel free to ask!

[dori9941]

Originally Posted by reefnoob1991

Heh, well I just turned 17 and I did almost everything for mine by myself except for my dad sawing the baffles...so if you need any help feel free to ask!

ty. good to have your help