abbynuss

Hello, all! I'm new, but I've been lurking for a few months while my 55 gallon freshwater tank cycled. I was interested in possibly getting into the saltwater hobby, but what's holding me back is the cost. Can anyone give me a rough estimate of what starting up a 30 gallon with a few small fish would cost, if I went the route of cheapest possible (yet still being a healthy quality for my tank environment)? I'm thinking live rock and sand from eBay sellers (who seem very reasonable), and the filtration systems from wherever is cheapest, and then a clownfish and maybe one other small fish and/or crayfish?

Thanks.

Mike

Hi Abby - welcome to Fishlore and glad you've gone from a "lurker" to a member! Ha ha.

List of equipment:
-Aquarium
-Aquarium background
-Aquarium substrate such as live sand or crushed coral
-Live Rock
-Saltwater Mix
-Saltwater hydrometer
-Aquarium filter (a filter's not totally necessary if you're using live rock and a skimmer)
-Replacement filter media like filter floss and activated carbon (only if using a filter)
-Multiple Powerheads (2 or 3)
-Heater - be sure to get one large enough for the size tank you're getting
-Protein Skimmer - See the equipment reviews section for some protein skimmer reviews
-Saltwater test kit(s) to test water parameters and monitor the infamous aquarium nitrogen cycle (at minimum - ammonia, nitrite and nitrate)
-saltwater fish food
-Aquarium vacuum
-Fish net
-Rubber kitchen gloves (for cleaning tasks and to keep potential pollutants from your hands from entering the tank)
-Aquarium Glass Scrubber
-Two, clean, never used before, 5-gallon buckets (for water changes)
-Aquarium thermometer
-Brush with plastic bristles (old tooth brush) - needed for cleaning the live rock
-Bottle brush for cleaning equipment (protein skimmer collection cups)
-Quarantine Tank for acclimating new arrivals and monitoring for signs of fish disease
-Power Strip
-Lighting (regular flourescents will work for fish only tanks, reef tanks need better lighting)

Shop around online using that list to get an idea on prices.

More info: Saltwater Aquarium Setup
Saltwater Fish Beginner's Guide

Mike