Average Monthly Cost To Run A 210 Gallon Saltwater Tank?

Hey everyone, I just recently got a 210 gallon used tank for a great deal, and wanna make it a saltwater. But I’m worried it’ll cost way too much to maintain per month. About much would I be spending on salt a month? Would it be cheaper to under stock the tank a bit to let me do less water changes and save salt? I’m a noobie when it comes to saltwater. I do not plan on making it a reef tank. Any help is appreciated!

 

I mix about 5 gallons a week for my 28g. One bag of salt lasts about 2 1/2 months, with weekly water changes. If you used the same salt as me, you'd use almost a whole bag every water change. Of course, it depends on what salt brand you use and how much water you change.

Understocking might allow you to do less water changes, but you would need to keep a close eye on your water parameters.

 

I mix about 5 gallons a week for my 28g. One bag of salt lasts about 2 1/2 months, with weekly water changes. If you used the same salt as me, you'd use almost a whole bag every water change. Of course, it depends on what salt brand you use and how much water you change.

Understocking might allow you to do less water changes, but you would need to keep a close eye on your water parameters.

I plan on using instant ocean which is about $50 for a 200-gallons worth of salt.

 

I got 50 gallons worth for $11 off of Amazon, it's one of the add on things.
I know some live rock can be used to reduce nitrates as there can be pockets in the rock with no oxygen which lets bacteria that convert nitrates to a gas live there. And you can use a sump with a bunch of chaeto algae

 

Quite a bit between filter media, socks, electricity cost, etc. It will cost you 4 figures to get setup for everything.

 

Quite a bit between filter media, socks, electricity cost, etc. It will cost you 4 figures to get setup for everything.

socks? hahha stocks you mean?

 

socks? hahha stocks you mean?

Nah, filter socks.

 

So about much water do you change in your tanks per week? I was thinking about 10% once a week? Or would that be too little?

 

I change 15-20% per week. 10% might be a little low, but you can try it. You'll have to keep an extra close eye on your parameters.

 

I change 10 gallons a week on my 90 gallon tank with a 29 gallon sump.

 

I change 15-20% per week. 10% might be a little low, but you can try it. You'll have to keep an extra close eye on your parameters.

Yeah, that's my main concern about a large saltwater tank. In my 35 gallon saltwater I can do 20% no problem, since it's only 20 gallons. But 20% in a 210 gallon tank would be 42 gallons. That's a bit more than I was hoping, as I don't have a lot of money to drop every month on this one tank.

I change 10 gallons a week on my 90 gallon tank with a 29 gallon sump.

Would adding a sump help my weekly water changes needed? I was already planning doing at least a 40 gallon sump, and if that lowers water changes, I'd for sure be getting one.

 

Yeah, that's my main concern about a large saltwater tank. In my 35 gallon saltwater I can do 20% no problem, since it's only 20 gallons. But 20% in a 210 gallon tank would be 42 gallons. That's a bit more than I was hoping, as I don't have a lot of money to drop every month on this one tank.


Would adding a sump help my weekly water changes needed? I was already planning doing at least a 40 gallon sump, and if that lowers water changes, I'd for sure be getting one.

Yeah, that totally makes sense. Like I said, there's no harm in trying it. As long as your ammonia stays at 0, you should be fine. Since you don't want corals, nitrates can be a little higher.

 

Yeah, that totally makes sense. Like I said, there's no harm in trying it. As long as your ammonia stays at 0, you should be fine. Since you don't want corals, nitrates can be a little higher.

I know corals cause a higher start up cost, but what about a monthly cost?