40 Gallon Tank Saltwater Budget Build Is It Possible?

[Dizzle]

I have a 40g breeder tank. What is the cheapest method to start a reef tank? How much do water changes usually cost?

I mean bare bones budget build too I want to try my first saltwater tank build but the cost of this stuff might push me away.

Let’s say I have a budget of $200 for lights, lid, substrate, filter, heater, rocks, water, etc. How would you spend it?

Thanks for your help!

 

[DaniosForever]

I dont have a saltwater tank but for water changes its best if you have RO water and the amount of salt you need. I have no experience so take my answer with a grain of salt.

 

[BPSabelhaus]

I mean, how nuts do you want to get?

I’ve been keeping a high brackish / full salt (varied on laziness) for three years using just a sponge filter and instant ocean to raise Endlers. Last year I started adding actual marine life to it and kicked the Endlers out a month or two back to let it just be crabs. You can do it on a budget, just be realistic. Also, I would separate saltwater and reef tank. Reef tank is where budget starts to stop.

 

[Dizzle]

I mean, how nuts do you want to get?

I’ve been keeping a high brackish / full salt (varied on laziness) for three years using just a sponge filter and instant ocean to raise Endlers. Last year I started adding actual marine life to it and kicked the Endlers out a month or two back to let it just be crabs. You can do it on a budget, just be realistic. Also, I would separate saltwater and reef tank. Reef tank is where budget starts to stop.

Okay… What would you buy with a $200 limit to start a new 40g Saltwater tank build?

 

[SparkyJones]

Reef tank or corals, no. It's not budget friendly Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR)

Can be started cheaply (in comparison) and then added to over time to get to your next levels.
RODI system and salt mix will save you money than buying pre-made salt water. It's not a necessity but will save you problems you may encounter with tap water with algae and diatoms bit not a necessity to have it.
You'll spend a good amount on live rock also its like plants for saltwater and not "cheap" compared to just grabbing some stones outside.

The more you want to do,the more costly it becomes, you don't need great lighting to keep FOWLR, you don't need a protein skimmer, ATO, doser, Yada Yada to get started right away.
Things you do need to have as necessities.
1) Tank
2) Heater
3) Thermometer
4) Artificial salt or access to natural sea water
5) Hydrometer or refractometer
6) 1 submersible powerhead
7) Live rock
8) Some type of mechanical filtration
9) Lighting, anything will do for FOWLR
10) Water
11) a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet*
*saltwater conducts electricity much better than freshwater, it's a safety measure.

That's what I see as necessities to keep fish and live rock. Then you can upgrade and add to it from there. I've run fish only in a 20g with a HOB filter and small powerhead and it worked. To keep damsels, yellow tail, azure, 3 stripe the basic beginner small saltwater fish.

If you can afford a nicer sump filter, or nicer lighting from the start, this saves you in the long run because if you intend to go to invertebrates and corals, you'll want and need all that and more and room to put the more, but to just start in it and keep fish, it's salt, water, heater, filter, a Hydrometer to check salinity and adjust for evaporation, and 1 powerhead or wave maker to get movement in the tank water.

 

[Perfect]

You can't start up with $200 for a reef tank. A decent light alone may costs in the $90+ range.

Salt is like $40 (instant ocean)
Rocks...are expensive at least live rock which you should go for (its easier to manage).
Sand isn't too bad but I would go to a fish store for that.