Bio Cube- 14 Gallon-

[TouchedArtist]

I've NEVER had a saltwater tank before. I currently have 3 other tanks- freshwater (29Gal, 20 Gal L, and 75 Gal)

I'm looking at the possibility of adding a 14 Gallon Bio Cube to my MAN CAVE- aka Basement

My main concern is the initial investment for a saltwater tank of this size- given that I have no experience, I was hoping that someone out there would be able to give me a BALLPARK as to what I'm looking at as far as cost is concerned. (the TANK ITSELF is running about $150.)

I'm looking to only keep a couple of small fish in the tank and see how they do. But I really need some advice from you guys & gals- I read so many conflicting things on the net about Saltwater tanks that I just don't know where to start. I was hoping this was the place.

 

[arejay]

I am in no position to give advice (I started my tank at the end of last month). It seems to be a more expensive initial investment, but the time, the process takes for setting everyhting up, allows for the money to be spread over a greater period of time.

If you are looking at $150 for the tank, you will want to add the cost of substrate, live rock, a heater, a thermometer, and a decent testing kit (please let mw know wht I'm forgetting). For this you should be coming in between $275-350 (depending on your local prices, and equipment you choose).

I have found this board very helpful and the people here to be more than generous with their knowlege. I hope you enjoy tank as much as I am enjoying mine.

 

[Trogdor]

I posted this in another thread but should help a bit here too

• Live rock - $3.50-6.00 per pound a 10g tank will need about 10lbs
  Sand - $30/50lb bag this will depend on how deep of a sand bed you want
  RO/DI unit - $100 most people need these
  RO/DI Holding tanks - $25
  Heater - $10-$15
  Filter Media - $10
  Salt - $25-$45 depending on how much you bulk buy
  Test Kit - $30-$50
  Refractometer - $50
  Temperature Probe - $5
  Food - $10

 

[TouchedArtist]

I posted this in another thread but should help a bit here too

• Live rock - $3.50-6.00 per pound a 10g tank will need about 10lbs
  Sand - $30/50lb bag this will depend on how deep of a sand bed you want
  RO/DI unit - $100 most people need these
  RO/DI Holding tanks - $25
  Heater - $10-$15
  Filter Media - $10
  Salt - $25-$45 depending on how much you bulk buy
  Test Kit - $30-$50
  Refractometer - $50
  Temperature Probe - $5
  Food - $10

what exactly is a RO/DI unit??? When I asked for one today at the pet store they looked at me like I had 2 heads. I know what RO/DI means- RO/DI - Deionized Reverse Osmosis Water

but, they had no clue what I was looking for

 

[Trogdor]

RO/DI Unit

 

[TouchedArtist]

I have NEVER seen one of those in the store that I was at.

They have an entire section of salt water 'creatures' as well. I'm beginning to wonder if I should even shop there.

 

[Trogdor]

not all LFS's will carry RO/DI units. i don't think mine does