Average Cost of a 10 Gallon Nano?

[Garrity828]

I have been keeping FW fish for the past 6 months or so, and really want to try a salt water coral tank. I wanted to start small, so I think a 10 gallon would be suitable. What would the overall price be for a 10 gallon tank with light strong enough for most corals, a HOB filter, and other neccesary things for a 10 gallon. Thanks in advance!

[xximanoobxx]

500 ish if u want the good stuff...
But if ur on a tight budget, 300 ish...
It really depends...

[cocoa_pleco]

FOWLR=approx. $200, reef= about $500

cost breakdown (estimated)-

10g aquarium- $10
50g salt mix- $20
20lbs aragonite- $20
15lbs live rock- $100
refractometer- $30
good light (say coralife 96w PC 50/50)- $100
skimmer- $60
livestock- $160
= $500 total

thats really estimated and FOWLR you dont need fancy lights. research ALOT though

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

How much research have you done so far? When are you wanting to get started on the tank?

[oldhead]

I was gonna say in the range of about $600.

[Garrity828]

I wasn't planning on starting for a while, trying to save up alot more than what it would cost. That way I would have a financial cushion(well, extra money for emergencies) for my aquarium.

[xximanoobxx]

I wasn't planning on starting for a while, trying to save up alot more than what it would cost. That way I would have a financial cushion(well, extra money for emergencies) for my aquarium.

That's Good!
And you should research more and probably purchase the book called, The Conscientious Marine Aquarist: A Commonsense Handbook for Successful Saltwater Hobbyists....
It's a really good book but im on page 17 so far lol...
Too much hw and stuff
It's worth it though...
U can get a paperback book for 12 bux but that's the 1997 edition...
I got a hardcover for 44 dollars from Amazon.com It's supposed to be 70 bux but it was on sale...

[Holyvision]

~550 would be a good starting place.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

I wasn't planning on starting for a while, trying to save up alot more than what it would cost. That way I would have a financial cushion(well, extra money for emergencies) for my aquarium.

That's a good thing in a couple of ways. I'd recommend you read a thread at the top of the Saltwater forum section called "Reality Check." Since you are just getting started I think it would be a good thing for you to read to help you avoid some of the pitfalls that many new marine hobbyists get into.

[AABatteries]

I may suggest that IF you can get a tank bigger than 10g, please do, the bigger the easier it is.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

Very good point AquaBison. This is something that seems counter intuitive to most beginners, but it is quite true, the larger the system the easier it is.

[travie]

I don't think anyone mentioned that included in the cost is a lot of time and patience.

[oldhead]

I don't think anyone mentioned that included in the cost is a lot of time and patience.


Hah yeah that's a sizeable part of the investment also.

[Gemstone]

yeah...lotsa patience...we have just been sitting and watching the live rock for a while now...lol..and need MORE....before the other goodies start gettiing added...it will be a looooong time.