plans change, 90g reef

[ActionRoc]

I was planing on starting my salt water journey by building a 300-350 gallon acrylic tank for my first marine tank. but that wasn't going to start until I get possession of the new house. I'm not a very patient man I must admit. so I started looking for something to get going on now. I found what I'm sure is a great deal. 90 gallon glass, drilled, 30 gallon sump, skimmer, 4' 6 bulb light bar, 300w heater, stand and hood. plus a hand full of smaller bits to boot! all for $375 canadian! asking price was initially $700. he estimates his initial investment to be $2200 less than a year ago.

I'm thinking it could be a good starter marine tank. when I move I can still build the big tank and possibly use the 90 as a refugium.

What do you guys think?

[ActionRoc]

It also has in it 50 lbs of rock and a few inches of sand. how ever it's been aloud to dry out. I assume it's no longer "live rock/sand" correct? would I be better off just tossing it and starting over with lfs live rock?

[frefal13]

That is an amazing deal! There is no need to toss out the rock, new sand might be good but with the rock jet clean it off really good and add some live rock to see your now dead rock.

[Cliff]

You got a great deal

That rock is still worth $2 to $5 per lb depending on the quality. You can still use it so don't toss it out. Think of your rock as your filter media. You just now have un-seeded filter media.

Adding another 30 to 40lbs of live rock (to your now dry rock) will allow you to cycle the tank

I would do a little reading about SW set-ups first before you get your tank going if your planning on setting it up soon. The stickies here are pretty good and there are a lot of good books out there.