First of all :welcome: :welcome: :welcome:
The initial cost of setting up a 10 gallon is not all that bad. If you check out my thread (I need to update) at:
My 5.5 Gallon Build Log
The first few pictures of all the stuff I needed to get up and running.
Tank (5.5) - $10.00 - My 15 gallon was $25.00
Coralife 9" 18 watt light Fixture - $25.00
Aquaclear 20 HOB Filter - $18-25.00 (I can't remember exactly)
10 pound bag of live sand - $35.00
Hydor Nano Heater (I forget what wattage) - $15.00 (maybe lower)
I started with a piece of live rock from my 65 gallon fish only tank, so it didn't cost me aything to start with. My LFS sells live rock for $5.99 per pound. I did wind up purchasing a 3 pounder for roughly $16 and a 4 pounder for around $20.
I also purchase my water at my LFS (I am not really all that good with chemistry so I prefer not to mix my own water). My LFS sells the water for $1 per gallon.
So roughly for under $150 I was able to start up this tank. I really love this little tank, even though I now have a 15 gallon in the works (just have to figure out the size of the overflows and I'm good to go on that project).
If you want to do this on a shoestring budget and not spend a lot all in one shot the best way to do this is in weekly stages:
1. Buy tank (this will allow you the opportunity to build the stand and canopy and get everything set, you already have one so you're good in this department)
Total Cash Outlay - $25.00 plus tax
2. Buy filter
Total Cash Outlay - $25 an under (I'm thinking the price was $23)
3. Buy Heater
Total Cash Outlay - Under $20
4. Buy Sand - Leave in bag until water and rock arrive
Total Cash Outlay - $35.00 plus tax
5. Buy water & rock
Total Cash Outlay - $25.00 (at least that would be at my LFS. This takes into account 10 gallons of saltwater and 3 pounds worth of rock (at $5.99 per pound...your LFS may be different.
NOTE
If your LFS does not sell pre-mixed saltwater, you can go to any grocery store and get some distilled water (usually in the cleaning supply ailse, by the bleach/ammonia, etc...I have no idea why they put it there but they do). The distilled water is pretty cheap, you can pick up 10 gallons for probably under $10, though I am not positive. I usually get 3 gallons and it costs me around $2.50. You should be able to buy salt at the LFS (I do not know prices because I have never bought any) and mix it yourself. Others will have to give you directions for that because I have absolutely no clue what to do.
6. Buy the coralife 9 inch 18 watt light fixture
Total Cash Outlay - $25.00 plus tax
The above steps can be completed or combined in any order, depending on your cashflow.
Once you have all the pieces mentioned above you can start cycling your tank. How you choose to do that is really up to you.
Some people get a fish and toss it in there to get things rolling. If you choose to go this route please be aware that the fish will most likely not be a very happy camper for a week or 2 and could possibly die as a result of high ammonia levels. I would not get an expensive fish for this purpose. A green chromis will do just fine and will be a great addition to you tank. I really do not recommened the yellow tailed damsels, they turn out to be seriously nasty little fish once they are entrentched in a territory (aka the entire tank).
The other option is to toss a piece of shrimp in there. The bags of cooked jumbo shrimp that you can get at Costco's will work just fine, or you can purchase a Tiger shrimp from your local grocery store. This option gives you a chance to brag about our new tank (bear in mind the employees will look at youn funny for a bit though)! As the shrimp rots, it produces ammonia, thus kicking off your cycle.
Most people feel that this is a better way to go because there is no living thing in the tank that would be under stress. When I setup my first tank, I used the live fish method and have continued with that routine through all of my tanks and haven't had any die as a result of the cycle though it did stress them out quite a bit.
Once the tank cycles you can start to add livestock. Be aware that with a 10 gallon, you have to be careful about what you put in there, marine fish get huge. Check out Matt's posting on fish that are suitable for nanos.
Nano Fish - Part 1
Nano Fish - Part 2
You can, however, put a fish that will eventually outgrow the tank if you are planning to upgrade the tank to a larger one within at least 6 months. You will probably want to keep your fish to roughly around 4 or 5. As the fish get bigger they will need more room to spread out, so keep that in mind.
I do roughly a 50% water change every single Saturday...sometimes on Wednesdays as well. Water changes are your best friend. Do them often!!
The best thing you can possibly learn in this hobby is DON'T PANIC!!! Douglas Adams had the right idea. Panicking will get you nowhere fast. Think things through and everything will be fine!
Hope that helps!
Tom
