4ft Setup

[vagabond]

Hi Reefers,

I am planning to setup a 4x2x2 marine tank. I was at HM last saturday and was quoted 3K for hardwares only i.e. tank, cabinet, sump, pump, piping, chiller, MH and skimmer. I am not sure of the brands but was told that the quote is rather steep. Thus, could anyone recommend and advice me where to get good ones and which brand to get. Oh, my budget is only maximum 2K.

[vagabond]

Oh is this the way to post a topic?

How come the envelope look different?

[panlee]

I was at HM last saturday and was quoted 3K for hardwares only i.e. tank, cabinet, sump, pump, piping, chiller, MH and skimmer.

What and where is HM?

I think 3k is ok for 4feet tank+cabinet+sump+pump+piping+chiller+MH+skimmer if the items are good one. Rough estimate: Tank around $200-$400. Cabinet $250-$500. Sump $60-$120. Ehein pump is around $100-$250. Chiller (Teco, Reef Relief) for your tank should be $1000-$2000. MH around $700-$1500. Skimmer (EuroReef, H&S, Shuran) $400 - $1000.

[okieguy]

u can try wait for 2nd hand stuff in this forum? 2nd hand should be very cheap

for 4ft tank= maybe 100

cabinet = 200

sump(diy) = 50

skimmer = 100

pumps =100-150

chiller maybe 800-1000.

total maybe less than a k.. be patient.

you should be puting in alot of effort seting up ur tank and diy stuffs so that u can feel the accomplishment.. haha goodluck

[jc85]

Sorri Vagabond, hijack your tread.

I'm also planing to convert my 4ft tank to marine fish. However need some advise for the "expert" here.

Will there be a problem if I forgo the sump and chiller?

Can anyone recommend a good book to read for newbie? Will like to read up before diving into the project.

Will appreciate if anyone can PM me some reliable LFS. I'm staying in Hougang area btw.

Thanks alot

[vagabond]

Panlee,

HM is at sembawang area. Their pump and chiller are mostly taiwan brand one leh.

Also, which brand MH do you recan...?

JC85,

Its okay, we are all here to learn and share...

[hghflyer]

HM is Haw**i right? Heard quite ex to get things from there.

Like u, I got my stuff all in one. Really burned my pocket man. Anyway I've learnt alot since then. May I suggest going slowly. Perhaps get a tank/cabinet,piping,sump and MH 1st. Skimmer and chiller bout 3-4 weeks later(once water parameters are suitable). At the meanwhile, do a research here on what brands to get. Plenty of info here, just gotta find it. Aquiring the most suitable hardware components of your choice will really save you hell alot of $$$.

Just my 2 cents...

[sjsheng]

yah Haw** is quite xpensive.. i just visited today...

1 yellow tang cost about $33...

i thought very big when step in the shop is damn small...only high class only...that wat i think.. no offend

[vagabond]

sjsheng,

wats the image you attached? can't see leh.

hghflyer,

so how much did you spend as a whole, all at Haw**?

[jc85]

Since we are on the topic of price now, can I check what's is the average price of the below items (not the top notch type but gd enough for 4ft). FOWLR only (for now).

1) Filter

2) LR

3) DSB

4) Skimmer

5) Lights (MH?)

6) Fans (DIY)

Just need to do some budgetting. Thks all.

[FuEl]

You don't need fans for FOWLR

[hotsoup]

It's very subjective whether to use fan for FO tank, advise to maintain the temperature not more than 30 degree. Some reefers might have other opinions

[jc85]

I'll try to have a fan because exp with freshwater tank is that the temp will vary from 26 - 30 degree in singapore. During raining season will be ard 26-28 and warm season may go up to 30 degree.

just my 2cents

[hghflyer]

Vagabond,

I didn't do it at Haw***. Frm Pasir Ris farm.

Problem is after much reading/researching, found that certain hardwares I have are not to my liking. End up either U/G or buying more. Do a proper planning. You won't end up wasting money. Marine hobby is ex. Be prepare for it. Quote from okieguy, you will feel a great sense of accomplishment if u do it your own.

[vagabond]

Agree and that is why I am seeking help from reefers out there.