$500 Challenge

[dnsfpl]

assuming for a 2 feet cube sump setup

with a budget of $500, what equipment will you choose

2nd hand equipment is allowed to maximize the budget

price will be 60% off the RRP

my setup, all equipment 2nd hand

pump: Atman AT-105 3000L/H $25

lighting: DE T5 Retrofit 4 tubes $340

skimmer: Deltec MC 500 $499

chiller: Hailea HC 150A $398

wavemaker: Sunsun JVP101B 3000L $25

total: $1287 x 0.4 = $514.80

how will you spend your $500?

sites to check for pricing

http://www.aquamarin.com.sg/

http://www.delightings.com/

http://www.reefdepot.com.sg/

[cjh]

You can choose a cheaper skimmer.. That will bring down the cost..

[tunicate]

I'll opt for a cheaper skimmer but a better return pump.

[Ah-lim]

A BM skimmer, an Ehiem return pump.

[zoa farmer]

depending on what you are keeping. You might be able to cut down in some areas.

I would go for a decent second hand skimmer. Budget for skimmer would be below 100. Maybe second hand Prizm or a reef octopus. I don't think anybody would sell a second hand mce500 for $200.

I would see if anyone is selling a suitable second hand pump...and whether it fits my budget.

The problem with second hand stuff is whether you can find it for the price you want.

I don't really have much opinion on pumps...just don't buy a cheapskate one that breaks down easily.

Lighting wise, it depends on what you plan to keep.

[mengyang_neo]

YUp agree for german equipment seldom drop to 40% price even if 2nd hand, normally is 60% and above, but sometime u can get very good deal. For china brand like sun sun better to buy new one, since it is not very ex and the effectiveness of the pump will drop over time. After a yr, the flowrate maybe only left half. If u are looking for eheim pump can look for solo77, lol I think he got a lot of spare equipment in his storeroom.

[dnsfpl]

dear bros

i guess you guys misunderstood my purpose to start this discussion

the objective is to see how a reefer will spend their $500

and for other reefer compare and customize to suit their preferred setup

why not spend 15 mins of your time and see how will you spend your $500?

cheers

[xaine]

chey...I thought you have a new project coming along

Depending on the tank inhabitants, the lightings and chilling requirements are different wor...

Would opt for, this would easily fit $500.

- reef octopus skimmer (with you mentioning a sump setup, a in-sump would perform better than a hang on back)

- hailea chiller

- a decent reliable pump

- 4 x T5 24w

- wavemaker (sunsun, seio or hydro would be a good start)