Are you passionate about saltwater aquariums but worried about the costs? Fear not! In this guide, we’ll explore three different affordable saltwater aquarium builds. Whether you’re looking for a simple fish-only setup or a more complex coral reef system, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Setting up an affordable saltwater aquarium can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. While many believe that saltwater tanks are expensive, it is possible to create stunning setups without breaking the bank. Today, we’ll discuss three budget-friendly builds that cater to different needs and preferences. These setups will help you create the perfect affordable saltwater aquarium that suits your budget.
If you are interested in seeing more budget builds, check out our Build Lists by clicking here.
Ground Rules for Affordable Saltwater Aquariums
Before we dive into the specific builds, let’s establish a few ground rules to ensure that your affordable saltwater aquarium remains cost-effective without compromising on quality.
- Budget-Friendly, Not Cheap: The goal is to find budget-friendly options, not the cheapest possible gear. Quality matters, and flimsy equipment can lead to higher costs in the long run.
- Brand Agnostic: Choose brands and price points that work for you. We’ll provide suggestions based on what we know and like, but the final choice is yours.
- Used Gear: Used equipment can save you a significant amount of money. Look for second-hand options, especially for larger items like tanks and lights.
- Local Deals: Purchase gear locally when possible to avoid high shipping costs and support local businesses.
- Tank Size: A 20-gallon tank can save you money, but a 40-gallon tank offers more flexibility and space for your aquatic life.
Essential Gear Breakdown
No matter which build you choose, there are 10 essential pieces of equipment you’ll need for your affordable saltwater aquarium:
1. 40-Gallon Breeder Tank
This is a standard size in the pet industry, measuring 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 16 inches tall. It’s best to avoid buying tanks online due to high shipping costs. Instead, wait for a local fish store sale where you can usually pick up a tank for under $60. Remember, a full 40-gallon tank will weigh over 300 pounds, so you’ll need a sturdy stand or piece of furniture to support it.
Below is the Innovative Marine 40 gallon tank kit. It comes with everything you see plus a back or white stand. If you go this route, you are going to pay quite a bit more. It’s nice, but to stay budget friendlier, stick with the 40 gallon breeder.
One heater should be set to 77-78°F to serve as your primary heater, and the other set to 74-75°F as a backup. For value, I recommend the Eheim Jager 100W heaters. If your home tends to be colder (below 68°F), opt for the 125W versions. For those interested in a more advanced option, Sicce’s Scuba contactless heaters come with a 5-year warranty and are programmed via your phone.
3. Temperature Controller
This piece of equipment is crucial for maintaining stable water conditions. Over time, it will save your animals. Affordable options from Inkbird and Bayite are available. While I prefer the shape and interface of the Bayite, the Inkbird offers models with Wi-Fi for push alerts, which can be very handy.
4. Hang On The Back Filter
For a 40-gallon system, you’ll want a filter that pumps about 200 gallons per hour (GPH), meaning it filters the entire water volume five times an hour. The Seachem Tidal 55 is a solid choice, but there are more budget-friendly options available online as well.
5. RO/DI Filter
Some intermediate hobbyists might argue this isn’t necessary, but an RO/DI filter ensures your water is free from impurities. While this AquaReady RO filter doesn’t contain the last DI resin stage, I actually tested it myself and it did filter out over 97% of impurities, which is pretty darn good.
6. Salt Mix
You can choose any commercially available salt mix. Reef Crystals are some of the most affordable, while I personally use Tropic Marin Reef Salt. You’ll need enough to make 40 gallons initially and 5 gallons weekly for water changes, so buy a container that can make at least 90 to 100 gallons of saltwater.
7. Refractometer
This tool is essential for measuring the salinity of your seawater. Ensuring proper salinity is crucial for the health of your marine life.
8.Test Kit
At a minimum, you need to test for ammonia and nitrite. The API Saltwater Master Test Kit is an affordable and reliable option. Even though I have fancier testers, I still use this kit for ammonia and nitrite testing.
9. Gravel Vacuum
A good gravel vacuum is indispensable for water changes and maintaining tank cleanliness. Python is a reliable brand, but at the end of the day, any gravel vacuum will do the job.
10. Algae Scraper
Keeping your tank clean is essential for the health of your aquatic life. You can splurge on a fancy scraper like the Flipper Float, or you can use an old credit card. Just make sure it comes with a stainless steel scraper for the best results.
If you don’t love one of these options, click here to check out our entire list of recommended gear.
Build 01: Fish Only Affordable Saltwater Aquarium
For our first budget build, we’ll focus on a fish-only system. Besides the 10 essential pieces of gear, you’ll need a light, an ammonia/nitrite neutralizer, and some decorations.
Check out our Beginner Guide to Saltwater Fish here.
1. Lighting
While technically optional for a fish-only system, a light helps you better view your fish. Since this build doesn’t include corals, you don’t need a powerful light. A daylight spectrum freshwater strip light is cost-effective and prevents excessive algae growth. You can find these online or at your local fish store, often for under $50.
2. Ammonia/Nitrite Neutralizer
To keep your fish safe from harmful ammonia buildup, add a product like Seachem Prime to the water during setup and weekly water changes.
3. Decorations
Adding decorations provides hiding places for your fish and enhances the aesthetic appeal of your tank. Use aquarium-safe products to create a visually pleasing environment.
With these additions, the total cost for a fish-only system ranges from $425 to $600.
Build 02: Fish & Soft/LPS Coral Affordable Saltwater Aquarium
The second budget build includes fish and easy-to-care-for corals like soft corals and large polyp stony (LPS) corals. This build requires adding reef rock, a wave maker, and a better light.
1. Reef Rock
Reef rock provides essential surfaces for coral attachment and houses beneficial bacteria. Marco Rocks Reef Saver and CaribSea Life Rock are budget-friendly options. You should aim for at least 40 pounds of rock to give you enough material for aquascaping and bacterial growth.
2. Wavemaker
Corals benefit from water movement, which helps in nutrient uptake and waste removal. AquaIllumination Nero 3 offers a good balance between performance and price, providing sufficient flow for a 40-gallon tank.
3. Lighting
For soft and LPS corals, a more powerful light is necessary. The AquaIllumination Blade Grow Light is an excellent choice under $300. It offers a mix of blue and white spectrums specifically designed for coral growth and comes with Bluetooth control through the Mobius app, making it easy to adjust settings.
When you factor in these additional items, the cost for a fish and easy coral system ranges from $900 to $1100.
Build 03: High-Flow, High-Light SPS Coral Affordable Saltwater Aquarium
The third build is for those who want to keep high-flow and high-light demanding small polyp stony (SPS) corals. This setup requires a bit more investment but is still an affordable saltwater aquarium compared to high-end systems. In addition to the essential equipment, you’ll need:
1. Reef Rock
The same advice for reef rock from Build #2 applies here. You’ll need at least 40 pounds of MarcoRocks or CaribSea Life Rock to provide adequate surfaces for your SPS corals.
2. Wavemaker
SPS corals need a lot of water movement. The AI Nero 5 wave maker is perfect for this, providing strong, controllable flow. It’s also compatible with the Mobius app, allowing you to synchronize with your lights for a cohesive system.
3. Lighting
High-demand SPS corals require intense lighting. Using multiple AquaIllumination Blade Grow Lights will ensure proper coverage. For a 40-gallon tank, two grow lights are the minimum, but three lights—two grows and one glow—are preferable. The glow light acts like a black light, enhancing the fluorescent colors of your corals.
With these advanced additions, the cost for an SPS coral system ranges from $1,200 to $1,800.
Final Thoughts
Creating an affordable saltwater aquarium is entirely possible with careful planning and smart choices. By following the guidelines and builds outlined in this blog, you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of a saltwater tank without overspending. Remember to always prioritize quality and seek out used equipment deals to maximize your savings.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, these affordable saltwater aquarium builds offer something for everyone. Start your journey today and discover the joy of maintaining a vibrant and budget-friendly saltwater aquarium!