Is this a good deal for a Saltwater tank?

AndyGB4

Hey everyone, this is my first post on TropicalFishKeeping!

So first off, I'd like to say that I have only 2 years of experience, running a 32g freshwater tank, and all is well. I really want to get into saltwater tanks, so I've been doing tons of research on the subject for over a week now.

To give you all an idea of what I'm looking for, I would like to have a FOWLR tank, and because of the space of the room I would like it to be in, it can only be maximum 40-45" wide.

Ok, so here's the deal I wanted to ask you guys about!
For about 550$ it would include all this:

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Aquarium: 40 gallon tank, 30" x 12.5" x 23"
It comes with a nice wooden base.

Sump: 20 gallon tank,
with all the pipes necessary to connect to display tank.

Lights: 30" 4x 24 Watt T5HO 50/50 Current Usa
with 2x timers, and 2x moonlight LEDs

Skimmer: Tunze Nano DOC 9002

Pump: Eheim Compact+ 2000 (like new)

Heater: ViaAqua 300w in Titanium (like new)

Other: He said he'd also throw in a vacuum, thermometer, and other little things.
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What do you guys think of this deal? I know it's easier to get a bigger tank, but considering the space limitation I have, this seems like a good option. And there seems to be a lot of really expensive items in there. So I come to some experienced reefers like you to let me know if I'm right in thinking this is a pretty nice deal!

Thanks in advance everyone!

Reefing Madness

Looks good to me.

AndyGB4

Thanks Reefing for the quick reply,

Also, If i decided later on to convert to a Reef tank, will this be possible with the equipment mentioned above? Just an idea, but definitely not a must.

Would love to get some more opinions on the deal listed above though, so I can feel more sure about it.

aussieJJDude

I think all the equipment would support a reef, but you may need to get a few more gadgets.
Good deal :D

Reefing Madness

Yes, what you have listed will support a Reef tank. What would you like to know that would comfort you about the tank?
Tank new= $135
Stand new= $180
Tunze Nano DOC 9002 new= $130
4 lamp T-5 HO Unit new= $200
There ya go, and thats not all your gear.

AndyGB4

Well I guess I wanted to feel more sure about if its really a good deal, and seeing that list of average prices u wrote, it reassures me. I tried looking up some price online earlier but the prices fluctuate quite a bit from site to site, so it helps so much that someone with as much experience as you can give me some numbers! :)

I'm going to go visit the man to see it in person sometime this week.
Hopefully all goes well, this would be a great step in the right direction.

Thank you for all the help, I'm sure I'll have a ton of more questions! haha

Reefing Madness

AndyGB4

So unfortunately, many people are interested in this deal, hopefully I can visit him on Thursday and it's not sold until then!

Also, what else would I need to buy?
I'm thinking:

- Substrate (does it have to be live sand?)
- Dry Rock
- Live Rock (I thought mixing the rocks would come out cheaper, and the live rock will spread to the dry rock, right? will it also spread to the sand? and what's a good ratio between the rocks?)
- Salt mix
- And I guess that RO/DI water too
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AndyGB4

Oh and I forgot that I probably need Powerheads too, right?
how many should I get for a tank of that size?
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RSully

General rule of thumb is 10-20 times your volume of water for tunrover. You'd preobably be looking at 2 powerheads. PLacement will be key.