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Average Price for starting out.... 2g


Jimmyboo

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that would be reasonable... whats this $10 light?

 

Also why this over the cookie jar tank?

 

Also, what type of filter / bubbler would you recommend

 

Just thought it would look nicer and have better placement for corals than a cookie jar due to the dimensions. The glass would also be easier to clean, ect.

 

Oh NVM, I thought they sold the light separate /slap self. You have to be careful when buying cheap lighting as if it is the wrong spectrum it will make your corals look washed out and shitty (waste of $ imo).

 

Maybe a couple g10's? I think 2-4 would work and they are about $3 each and you can mix match for how much blue/white you want.

 

Something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/GU10-E27-MR16-3W-LED-Light-Lamp-Bulb-Spot-light-220V-AC-/181137571970?pt=US_Light_Bulbs&var=480236300398&hash=item2a2ca40082

 

You would have to get some sockets (maybe $1 each?), an extension cord, and do some basic wiring. I would think you could do it pretty cheap.

 

Check out this thread:

 

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/267432-gu10-led-build-thread-chinese-ebay-lights/

 

Just depends how cheap you wanna be and if you like tinkering :)

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http://coralcompulsion.com/led-21w-18k This what I recommend, some times they go on sale($10 off)

 

My lamp is very similar to the one you posted, I got mine at staples for $20.

 

I do like the idea of a desk lamp with a par30 in it.

 

maybe like this:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Boston-Harbor-Architect-Swing-Black/dp/B002ZKDUVE/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1397877966&sr=1-2&keywords=desk+lamp

 

but whats the cheapest light I could get with that? most par 30's are around $65 online.

 

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I would stay away. My understanding is the spectrum on these Chinese lights is awful and make your corals look awful and general rule is NO! :D

 

Honestly, lighting is basically the last thing you want to cheap out on. I would do a coral compulsion par30 on a pico if it was mine.

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If it were me, I would go with the fluval spec. Check your local Petsmart, they are clearanced here for 29 bucks. The only reason I would chose the fluval over a cookie jar is the filtration included. I think in the long run, you would be happier with having filtration and flow than not having either in the cookie jar. I dont think you could grow any corals in a cookie jar with no water flow.

The stock light on the spec is not sufficient enough for corals, but the cost of the tank WITH filtration and flow is not much more than your cookie jar, and imo, well worth that few extra bucks, even with an upgrade to lighting. Go with a par bulb in a standard desk lamp for decent lighting, you can use dry sand to save money, and seed it with your live rock. You can also use dry rock to save more money and go the longer cycle route.

 

I agree with others about using ro/di water. With a tank that small, bad water will turn it into an algae swamp in no time. Invest the extra few bucks for the refractometer, you can find them on amazon for 25 bucks or less.

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The Fluval "filter" usually gets modified beyond recognition, so there is not much advantage to it. All I have left is the plastic wall!

All you have left is a tank and pump. The pump is $15 and I had one fail in a month in a have. (Probably just a dud though.)

 

I would recommend a separate mini-sump rather then the spec. I like my spec, but it is a "ship in a bottle" type filtration chamber which can be challenging to modify. A little sump would be just as practical, although I have a slight preference for AIOs.

 

Anyhow that eBay light I linked him in the PM was just an example of a cheap, strong light from eBay. I explained that he should find some of the better ones for colour.

 

I don't think it's accurate to say Chinese lights have awful spectrum, you got to pick the LEDs you want.

It would much better looking for saltwater then the Fluval stock light.

Different temperature are available.

 

I still encourage Brandon429's advice about skipping some of the extras right now, putting that towards the light.

This one here has a nicer spectrum.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EVO-Spot-PAR38-LED-Reef-Aquarium-Light-Full-Spectrum-6-Colors-For-Live-Corals-/331161457315?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d1ac2d2a3

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I guess now after reading this thread I am going to have to sit down and itemize how much I have invested in my 6 month old 2.5 gallon tank. That's probably going to prove to be a pretty rude experience to the wallet!

That will scare you like you never been scared before. Once you start adding up it will be like I could have taken a vacation for what I have in this little box of water.

 

As I follow along in this treat there is so many different ideas out there and I know they probably all will work. It makes me want to start a little 2 gallon pico. I have to remind myself no more tanks. I do know if I ever got out of the hobby I would be back in with a pico at least. I need to win the lottery or get a huge raise.

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^ :)

 

I still dont know what to do on the lighting situation. There are so many conflicting ideas. I would rather stick to Amazon if possible, but I guess anything would work.

 

I am not really interested in the Fluval anymore because of all the upgrades it would need. I would rather do the cookie jar or the square box that someone posted earlier.

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That light is also $90 which I believe is way more than he wants to spend and a par38 is bit overkill for a cookie jar. I was more referring to stay away from $20 ebay lights. They are not really worth the $ when you can spend a bit more and get something proven that has great resale value.

 

However, If $20 makes or breaks setting up a tank, I would seriously question them getting into this hobby.

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That light is also $90 which I believe is way more than he wants to spend and a par38 is bit overkill for a cookie jar. I was more referring to stay away from $20 ebay lights. They are not really worth the $ when you can spend a bit more and get something proven that has great resale value.

 

However, If $20 makes or breaks setting up a tank, I would seriously question them getting into this hobby.

 

 

 

Now wait a minute, I never said $20 was make or break etc etc. I just want a cheaper option than $90. If some people question the chinese lights, does anyone have an alternative.

 

We can debate this, but the best debates will offer an alternative.

 

Best,

JB

 

P.s. talking about filtration. I really want to do the cube or cookie jar, is there a mini powerhead or something anyone can suggest. Preferably off Amazon

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Now wait a minute, I never said $20 was make or break etc etc. I just want a cheaper option than $90. If some people question the chinese lights, does anyone have an alternative.

 

We can debate this, but the best debates will offer an alternative.

 

Best,

JB

 

P.s. talking about filtration. I really want to do the cube or cookie jar, is there a mini powerhead or something anyone can suggest. Preferably off Amazon

 

I was just talking in general. I can get why people wouldn't want to spend $500-600 and look for options in the $200 price range but I don't get a $20-30 light vs a $50-60. The difference shouldn't break a persons wallet.

 

I think earlier people suggested par30's which run about $50-$60. Less if you buy one used off the hardware section.

 

What I suggest is to make a post in the lighting section asking advice for a light and give them your tank size and how much $ you're willing to spend on a light. Lots of light guru's over there.

 

Mini filter with a spraybar. Can't say I have tried it but the reviews look ok.

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00176GKM8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1UE0HVWJACGZQ&coliid=I1TSXD50QB0O0H

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have a credit on amazon or something? This is generally regarded as one of the best par30/par38 venders.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Coral-Compulsion-Par30-Vibrance-Light/dp/B0099UINTM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397936339&sr=8-1&keywords=coral+compulsion

 

Here is Sandeep's tank using it over a 5.5g (post #98). Can't argue with the results :)http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/328082-55g-reef-islands/page-4

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Hi guys, I have compiled a list of things needed for the 2g "cookie jar" reef I am interested in setting up and here are my pricing thoughts based on what I have been able to find:

 

 

2 gallon jar - $25

 

air bubbler - $10

 

heater - $25

 

testing supplies - $25

 

refractometer - $30

 

mini thermostat - $5

 

Salt - $10

 

refractometer - $30

 

lighting - $50

 

live rock - $ 15

 

live sand - $10

 

water conditioner - $12

 

other expenses etc. - $30

 

 

Adds up to $277,

 

 

It seems a bit high to me for a little 2g fish tank, what are other peoples ideas here? seem about right.

 

Best,

JB

You have refractometer twice.

 

More for salt, you'll be doing water changes. $5 for mixing bucket.

 

You dont have RODI filter, $100 to 300 for one of those. You can buy distilled at Walmart $.83 a gallon, though.

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You have refractometer twice.

 

More for salt, you'll be doing water changes. $5 for mixing bucket.

 

You dont have RODI filter, $100 to 300 for one of those. You can buy distilled at Walmart $.83 a gallon, though.

 

Hi, I have updated the list if you look throughout the thread.

 

 

have a credit on amazon or something? This is generally regarded as one of the best par30/par38 venders.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Coral-Compulsion-Par30-Vibrance-Light/dp/B0099UINTM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397936339&sr=8-1&keywords=coral+compulsion

 

Here is Sandeep's tank using it over a 5.5g (post #98). Can't argue with the results :)http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/328082-55g-reef-islands/page-4

 

 

 

I like that light! Does it use a standard "screw" to screw into a lamp?

 

thinking about this lampshade.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Boston-Harbor-Architect-Swing-Black/dp/B002ZKDUVE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1397937554&sr=8-2&keywords=desk+lamp

 

thoughts?

 

Ohh an by the way, does anyone have this thermostat:

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000633PU8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2YKHLMXRLPQLV

 

could it bend on the outside of the circular tank.?

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Hi, I have updated the list if you look throughout the thread.

 

 

 

 

 

I like that light! Does it use a standard "screw" to screw into a lamp?

 

thinking about this lampshade.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Boston-Harbor-Architect-Swing-Black/dp/B002ZKDUVE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1397937554&sr=8-2&keywords=desk+lamp

 

thoughts?

 

Ohh an by the way, does anyone have this thermostat:

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000633PU8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2YKHLMXRLPQLV

 

could it bend on the outside of the circular tank.?

 

Yeah, it will screw into a standard lamp. Make sure you can remove the "hood" on the lamp. Any par30/38 needs to breath or you risk breaking it.

 

Don't get stick on thermometers. They are inaccurate. Something like this:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Marina-Floating-Thermometer-Suction-Cup/dp/B0002AQITK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397937984&sr=8-1&keywords=thermometer+fish

 

You can get it cheaper at Walmart though I bet.

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Hi, I have updated the list if you look throughout the thread.

 

 

 

 

No thanks, I know how these kinds of threads go. Not interested.

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Yeah, it will screw into a standard lamp. Make sure you can remove the "hood" on the lamp. Any par30/38 needs to breath or you risk breaking it.

 

Don't get stick on thermometers. They are inaccurate. Something like this:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Marina-Floating-Thermometer-Suction-Cup/dp/B0002AQITK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397937984&sr=8-1&keywords=thermometer+fish

 

You can get it cheaper at Walmart though I bet.

 

found this and it fits the bill:

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U84S3O/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

Ok making big progress on the lighting. Now I need to find a good lamp.

 

How hot do the LED's get. No need for making heat sink right?

 

---------------------------------------------------------------

 

EDIT:

 

Just watched this video of the lamp in white, looks like the top is detachable so the boston lamp is a go.

 

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found this and it fits the bill:

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U84S3O/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

Ok making big progress on the lighting. Now I need to find a good lamp.

 

How hot do the LED's get. No need for making heat sink right?

 

---------------------------------------------------------------

 

EDIT:

 

Just watched this video of the lamp in white, looks like the top is detachable so the boston lamp is a go.

 

It already has a heat sink.. thats why you don't want a cover on it :)

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It already has a heat sink.. thats why you don't want a cover on it :)

 

ahh, that makes sense. I thought LEDS don't really get hot to the touch though?

 

also, does anyone else have any recommendations?

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ahh, that makes sense. I thought LEDS don't really get hot to the touch though?

 

also, does anyone else have any recommendations?

 

High powered ones capable of supporting a reef do.

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