150 Gallon Starphire Reef Tanks

[Mando77]

How much does a new 150 Gallon Starphire Glass Reef tank sell for. I'm always looking into things and can't seem to find a price. I'm really trying to put a nice setup together. I'm thinking a nice set up for a tank this size would run about $10,000?

[epleeds]

I have gotten a quote from miracles (out of Canada) for a 60x30x20 rimless with 3 sided starfire glass. Shipped to my door was just over $1500 for the tank only. Then you need to have a stand built for it. What dimensions are you looking for. For $10,000, you could have way more than a 150 gallon tank. Maybe a 1500 gallon tank..

[Hilary]

I think the $10K was tank, stand, lights, skimmer, reactors, controller........ You know - "setup". Yikes! I think end cost depends on whether you go used or new, top of the line or solid/dependable, etc.

[lanman]

My 240-gallon with Starphire on the front cost me $600 used. Built the stand myself for about $100 in materials. 150 pounds of live rock purchased from WAMAS members was about $450. $100 worth of sand. Grey Seas Skimmer about $250. Custom-built 90-gallon sump ran another $300 (but it is awesome). Return pumps about another $300 (dual eheim's).

 

So for a 240 on the 'cheap' (used tank, rock, less expensive equipment) ran me a bit over $2000 for the basics. Then, it depends on what you want to do with the tank. My lighting (10x80W T5's) ran about another $1000. Add $200 for a kalk reactor if you want to grow coral. Another $400 for CA reactor if you want to grow a LOT of coral. Media reactor for carbon/phosphate remover is a good idea ($200). Even if you plumbed up a nice return, you will want some powerheads. $250-$1000 depending on what you get.

 

So.... let's estimate about $5000 to set up a pretty decent 240-gallon system.

 

Then you get to buy fish, corals, etc. to populate it.

 

bob

[Grav]

That is a pretty good budget for the whole system. We have done tank installations in the 200g range (give or take) around $8,000 to $10,000... and that is with installation, filled with water, liverock sand etc. SO if you are doing it yourself you can use some of that $ on equipment upgrades or livestock. Of course, a LOT depends on what you want in the way of lighting and filtration and quality of the stand / canopy. Wanting starfire shouldn't bump you out of that range, but depending on the MFG it could delay the tank a little.

 

On the other hand, you could go "nutz" on some of the equipment and burn $20,000 or more, but that is up to you :o)

 

Good luck with it, tanks that size are loads of fun!

 

Phil

Edited February 23, 2010 by Grav

[gioNVA]

If I had that money to spend on a ~150g tank setup, the Elos System 160 would be at the top of my list.

 

http://www.elosusa.com/store/product/138/system-160-145-gal-w-ns2000

[ctenophore]

I always tell new hobbyists to plan on $50-$60/gal for a quality setup and beginner corals & fish. Obviously, better deals can be had by watching the for sale forum, but you have to spend time looking for them.

[bcjm]

I have a 150G Oceanic Starphire glass tank, 60x24x24. Bought it 2-3 years ago for $1200.

[Mando77]

Thanks for the info. Seems there are many ways to go. I do want to build the system and would greatly consider used equipment. I always try to round cost up because this hobby isnt cheap.

[reefhunter]

I bought a 120 oceanic tech tank with starphire, a giesemann spectra light, 2 Vortech MP40s, deltec skimmer, calcium reactor and media reactor, teco chiller, sump, stand and rocks for $3000.00 This set up would have cost $7000 new.

 

Everything was 'like new' condition, only a few months old. So... internet searching and a little luck go a long way in this hobby.