Hi folks,
Just checking in again. I've spent the last two months patiently acquiring equipment and materials and catching myself up on what's new in marine aquaria since I left the hobby ten+ years ago. So far, I've acquired a 40 breeder, gotten it drilled and plumbed (well, partially plumbed, still working on that), a stand, a glass top, an overflow box, a CPR Bakpak skimmer, heater, refractometer, 700 gph pump, and a few other odds and ends.
One thing I'm finding is, eBay is amazing for finding parts and secondhand equipment. The skimmer I picked out retails new for about $150 and I picked mine up for $40 from someone who was upgrading. All it requires is patience to dig for stuff on there (and maybe a bit of a critical eye for things that aren't likely to be functional). I'm still hunting for an RODI system, and some better lighting, but for anyone on a budget, this has seemed to be the way to go.
Just checking in again. I've spent the last two months patiently acquiring equipment and materials and catching myself up on what's new in marine aquaria since I left the hobby ten+ years ago. So far, I've acquired a 40 breeder, gotten it drilled and plumbed (well, partially plumbed, still working on that), a stand, a glass top, an overflow box, a CPR Bakpak skimmer, heater, refractometer, 700 gph pump, and a few other odds and ends.
One thing I'm finding is, eBay is amazing for finding parts and secondhand equipment. The skimmer I picked out retails new for about $150 and I picked mine up for $40 from someone who was upgrading. All it requires is patience to dig for stuff on there (and maybe a bit of a critical eye for things that aren't likely to be functional). I'm still hunting for an RODI system, and some better lighting, but for anyone on a budget, this has seemed to be the way to go.