Can you build me a CRS setup for $100

[Faralon]

As you read, the budget is $100. Excluding the cost of shrimp.

How would you choose to go for setting up a CRS tank?

Has to be 5 gallon or under. (Desktop size)

I know I can do the 2.6 or 5gallon Fluval Spec, which is fine. If I go that route, what "extras" would we need to setup for CRS?

Any other options? I'd like it to look classy, as it's going in my home office where I have a 90gallon Reef tank setup.

How else would you build?

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[JamesHe]

Yes, you can.

 

1, Tetra 20L, $20 when on sale ( Dollar per gallon sale)

2, Angelfish plus 4.25" cube sponge filter x2, $5 x 2 = $10

3. ControSoil 10L $40, you need 1/4 bag, $10

4. 10W LED light x2, $20

5. Air pump, Whisper 100 $21.34 on sale now.

 

I strongly suggest not to go under 10 gallon, unless you are experienced breeder.

 

for 10 gallon, the cost would be half of 20L.

[Lyana]

You can buy a 5.5 gallon kit at petsmart on sale for $30

Then try to find someone that will sell you a small amount for controsoil or Amazoina soil $10

Fluval pre filter for filter intake $1

I strongly suggest using ro or distilled water for crs unless you have amazing tap water. $5 (you can refill after for 35 cents at Walmart.)

TDS meter, I got one on eBay for $6 dollars shipped.

Salty shrimp 90g $23

Then you have money left over to buy whatever heater you want.

I have my cystrals in a 10 gallon and they've been doing good. You can also buy 10 kits are petsmart sometimes for $30 And they even come with a heater I think.

Try to get the ones that come with a top that have a incandescent bulb and replace with a small 13w cfl and you can grow plants.

Good luck!

PS. Where can I get those LEDs James?

[JamesHe]

You can buy a 5.5 gallon kit at petsmart on sale for $30

Then try to find someone that will sell you a small amount for controsoil or Amazoina soil $10

Fluval pre filter for filter intake $1

I strongly suggest using ro or distilled water for crs unless you have amazing tap water. $5 (you can refill after for 35 cents at Walmart.)

TDS meter, I got one on eBay for $6 dollars shipped.

Salty shrimp 90g $23

Then you have money left over to buy whatever heater you want.

I have my cystrals in a 10 gallon and they've been doing good. You can also buy 10 kits are petsmart sometimes for $30 And they even come with a heater I think.

Try to get the ones that come with a top that have a incandescent bulb and replace with a small 13w cfl and you can grow plants.

Good luck!

PS. Where can I get those LEDs James?

 

http://www.amazon.com/WoneNice-Spotlight-Waterproof-Floodlight-3000k-3500k/dp/B00H7VSHAU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1434872069&sr=8-4&keywords=10w+waterproof+led

[Lyana]

http://www.amazon.com/WoneNice-Spotlight-Waterproof-Floodlight-3000k-3500k/dp/B00H7VSHAU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1434872069&sr=8-4&keywords=10w+waterproof+led

Awesome, thanks!

[DiscoStDisco]

Im using fluval staratum for soil cuz i have a few swords 8lb bag i believe is like 10-15 bucks

[Faralon]

Thanks all for the tips.  I've started a 5gallon Journal HERE.

 

It's kindof a Mix of James and Lyana's suggestions.

 

5.5gal aquarium $14.99

Aqueon Mini Heater 10w: $13.20

Aqueon QuietFlow 10: $16.29

Petrified Wood Rock: $6.96
Small Malawi Driftwood pieces: $1.99

 

Total with our discount:  $48.55

 

Just need to figure out Light, and Substrate.

 

I already have a TDS meter and RODI setup.

 

Thanks for the tips!  I'll defer all my quesitons to my Journal thread for now.