The 2026 Budget Reboot: My First Reef Tank

Mike

Administrator
Location
North Texas
I’ve been working hard to get Living Reefs back online and updated, but I realized I can’t truly lead a reefing community without a reef of my own!

So, I’m officially starting my very first saltwater tank! Since I’m just getting into the hobby, I’m doing this on a strict budget. I want to see if it’s possible to build a beautiful, healthy living reef without spending "expert-level" money.

The Plan:
  • Tank: I'm looking at getting the Fluval EVO 13.5-gallon All-In-One (AIO).
  • Rock: I'm going with Dry Macro Rock to save money and avoid pests.
  • The Cycle: I’ll be using the Bottled Bacteria method to get the nitrogen cycle started safely.
  • Lighting: Looking for a budget-friendly LED that can still grow corals.

I’ll be documenting every step here, including the wins, the mistakes, and the costs. If you have advice on where I can save a few bucks (or where I definitely shouldn't cut corners), let me know below!
 
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