That Fish Blog – Aquarium Advice and Information
One of the most common questions we get is “How much does it cost to set up a tank?” This is also one of the most difficult questions for us to answer because there are so many options! Every piece of equipment – filters, lighting, heaters and more – has different varieties, options and price levels. Some may be more efficient than others and some may be more cost-effective. We are always happy to go over the options available to you and what we would recommend for any tank you are trying to create.
To give you a general idea of tank costs, we’ve gone through some of our store display tanks to give you an idea of how much the tanks you see would cost. This is only intended as a general example of the costs for different types of tanks. Keep in mind, these are our display tanks so most of them feature the Best Of The Best products we would recommend and some of the newest options available. These tanks are typically going to be more expensive than the average tank a hobbyist may set up. If you are on a budget, we can show you some lower cost options similar to those shown here.
These lists were created in late October 2020 and the availability and prices of these items are subject to change at any time. These lists are for equipment only for most tanks and do not include any livestock (fish, inverts, plants, or live rock) or decorations.
_____________________________________________________________________________
From our largest displays to our smallest:
220-gallon African Cichlid Tank
This tank contains Lake Malawi African cichlids. It is a freshwater tank with rocks and substrate chosen to maintain a high pH and water hardness.
| TOTAL: | $4,248.45 | $3,700.85 | |
| Item # | Product | Non-Loyalty Price | Loyalty Price |
| 268336 x2 | Precision Submersible Heater – 400W – Up to 125gal (2 used) | $96.78 | $87.98 |
| 242340 x3 | Marineland C-530 Canister Filter – Up to 150 gal. (3 used) | $659.97 | $599.97 |
| 243990 | Monterey Aquarium Stand – 72 in. x 24 in. – Black | $1,341.99 | $1,219.99 |
| 211776* | 180 Gallon Aquarium – Black – 72 in. x 24 in. x 24 in. | $747.99 | $679.99 |
| 213319 x250lb | Loose Rocks (Sold by 10th-lb, 250 lbs used) | $975.00 | $725.00 |
| 268729 x4 | Florida Crushed Coral – 40 lb. (4 bags used) | $153.96 | $139.96 |
| 253894 | Maxi-Jet 1200 Water Pump (295/1300 GPH) | $28.59 | $25.99 |
| 277396 x2** | Aqueon OptiBright+ LED Light Fixture – 18-24 in. (2 used) | $153.98 | $139.98 |
| 211863 | Marineland Perfecto Glass Canopy 72 in. x 24 in. | $90.19 | $81.99 |
| *The 220-gallon tank is no longer manufacturer. The 180-gallon has the same footprint and is the largest tank made by this supplier at this time. | |||
| **The lights currently on this tank have been discontinued. This is a comparable fixture. |
_____________________________________________________________________________
100-gallon Neptune Apex Reef Tank
This tank is designed as a high-end reef tank for SPS and LPS corals. It features the latest in automation and filtration with WIFI controls.This setup isn’t for the budget-conscious. The equipment on this tank is The Best Of The Best and the latest, most hi-tech to hit the market to date.
| TOTAL: | $8,381.70 | $7,726.90 | |
| Item # | Product | Non-Loyalty Price | Loyalty Price |
| 282686 | Innovative Marine INT 100 Gallon | $1,430.00 | $1,300.00 |
| 279255 | Innovative Marine APS Stand for 80/100 | $769.99 | $699.99 |
| 278295 | Innovative Marine Hydrofil Ti-Reservoir | $109.99 | $99.99 |
| 278294 | Innovative Marine Hydrofil Ti-Pump | $76.99 | $69.99 |
| 278293 | Innovative Marine Hydrofil Ti-Controller | $76.99 | $69.99 |
| 281692 | Innovative Marine Hydrofil Ti-Return Bracket | $25.29 | $22.99 |
| 267978 | Trigger Ruby 36 Sump | $384.99 | $349.99 |
| 248866 | Reef Octopus 200 Internal Protein Skimmer | $395.99 | $359.99 |
| 275933 | Ecotech Radion XR30 Pro LED | $923.99 | $839.99 |
| 267881 | Ecotech XR30 Tank Mount | $114.99 | $103.99 |
| 268606 | Ecotech MP40 Vortech | $403.99 | $366.99 |
| 249321 | Ecotech Battery Backup | $173.25 | $173.25 |
| 280134 | Neptune Apex System EB832 | $839.99 | $799.99 |
| 280146 | Neptune Auto Feeder | $104.99 | $99.99 |
| 280143 | Neptune Wireless Expansion Module | $132.99 | $124.99 |
| 280135 | Neptune DOS/DRR Kit | $469.99 | $449.99 |
| 280141 | Neptune Flow Monitoring Kit | $209.99 | $199.99 |
| 280136 | Neptune Par Monitoring Kit | $314.99 | $299.99 |
| 280139 | Neptune Wave Pump | $192.99 | $174.99 |
| 280142 | Neptune Leak Detection Kit | $159.99 | $149.99 |
| 281546 | Neptune COR20 Return Pump | $359.99 | $324.99 |
| 284268 | Neptune Trident Water Analyzer | $659.95 | $599.95 |
| 285114 | Eshopps Bio-Lux Ceramic Media | $49.39 | $44.89 |
_____________________________________________________________________________
120-gallon Reef Tank
This long-established reef tank at the front of our store has mostly LPS and soft corals with fish and inverts.
| TOTAL: | $2,609.11 | $2,371.90 | |
| Item # | Product | Non-Loyalty Price | Loyalty Price |
| 211805 | 120 Gallon with 1 Corner-Flo – Black – 48 in. x 24 in. x 24 | $549.99 | $499.99 |
| 211814 | Pine Majesty Stand – Black – 48 in. x 24 in. | $296.99 | $269.99 |
| 268336 | Marineland Precision Submersible Heater – 400W – Up to 125 gal. | $48.40 | $43.99 |
| 286756 x2 | Hydra 32HD Light Fixture – Black (2 used) | $807.38 | $733.98 |
| 278399 x2 | Aqua Illumination Single Arm Mounting Kit for Hydra 26/52 (2 used) | $169.38 | $153.98 |
| 247676 | Crystal 30 Sump – 30 in. x 12 in. x 15 in. | $296.99 | $269.99 |
| 284342 | EcoTech Marine – Vectra S2 Centrifugal Pump – 1,400 gph | $329.99 | $299.99 |
| 198276* | Instant Ocean SeaClone Protein Skimmer 150 – up to 150 gal. | $109.99 | $99.99 |
| Various plumbing parts | |||
| *Protein skimmer currently on this tank has been discontinued. This is a comparable piece. |
_____________________________________________________________________________
72-gallon Bowfront Planted Community
This freshwater tank has live plants and tropical community fish including barbs, rainbows, dwarf cichlids and other fish.
| TOTAL: | $1,235.23 | $1,102.68 | |
| Item # | Product | Non-Loyalty Price | Loyalty Price |
| 277936 | Aqueon 72g Bowfront Aquarium | $280.49 | $254.99 |
| 277937 | Aqueon 72g Bowfront Cabinet Stand | $417.99 | $379.99 |
| 281583 | Aqueon Heater Pro Series V2 – 300W | $43.99 | $39.99 |
| 282941 x2 | Finnex 24/7 Planted + Color Changing LED Fixture – 48 in. (2 used) | $314.58 | $285.98 |
| 279832 | Aqueon Quietflow Canister Filter – 55 – 100 Gal | $148.49 | $114.74 |
| 250660 | Pico Evo-Mag Circulation Pump – 4W – 180 gph | $29.69 | $26.99 |
_____________________________________________________________________________
60-gallon Cube Planted Tank
This freshwater tank is heavily planted to feature the plants with some community schooling fish, shrimp and inverts.
| TOTAL: | $1,537.35 | $1,397.45 | |
| Item # | Product | Non-Loyalty Price | Loyalty Price |
| 262396 | Marineland 60 Gallon Cube Frameless Aquarium* | $274.99 | $249.99 |
| 245164 | Cube-Sized Aquarium Stand – 24 in. x 24 in. – Ventura – Black | $241.99 | $219.99 |
| 249512 | Jager Aquarium Heater – 200W – 15 in – 79-106 Gallons | $35.19 | $31.99 |
| 203870 x4 | Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate – 20 lb. (4 bags used) | $118.76 | $107.96 |
| 287694 | Radion XR15 Pro G5 LED Light Fixture | $461.99 | $419.99 |
| 271436 | Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter 360 | $160.59 | $145.99 |
| 205404 x2 | Oceanvisions Background – Crystal Black – 23″ (2 used) | $10.98 | $9.98 |
| 283251 | Milwaukee Instruments Inc. – PH Controller | $131.99 | $119.99 |
| 271415 | UFO CO2 Diffuser | $12.19 | $10.99 |
| 212406 | Silicone Airline Tubing – 8 ft. | $3.99 | $3.59 |
| 283253 | Milwaukee Instruments Inc. – C02 Regulator | $84.69 | $76.99 |
| *Discontinued. A similar model is available with corner overflows (see 60-gallon Seahorse Cube). |
_____________________________________________________________________________
60-gallon Cube Seahorse Tank
This saltwater tank is the same style as the planted tank above but with a corner overflow connected to a sump filter under the tank. It contains soft corals and a group of Lined Seahorses (Hippocampus erectus).
| TOTAL: | $2,199.36 | $2,000.06 | |
| Item # | Product | Non-Loyalty Price | Loyalty Price |
| 262398 | Marineland 60 Gal Cube Frameless Aquarium Corner Flo-in back | $439.99 | $399.99 |
| 245164 | Cube-Sized Aquarium Stand – 24 in. x 24 in. – Ventura – Black | $241.99 | $219.99 |
| 281582 | AqueonHeater Pro Series V2 – 200W | $41.79 | $37.99 |
| 212355 | Floating Thermometer – Economy | $3.69 | $3.29 |
| 287695 | EcoTech Marine Radion XR30 Pro G5 LED Light Fixture | $923.99 | $839.99 |
| 256403 | Ecotech Radion Hanging Kit | $52.79 | $47.99 |
| 268975 | Eshopps The Cube R-Nano Refugium | $284.99 | $259.99 |
| 206397 | Supreme Aqua-Mag 700 Water Pump with 10 ft. Cord | $93.49 | $84.99 |
| 278293 | IM AUQA – Hydrofill Ti – Controller | $76.99 | $69.99 |
| 204181 x3 | Flexible Tubing – Clear – 3/8 in. (Sold per foot, 3 feet used) | $4.47 | $3.87 |
| 288543 | Seapora Aquarium – 5.5 gal | $17.59 | $15.99 |
| 265344 | Aquatop Nano Water Pump – 7W – 118 gph | $17.59 | $15.99 |
| Various plumbing parts |
_____________________________________________________________________________
32-gallon Reef BioCube
The BioCube system has integrated filtration built into the back of the tank. This BioCube is a reef tank featuring LPS and soft corals.
| TOTAL: | $703.96 | $639.96 | |
| Item # | Product | Non-Loyalty Price | Loyalty Price |
| 276561 | BioCube LED Aquarium – 32 gallon | $428.99 | $389.99 |
| 280207 | Aquarium Stand for BioCube 29/32 – Black | $219.99 | $199.99 |
| 268332 | Marineland Precision Submersible Heater – 150W – Up to 40 gal. | $25.29 | $22.99 |
| 250660 | Pico Evo-Mag Circulation Pump – 4W – 180 gph | $29.69 | $26.99 |
_____________________________________________________________________________
25-gallon Frameless Cube Reef Tank
This reef tank is set up to feature an Eshopps Refugium and Sump but a more decorative stand is available and is priced here.
| TOTAL: | $1,140.74 | $1,037.94 | |
| Item # | Product | Non-Loyalty Price | Loyalty Price |
| 262311 | Marineland 25 Cube Frameless Aquarium | $153.99 | $139.99 |
| 245163* | Cube-Sized Aquarium Stand – 18 in. x 18 in. – Ventura – Black | $197.99 | $179.99 |
| 268332 | Marineland Precision Submersible Heater – 150W – Up to 40 gal. | $25.29 | $22.99 |
| 268975 | Eshopps The Cube R-Nano Refugium | $284.99 | $259.99 |
| 206452 | Supreme Aqua-Mag 500 Water Pump with 10 ft. Cord | $82.49 | $74.99 |
| 279548 | Eshopps X-160 Mid-Level Line Protein Skimmer – 100-225 gal | $395.99 | $359.99 |
| Various plumbing parts | |||
| *This tank is not on a traditional stand in our store. This is a compatible stand for this tank. |
_____________________________________________________________________________
10-gallon GloFish Community
This GloFish kit contains the lighting and filtration needed for the popular GloFish that “glow” under blue actinic lighting. While on a counter in our Fish Room, stands are available for this basic 10-gallon size. This is a good beginner tank setup and similar kits are available without the GloFish options.
| TOTAL: | $196.87 | $178.97 | |
| Item # | Product | Non-Loyalty Price | Loyalty Price |
| 259867* | GloFish Aquarium Kit – 10 Gallon | $81.39 | $73.99 |
| 268816 | Tetra HT30 Submersible Heater – 100 Watts | $16.49 | $14.99 |
| 212160** | Pine Wood Majesty Stand – Black – 20 in. | $98.99 | $89.99 |
| *includes filtration, lighting, tank. | |||
| **This tank is not on a stand in our store. This is an appropriate stand for this tank size. |
_____________________________________________________________________________
9-gallon Fluval Flex
This desktop aquarium is aquascaped into a bonsai garden setting wit freshwater shrimp, snails and gobies. The filtration and lighting are integrated into the tank.
| TOTAL: | $148.26 | $134.76 | |
| Item # | Product | Non-Loyalty Price | Loyalty Price |
| 260291 | Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit – 5 gal. – Black | $98.99 | $89.99 |
| 268816 | Tetra HT30 Submersible Heater – 100 Watts | $16.49 | $14.99 |
| 268713 | Estes Aqua Sand – White – 5 lb. | $5.29 | $4.79 |
| 288182 | Dragon Bonsai Tree – Small | $27.49 | $24.99 |
_____________________________________________________________________________
8.75-gallon Shrimp Tank
This tank from Aqueon is one of the most uniquely-shaped tanks available and has integrated filtration. While not on a stand in our store, it will fit onto a standard 20-inch-wide stand. The aquarium kit includes filtration, special shrimp substrate, and lgihting in addition to the tank itself.
| TOTAL: | $233.77 | $212.47 | |
| Item # | Product | Non-Loyalty Price | Loyalty Price |
| 282534* | Aqueon – LED Shrimp Aquarium Kit – 8.75 Gal | $109.99 | $99.99 |
| 279878 | Aqueon Submersible Glass Heater – 50W-Up to 20 Gal | $24.79 | $22.49 |
| 212160** | Pine Wood Majesty Stand – Black – 20 in. | $98.99 | $89.99 |
| *includes filtration, substrate, lighting, tank. | |||
| **This tank is not on a stand in our store. This is an appropriate stand for this tank size. |
_____________________________________________________________________________
5-gallon Fluval Spec V Nano-reef
This Fluval Spec V tank is set up as a nano-reef – a challenging system for advanced reefkeepers – but the Spec V kit can be used for freshwater aquariums as well.
| TOTAL: | $217.77 | $197.97 | |
| Item # | Product | Non-Loyalty Price | Loyalty Price |
| 260291 | Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit – 5 gal. – Black | $98.99 | $89.99 |
| 283274 | Marine+ 24/7 SE Automated LED – 20 in | $85.79 | $77.99 |
| 248234 | Koralia Nano 240 – 240 gph – 3.5W | $32.99 | $29.99 |
_____________________________________________________________________________
Daunted by these costs? Don’t be!
As we mentioned, there are a lot of options that can be customized. Kits are also often available that can help you bundle the equipment you need to make it easier to purchase, especially for smaller sizes below around 55-gallons. You can start out higher end or start basic and upgrade as your skill level and interests grow!
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hopefully, these aquarium setups will help give you an idea of the investment needed for a variety of types and sizes of aquariums. Many of the options for each tank can be swapped out depending on your needs and budget, and our associates are always available to assist you in making the best choices to make your vision a reality!
I do not think that it would cost this much money I have and found cheap things like good stands for only 29.99$ like my fish tank kit had everything I need at 40.99 $ The only problem you’ll have is the fish you got to study, and know if there good heath if there treated probably and price.
Hi fish lover_queen, That is correct…it is certainly possible to do less expensive tanks with different options. As we mentioned, these are our display tanks so most of them feature the Best Of The Best and some of the newest options available. We can work with any customer to help them choose the best options for what they would like to keep in the tank and within their budget.