I want to know how much money it takes for a salt water tank, i already have the tank, but no other parts that you need for a salt water tank, like the blue light to make plankton for the coral, or the protein extractor thing or a hydrometer, and i obviously don't have the fish or coral
This depends. While you can set up a salt water tank fairly inexpensively, to eventually add corals that is another. Hydrometer and salt (instant ocean comes with one in some cases) for around $25. Protein skimmers along with the filter unit like the back packs (work just as well) can run $35 and up for a 55 gallon tank. Heater from $8 and up, dolomite/crushed coral or sand, depending on how much you need fairly inexpensive Sand at home Depot for around $5 for an 80 pound bag. You didn't say how large the tank is. Your lighting as well will depend on what type of coral you plan to keep. Research here helps since many corals cannot be housed together in a tank and different corals need different types of light. Also corals don't just feed on plankton and most need to be spot fed anyway. Also, be sure your fish are reef safe and won't harm your coral. A syphone can be purchased (again depending on the size of your tank) from a few bucks up to hundreds. Live rock or base rock varies also with what type you are getting or if you are using fake rock. Shop around for overstocks and ask for deals. Your fish and coral is what will be the more expensive items here. You will not be able to add the corals until your tank begins to mature. so the lighting issues won't play a role in set up. Save them for the coral. Shop around.
a saltwater tank or marine aquarium is a very costly hobby compared to freshwater because of the extra care needed to keep the aquarium in top shape. also very expensive because of all the extra components needed to filter the saltwater and keeping the coral alive, such as the sump tank, protien skimmer, etc.
