diy
 

nagari is used for making a more tender tofu and is made from seawater(dehydrated and salt crystals skimmed and then dehydrated again for all the minerals) mix 7 parts nagrai to one part epsom salts.i also grow phytoplankton and rotifers to feed my inhabitants

1) Buy in bulk! Group buys are great for this.
2) Read and understand your utility bills - if you have peak hour billing be aware and consider adjusting your usage to save some cash.
3) Invest in a kill-a-watt meter and regularly check your system and consider upgrading or replacing your equipment.
4) Regular maintenance - do it. Prevention is cheaper then disaster clean up. I'd rather spend $0.10 on a rubber gasket then $10,000 on repairing my house.
5) Do your research on equipment and livestock purchases; check reviews and prices to make sure you're not being ripped off. In short understand the value of what you're looking to buy before you open your wallet.


I completely endorse monocus' comment on DIY as well. Its a huge cash saver especially when some of the largest cash savings come from a very small amount of work.

instead of buying an underwater camera get a plastic super see threw cup or glass and just use that with a regular camera. or smart phone.

DIY LED lighting has saved me already.

Switching back to Instant Ocean salt has saved me a lot with no ill effects.

Investing in a RO unit for water rather than buying bottled water. Don't use tap water as you will be in a constant battle with algae.

Not overstocking your tank forcing yourself to do more/larger water changes. This can be a challenge.

Going with a softie tank with no clams or SPS. Your tank demands are considerably less.

Buying supplements in bulk.

But Arm&Hammer baking soda for dKh supplement. Buy your supplements dry whenever possible, it ends up being much cheaper and is easier to dose then you think.

Buy dry rock instead of live rock.

DIY LEDs saved me big cash, buy good used equipment if your able to find it & my biggest saving is the good old barter system, good all my glass for my 8'- 300 gal tank for a fraction of the price it would have cost to have a builder supply & build my tank. So I guess for me it's the DIY method that really saves me $$$ in the end.

If you quit the hobby stay quit.

Buy used equipment from quitters lol

Don't cheap out in the hobby; will end up paying more. That's what I have learnt till now.