it sucks that its so expensive but its not just aquariums that are like it , its hobbies in general my friend is huge into biking paid over 10,000 for his bike ,a hobby of mine is music and that gets pricey too. any hobby is pretty much expensive and for the most part the local business just get by some go under. its always nice to find that special deal or great buy but its not always there so we jump on it when we can and spend for it when we have to it keeps everything balanced....the stores get a profit and we keep finding different deals etc.
another good side note is eventually your tank will be filled(if its not already) and youll be looking for trades and the deals will find you you may even give it away for nothin, i bet the majority of reefers around here have given things away for nothing due to size etc. i know i have