Just wondering....

[Der_Iron_Chef]

...what might the average income of a saltwater aquarist be?

I don't know how people keep up with it, financially! I'm not sure if I can.

Edit: Working in the child welfare system doesn't pay well, but it has its other rewards! I'm not complaining here, just wondering how people get....."creative".....to fund their systems.

[Kryten]

Well, buying used equipment helps a lot, as does trading or buying frags from group meets. I don't think too many people are going to tell you exactly how much they earn, or that they use a grow-op to finance their reefs...

Maybe start a poll and then people can vote - I think it's anonymous that way.

[Neil]

i like to challenge myself when i build stands to make them the sturdiest and nicest while still being really cheap. (and by cheap i mean less than $200 for an oak cabinet + canopy with trim and all) As far as equipment, pick up a setup for dirt cheap out of the bargain finder or used calgary and then start the trading game- from paper clip to house sort of deal. I have done that a few times, get the right deal it works nicely.

[danny zubot]

I'm not going to tell you what I make, but for the past 5 years I've kept every reciept for hobby related purchases. Off the top of my head the most expensive year cost me around $1800.00, but on average between $800 to $1000 is what I'd spend.

Anyone else keep track?

[Beverly]

Well, we keep track on our home accounting software, but I'm NEVER going to ask my husband how much we've spent over nine years of reefing

[danny zubot]

I'm not worried about the expenses that much. I know people who spend just as much, if not more on their dogs and cats every year. After getting shots, and premium foods, dog bed etc. its works out to the same I think.

[niloc16]

i've found this hobby to be very cheap to run. i would hate to know what i 'should' make compared to how much i spend on my system. never, never, never add up the receipts. i just keep them for insurance purposes.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Oh! I wasn't asking for anyone's income! My bad if it came across that way. Yikes

I was just wondering if this hobby fell into a certain socio-economic level, etc.

As well, I guess my main question was the creative ways people get around the cost of it all. Maybe I shouldn't have asked the main question in the "edit" section of my post

[BMW Rider]

Well, I just looked it up in my accounting software and since setting up my first reef tank three years ago I've spent about $20K

Of course I'm addicted to expensive toys and upgrades.

[Glennrf38]

Definately cheaper than having your 3 kids in hockey or a golf membership for 2.