Just wondering....

[adidas]

i've spent about $5000 since Nov. can't stop...help..

[untamed]

It can be done inexpensively if one wants to do it that way. There's also no upper limit to how much can be spent if you want to do it that way.

You tend to spend what you can afford to spend.

[EmilyB]

What I have spent is way to much.....

[danny zubot]

I guess I should have mentioned that I've made a bit of money off the tank in the past year. Maybe $400 in frags, which has helped.

[draco]

It dosent cost that much to maintain it costs to upgrade.My wife and I started with a 55 gal. But now we have up gradeed to a 90 gal with sump the up grade cost us about $4000 and we aren't done yet. But we felt it was time to get the best of what we can . In the long run its earer to buy the best now.Because everytime you up grade you usally take a loss.

[RicePaddy]

You know the saying "The more you make, the more you spend". This also applies to salt water. Instead of DIY projects you just buy all new. And when something does not work the way you want it you go buy another one. Its the crystal meth of hobbies. I am even thinking of growing and fraging my own coarls to make extra money on the side. Oh, anyone want to be my mule??

Will

[BC564]

I'm surprised there isnt more of the fragging and trading of frags being done. I'd be up for some frag swaps....seem to be few and far between

[danny zubot]

We do have them here from time to time but they are a bit of a hassle to coordinate. Are you offering to host the next one?

[MDG3]

In 1.5 years since I started I've spent $1500.00 and that was "NOT" including a used free tank, stand, DIY canopy, live rock, sand/crushed coral substrate, 2 clownfish and 1 flame hawkfish.

If you get used like some have said, It helps a little.

[Snappy]

Originally Posted by 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.

I have spent at least that as well, but I don't smoke or drink or do drugs so my money has to go somewhere. I can't really afford it but I also can't afford not to do it. I find this hobby extremely rewarding, (and at times extremely frustrating) so it is hard to attach a price-tag to both the enjoyment and mood swings it creates. When it's going well I love it and when it's going bad, I hate it, but I still love it.
If I could start over with the knowledge I have gained it would cost a lot less. The school of "hard knocks" has an expensive tuition.
I found out that spending the extra and doing it right the first time costs far less than cutting corners trying to save a buck or two, and then eventually having to fix it to make it right anyway.