How much does it cost to have a tank?

[danny zubot]

I always compare my expenses to that of keeping other types of pets. I don't think it's uncommon for people to spend upwards of $600-$700 anually on a dog (not including the initial purchase). Which should be roughly what I spend a year on maintaining the tank. My initial cost can't really be pinpointed though, because I'm one of those who have slowly upgraded over the years. It's not those most ecomoical way to get a big tank, but it doesn't bite your wallet so hard right off the bat.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

It's not the hydro, salt, additives & food that is the expensive part. It's the "oh, let's visit the LFS & just take a look" visits that hurt the wallet. Often find another fish, coral (especially) or invert that you suddenly just need to have. There are very few nice, colourful specimens you can add to your tank for less than $30, so it can get expensive stocking a tank real fast, unless you're patient enough to go the "grow-out your own frags" route.

Anthony

[RicePaddy]

I have spent about 4K on my system to date. But I bought all brand new equipment and did not look for deals. I just recently picked up HQI PC hood and saved myself $500.00 by looking for the best deal. All this takes time but with this hobby patience is a virtue. If you take your time, you can find some real good deals while building up your reef slowly. They say your tank matures in about a year so for a good 12 months you can take your time and watch your fishes while you dream about the beautiful coral you want to purchase.

Happy Reefing!!!

Will

[hawk]

I think $45-50 a gallon, before livestock and for average basic new equipment is usually a pretty close estimate.

[Johnny Reefer]

Originally Posted by SeaHorse_Fanatic

.....It's the "oh, let's visit the LFS & just take a look" visits that hurt the wallet. .....

Yes, this can be dangerous. Last time I went to an LFS was to check out a new shipment. Before I went I had a modest $40 budget in mind (for 1 item). While there, I found myself calculating in my head up to $160 (for 4 items). Then I started asking prices. Thankfully the minimum for each specimen of the new shipment was $125. I was out the door faster than I could say "I'll be back. I forgot my wallet". I suppose some people may have that kind of money, but not me.

[michika]

Originally Posted by SeaHorse_Fanatic

"oh, let's visit the LFS & just take a look"

For me its other people's tanks that do me in. People have the most amazing sps, and livestock in their tanks. I have spent more with other reefers on frags and livestock in the past 3 months then I have on equipment and livestock purchases from LFSs.

I'm happy to say though that when I sell off some of my frags or equipment I just recycle the money, and use it to purchase new frags for grow out and re-sale. I'm happy to say I've reached a point where my tank is mostly self-sustaining financially.

[danny zubot]

I'm happy to say I've reached a point where my tank is mostly self-sustaining financially.

Wanna help supliment my tank?

[hamsik97]

I wasn't even considering buying anything new, including livestock, all used. Everytime I see someone selling two clowns for like $25 I wanna run and grab them. So I was going to spend like $300 on a used tank with everything in it and sloooowly fill it with "used" fish and corals. But when people say they spent $125 per month on salt and filters.... yeah, too much for me.
Quite a few people said I should get a 55-65 gal tank because it's easier to maintain.
Jenna

[michika]

Originally Posted by danny zubot

Wanna help supliment my tank?

[hamsik97]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention, I want I nice one Willing to wait forever for a deal, but want corals, clams, anemones, shrimps and clowns Really wanted a powder tang, but won't have enough space for him to swim, so no tang for me.
Jenna