Just wondering....

danny zubot · #1 01-03-2007, 07:11 PM

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 · #2 01-03-2007, 09:29 PM

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 · #3 01-03-2007, 10:21 PM

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 · #4 01-03-2007, 11:13 PM

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 · #5 01-03-2007, 11:42 PM

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 · #6 01-04-2007, 03:09 AM

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 · #7 01-04-2007, 03:42 AM

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

Snappy · #8 01-05-2007, 01:05 AM

Quote:

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.