How much does it cost to have a tank?

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Well, you don't HAVE to spend five grand on a system. I guess it all depends on the amount of disposable income you're able to throw at it.

In the end, we all do what we can with what we have. There are a lot of items that people get to make things easier, though they're not *really* necessary.

[Parker]

The hobby doesn't have to be overly expensive. If you have a limited budget consider buying used equipment. There are a lot of great deals to be had in the forsale section of this site. As an example I picked up a 75 gallon tank, 90 gallon tank, pc lighting for both and glass tops for both for $150.00. Just bide your time and pick things up as you can.

[digital-audiophile]

Most of the really nice big tanks come over time as well. People will upgrade to bigger tanks and re-use equipment. A lot of coral colonies start as little frags. Others will have dedicated frag tanks to grow them out and sell for cash to support thier hobby. There are losts of ways to do this on the down low without breaking the bank.

[Snappy]

A lot depend s on the type of tank you want. Of course size but also what do you want to keep? That will dictate what you need for equipment etc.

[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

[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.

[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