The Cost of Reefing

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Where's the "Downpayment on a nice house in Vancouver" category

I've spent lots (more than I'm willing to post on here in case Irene peeks in), but I've also saved lots by buying almost everything used or going DIY (ie. stands, sumps).

The way I see it, we all need something to keep us out of trouble & though expensive, reefing is generally a good way to spend your time, build something beautiful & meet great people.

(In terms of costs, let's just say most serious reefers I know spend about $1000+ just on Boxing day sales every year).

Anthony

[dsaundry]

Keep the replies coming...Its very interesting so far. Remember this is just your initial set-up costs including your corals and livestock. Yes I know you add but for now just keep it to when you were initially set up..There is a method to my poll, you will see in part 2.

[jasond]

I am at about $2500. Like others, I dont see that going anywhere but up

[EmilyB]

I went for 5-10k for one large tank, since I don't know if this poll was meant to incorporate multiple tanks.....if so, put me to $20k over the ten years and multiple tanks...

[niloc16]

the guys at work just asked me this and i said 'ah about $500!' they said wow thats expensive for fish. i didnt say that was just the last time i was at the LFS. how much have i spent? i'm taking the 5th and going with keith, jason and toms comments. i'm lucky the wife doesnt come on here but i'm not going to risk it. i can guess in my head but i dont like to think about it. i look at it as i love the hobby, my kids are amazed at it and learning a ton from it, the wife loves the livestock aspect of it so to me its worth it. there is WAY worse things to do with the money and eventually if youre lucky the tank will start to make some money for you.

[tang daddy]

I feel like laughing and crying at the same time when viewing this thread!

When I first got into the hobby it was about $1000 on the 24g nanocube since then well lets put it this way if I didn't have a fulltime job I wouldn't be here today, anyhow the amount spent is not relevant to the joy it brings at this point in my life. But if we had to put it into comparison on allinclusive trips to Mexico then I would say it's about a years worth of trips.

[BC Mosaic]

Way too much. Just starting and waiting for the dam tank to cycle (2 1/2 weeks and waiting)and already close to $2000.00 and I'm definitely not done yet. Probably looking at another $2,000.00 (upgrading lights and skimmer). No fish or corals yet either!! Sheesh

[bassman]

Whoops, wrong spot, sorry.

[skylord]

I set my initial budget (not including any livestock) at 10k. I was at untamed's house and we were talking about my budget goal and he just smiled. I know now what his smile meant. I wasn't even close and I got a few good deals.

Scott

[dsaundry]

I haven't had the pleasure of seeing Brads tank yet in person, but after seeing Superfudge's and Tom R's tanks and set ups, When you say you are doing a budget I am amazed they don't just start laughing their heads off. I started these polls not to discourage anybody but to show people the costs of a hobby. Any hobby can be expensive but I really enjoy this one. I race cars as well and I have well over the price of my tanks in my engine alone. Not to forget the money my wife and I have spent on our children{yes I know they aren't a hobby} and the money I spend on my business equipment. After I post my next poll I will be doing some number crunching and post the results that I come up with.
I am still very new to this and if someone had said that I would get addicted to it the way that I have I probably would have laughed at them too.