Have you ever added up the cost of your tank and realized....

Rbacchiega · #1 02-25-2009, 11:36 PM

only when things aren't working right. That's when I get fustrated. When things are going right and the tank is fantastic looking it's not that bad. I still have a long and torrid argument in my head over spending alot of money on a pump...

christyf5 · #2 02-26-2009, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rbacchiega

only when things aren't working right. That's when I get fustrated. When things are going right and the tank is fantastic looking it's not that bad. I still have a long and torrid argument in my head over spending alot of money on a pump...

Ditto. I never go anywhere anyways

GreenSpottedPuffer · #3 02-26-2009, 12:50 AM

I love my tank. I love my fish. And I do like my corals. Its just that when I look at what things like a skimmer (acylic tube with a pump) cost me (over $1000) I feel like an idiot.

Its not that I think this is the most expensive hobby in the world or anything but like most hobbies, its soooooooo grossly overpriced...and I don't even buy the ridiculously priced corals or anything.

I don't know...things are actually going well with the tank but I still look at it and think of how much it cost and it kind of bugs me right now.

Would I give the tank up?

Nope.

Mrfish55 · #4 02-26-2009, 01:03 AM

If the $1000 price tag on a piece of acrylic with a pump bothers you, contact your local plastics supplier and ask how much a length of 8" cell cast acylic costs. trust me, once you price out the material cost that goes into these things the price of a ready built unit looks pretty good.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #5 02-26-2009, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrfish55

If the $1000 price tag on a piece of acrylic with a pump bothers you, contact your local plastics supplier and ask how much a length of 8" cell cast acylic costs. trust me, once you price out the material cost that goes into these things the price of a ready built unit looks pretty good.

Yeah thanks bud...your missing the point.

digital-audiophile · #6 02-26-2009, 01:04 AM

I don't even think about it, I enjoy it so its's worth every penny.

Besides, my other hobby is collecting Militaria, and I have been known to spend over $5000 on a single tunic. (Once I get my basement renos finished and have my war room set up proper I am happy to show anyone that comes over

)

christyf5 · #7 02-26-2009, 01:07 AM

Theres no hard and fast rule that says you need to spend that much on a skimmer. Ultimately you wanted it and thats just the way it is. I can certainly say I wouldn't feel comfortable spending that kind of money on a skimmer. I always buy used and frankly, I'd rather fritter it away on crap (and believe you me, I can do that like nobodys business, this year has been a record setter)

GreenSpottedPuffer · #8 02-26-2009, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digital-audiophile

I don't even think about it, I enjoy it so its's worth every penny.

Besides, my other hobby is collecting Militaria, and I have been known to spend over $5000 on a single tunic. (Once I get my basement renos finished and have my war room set up proper I am happy to show anyone that comes over

)

Maybe its just that I have other expensive hobbies as well

Actually I spend more on traveling (not so much the past year though) which I used to consider a hobby. As well, I used to collect mid century modern furniture which is also much more expensive then aquariums.

But like I said, its not so much the cost as it is what I get for that money. I guess I just don't see the hobby really being worth what we are charged. Not that I am going to stop buying

Quote:

Originally Posted by christyf5

Theres no hard and fast rule that says you need to spend that much on a skimmer. Ultimately you wanted it and thats just the way it is. I can certainly say I wouldn't feel comfortable spending that kind of money on a skimmer. I always buy used and frankly, I'd rather fritter it away on crap (and believe you me, I can do that like nobodys business, this year has been a record setter)

I agree to a point. I didn't have to buy a $1000 skimmer but at the same time, I messed around with crappy cheap ones for so long that I did feel it necessary if I wanted to keep a high bioload and clean water.

christyf5 · #9 02-26-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

I agree to a point. I didn't have to buy a $1000 skimmer but at the same time, I messed around with crappy cheap ones for so long that I did feel it necessary if I wanted to keep a high bioload and clean water.

Oh I totally agree, esp if you've dealt with the crappy ones for so long. Its more a matter of FFS, I'll pay whatever I have to to get one that works!! I just haven't been sold on those $1K skimmers yet. There is no doubt in my mind that one day I will be

Lance · #10 02-26-2009, 01:08 AM

With me it's not so much the money. I knew it was an expensive hobby, but most hobbies are costly. If it isn't S/W tanks I'd be spending it on something else. I know what I can afford and what I can't. I just sometimes get frustrated when things go bad. When all the time and effort you put in and something goes awry, that's when I think it may not be worth it.
But then I'll notice some new growth on a favourite coral or find some new critter or something and all is fine again.