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

[Matt]

Interesting thread. I've never regretted the money I've spent, but after a number of years, I'm considering shutting down. We're building a new house, and right there in the plans is a nice 180 in the living room, with a fish room in the basement. When I start adding up how much that will cost... I'm not sure. I can buy some nice art for that kind of scratch.

[Tom R]

I really don't even give it a thought. As long as my family is well taken care of and my future is covered everything I spend is fine.

I have found that over the last number of years even though I buy new things I am generally selling something to cover off the cost.

In the last number of years there has been an increase in the amount of very expensive fish, equipment and corals available to the hobbyist. Some I can justify and some I can not.

Example if you buy an everyday coral you can only get so much ($10 to $20) for a frag of it. If however you buy a new to the market spectacular coral you can get a much better price ($20 to $40) for a frag until the distribution of that coral makes it just another every day coral.

Tom R