Things that reefers can do to help save themselves money

[monocus]

nagari is used for making a more tender tofu and is made from seawater(dehydrated and salt crystals skimmed and then dehydrated again for all the minerals) mix 7 parts nagrai to one part epsom salts.i also grow phytoplankton and rotifers to feed my inhabitants

[michika]

1) Buy in bulk! Group buys are great for this.
2) Read and understand your utility bills - if you have peak hour billing be aware and consider adjusting your usage to save some cash.
3) Invest in a kill-a-watt meter and regularly check your system and consider upgrading or replacing your equipment.
4) Regular maintenance - do it. Prevention is cheaper then disaster clean up. I'd rather spend $0.10 on a rubber gasket then $10,000 on repairing my house.
5) Do your research on equipment and livestock purchases; check reviews and prices to make sure you're not being ripped off. In short understand the value of what you're looking to buy before you open your wallet.


I completely endorse monocus' comment on DIY as well. Its a huge cash saver especially when some of the largest cash savings come from a very small amount of work.

[lpsreefer]

instead of buying an underwater camera get a plastic super see threw cup or glass and just use that with a regular camera. or smart phone.

[ponokareefer]

DIY LED lighting has saved me already.

Switching back to Instant Ocean salt has saved me a lot with no ill effects.

Investing in a RO unit for water rather than buying bottled water. Don't use tap water as you will be in a constant battle with algae.

Not overstocking your tank forcing yourself to do more/larger water changes. This can be a challenge.

Going with a softie tank with no clams or SPS. Your tank demands are considerably less.

Buying supplements in bulk.

[FragIt Dan]

But Arm&Hammer baking soda for dKh supplement. Buy your supplements dry whenever possible, it ends up being much cheaper and is easier to dose then you think.

[ponokareefer]

Buy dry rock instead of live rock.

[The Grizz]

DIY LEDs saved me big cash, buy good used equipment if your able to find it & my biggest saving is the good old barter system, good all my glass for my 8'- 300 gal tank for a fraction of the price it would have cost to have a builder supply & build my tank. So I guess for me it's the DIY method that really saves me $$$ in the end.

[lastlight]

If you quit the hobby stay quit.

[subman]

Originally Posted by lastlight

If you quit the hobby stay quit.

Buy used equipment from quitters lol

[mrhasan]

Don't cheap out in the hobby; will end up paying more. That's what I have learnt till now.