best bang for your buck

cromag27 · Nov 13, 2018

what’s the most valuable reef item you’ve seen or purchased for <$25?

DMG Reef · Nov 13, 2018

When I set up my 2nd tank, a 40 gallon breeder, I scored a protein skimmer for $13 on Amazon and that sucker skims!! With no fish in the tank, I just wanted it for oxygen exchange, but was pleasantly surprised that it actually works! Bargain!

Instigate · Nov 13, 2018

Refractometer

DMG Reef · Nov 13, 2018

I fear this might be a short thread. Haha! I was trying to think of what I've bought for my tanks that was less than $25 and it's pretty depressing that the answer is - not much!! Not even my corals and certainly not my fish.

Oh wait! I did get a special Battlebox from Adam - 4 awesome frags for $100 shipped. At $25 per frag, that was awesome! He should do that again! (Hint, hint). ;Joyful @Battlecorals

Scrubber_steve · Nov 13, 2018

TDS pen
pH pen
Refractometer
Small acrylic aquarium to use as an ATO water reservoir

Labridaedicted · Nov 13, 2018

Vitamin food soaks. Your fish will benefit from them if you use them regularly. I soak my frozen feedings with either selcon or aminomega every day.

Sarah24! · Nov 14, 2018

Hello,

Gosh hmmmmmm I think I’m with @Kattkrazie on this, I don’t think anything really. Yes I have been given items to beta test for free, but that doesn’t count. I wouldn’t think food items alk, calcium, fuel counts because it’s something we all have to buy. An example would be we all need gasoline, (except Tesla owners), water bill etc.

I have purchased some coral frags at my lfs for 5-10 dollars lol but they were a spec on the frag plug. Oh if we all think this is bad, This is worse lol. So my brother is an O neg blood type and has always donated his blood for free. Last year he needed almost five units of blood. Now they get it for free lol they charged him 5,400 dollars per unit. Then ask if he will donate again lol, (he can’t) but still.

cromag27 · Nov 14, 2018

there are deals out there, just gotta find them!

cromag27 · Nov 14, 2018

this tool is invaluable to me. $20 at petco.

shred5 · Nov 14, 2018

Temperature Gun Non-contact Infrared IR Thermometer it makes it easy to test the water on my multiple tanks.
Also on new saltwater used for water changes to make sure it is close to my reef.
just point it at the water and shoot.
I do not think this is the brand I have but most are the same.