Budgeting??? Uh-oh...

[Jon Fishman]

I picked the fourth option. But I would say I am rich in world terms. I have food and shelter, and wonderful kids. I certainly don’t have a lot of money though, but I have no budget........ I do say “no” to things, but also am guilty of the “gotta have that new toy” syndrome.

It just takes time to build sometimes

 

[ZipAdeeZoa]

I voted for the last because its the closest but I would't say I'm rich as hell...

I never really had a budget per see, I realized what would too much to spend but I just considered my living situation, pay, saved up and spread out stocking up the supplies over the course of a few months. I did keep track of how much every cost initially for when people ask but also because I'm curious how much of the cost I'm going to offset with fragging (if any... Lol). I'm about 2.5 k into my 13.5 evo and probably will be closer to 3 by the time I'm done but its a lot easier to stomach if you do it over time instead of all at once. I didn't do any DIYs or budget friendly equipment though, I did as much research as I possibly could and invested in equipment to make my life easier and that will hopefully last longer. Also helps that most of my family just gives me gift cards to the fish store for my birthday/christmas!

 

[count krunk]

What I do is have a set monthly budget for reefing. Sometimes I dip into the next months budget.

I also try to get everything used.

 

[Hollywoodwater617]

The only reason I was under budget setup my nano tank, my local LFS had a moving sale everything new and used was 50-70% off. I got to start a tank for under 110.00. Now since it’s been stocked and running I don’t feel so bad about money going into the tank for now. Putting myself on a monthly budget to stop myself from the beginning has helped a lot, plus a senior in high school. Lol

 

[JCOLE]

What's a budget..........

 

[piranhaman00]

My budget was 4k, came in at little north of 6k, doable sure. This was for a 180 as well.

 

[nereefpat]

Oh, and I also need to hire an electrician. Anyone know a cheap electrcian? Lol.

What do you need to do? I'm sure we can talk you through it.

 

[Bassman]

Current project. Client has to have pool up this week. Weather has pushed us back 3 weeks. This is working over a 3’ pit full of water. Pool contractor can’t get it done. Homeowner was confused that this system didn’t intimidate me, it’s just a few wires and a controller!

 

[ReefGeezer]

I was w-a-a-a-ay over budget on my first build because I didn't know what I was doing. I bought cheap crap and ended up spending more money to correct problems and buy quality replacements. On my last build I knew better, had a lot of existing equipment, and planned carefully... but I am still way over budget! For example, I planned on using two part and kalk. That didn't didn't work. I had to add a $800 (probably more) calcium reactor system. Budgets get you to a certain point, then you find out you want/need to improve something so new budget is needed. Funds outside the purview of your significant other isn't a bad idea.

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

The whole budget thing is just kinda different for everyone. My Tank is a 240 and I have under1;000 when it first started. I found Quality items and found great prices. In my hunt I also found companies who let me test their equipment (.cirrent usa), not sure if they still will. But you don’t need name brand items to have a gorgeous reef. What items have you bought so far.?

 

[piranhaman00]

IMO you can budget and buy used equipment, but after a few tries at that I will never buy used again, you end up spending more in the long run.

 

[Seanybaggs123]

I bought my current setup for 500 bucks used, added a 90 dollar ato, and BAM! Thousands of dollars under budget.

Add to that, the fact that I made 700 selling all my freshwater tanks and gear, and I'm pretty happy with the current situation.

 

[Jaebster]

I was w-a-a-a-ay over budget on my first build because I didn't know what I was doing. I bought cheap crap and ended up spending more money to correct problems and buy quality replacements. On my last build I knew better, had a lot of existing equipment, and planned carefully... but I am still way over budget! For example, I planned on using two part and kalk. That didn't didn't work. I had to add a $800 (probably more) calcium reactor system. Budgets get you to a certain point, then you find out you want/need to improve something so new budget is needed. Funds outside the purview of your significant other isn't a bad idea.

Unfortunately, I dont have secret stash... wife and I have joint accounts and <eventually> I tell her what I spent money on. Happy wife, happy life!

 

[Jaebster]

Hello,

The whole budget thing is just kinda different for everyone. My Tank is a 240 and I have under1;000 when it first started. I found Quality items and found great prices. In my hunt I also found companies who let me test their equipment (.cirrent usa), not sure if they still will. But you don’t need name brand items to have a gorgeous reef. What items have you bought so far.?

BRS RODI system
BRS 600w heater
Red Sea 900
Profilux 4 Ultimate
Return pumps x2
Skimmer
Some test kits
Mixing station container x2
Mixing pump
Tunze Osmolator 3155

Still much more goodies to get.

 

[steallife904]

heck don't even get started on the actually livestock budget! lol. Go to the fish store with a plan I wont spend more than 25 bucks or just going to get food..... until they have the coolest acan I have ever seen and I must have it. lol I thought building the tank was the expensive part back in the day. if I only knew how much I have in livestock

 

[Jaebster]

IMO you can budget and buy used equipment, but after a few tries at that I will never buy used again, you end up spending more in the long run.

Yea, I dont wanna stress about getting ripped off, or equipment failing and trying to claim warranty (if still under warranty) as a second hand user. I've read many stories on here where someone purchases from a reputable retailer and upon receipt, equipment didnt work or failed soon after. Would rather deal with the retailer in exchanging goods than taking the loss.

 

[Jaebster]

What do you need to do? I'm sure we can talk you through it.

Would probably need to start a new thread for this... however, I need a new electrical panel in 1st story garage as theres no more empty circuit breaker spaces (thinking I'll need about 4 or 5 more slots)... need about 3 or 4 new 2x electrical outlets and new wiring on and to 2nd floor... new 1 outlet and wiring in garage on far side of garage wall opposite electrical panel. Need 2 outlets on the same wall as electrical panel one about 10 feet away and 1 about 20 feet away... oh while I'm at it, I need an outlet on the same side of the wall for 220V when my wife purchases her plug-in hybrid. All this doesnt sound easy to me. Lol.

 

[Mitch Summerford]

Even if you think you have everything written out and tax and all of that. Still add 20 percent to that. You will always forget things like algae scrapers, test kits, an extra box of salt etc... Or you need extra stuff for your plumbing, there are so many examples I could give.

 

[Jaebster]

Even if you think you have everything written out and tax and all of that. Still add 20 percent to that. You will always forget things like algae scrapers, test kits, an extra box of salt etc... Or you need extra stuff for your plumbing, there are so many examples I could give.

Yep... had a reef for about 10 to 15 years and stopped reefing about 10 years ago. My anal-retentive OCD personality forces me to create an excel spreadsheet for most big ticket/complex purchases that need planning... example for the current build...

 

[S2G]

Livestock is what eats my lunch. Its seems like no matter what I get it's a min of $35. You start grabbing snails and hermits @$1 ea then you see a conch etc when you get to the register that will be $35.

I came out right around what I thought setup wise. I treat my wife like work I pitch the worst case scenario Cadillac then do the actual workable job lol