Cost
- Thread starter Cleo642
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redfishbluefish
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Too much! 
A saltwater tank is like a spouse.....they just continue to cost more and more and more....demanding more of your time as well. The expenses never go away because there is always something else you need.
It's actually something I don't want to know.....sort of the cost of raising a kid....it will scare you silly.
A saltwater tank is like a spouse.....they just continue to cost more and more and more....demanding more of your time as well. The expenses never go away because there is always something else you need.
It's actually something I don't want to know.....sort of the cost of raising a kid....it will scare you silly.
reefjunkie53
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+1 on that one for sure [emoji15]
tjgr34
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Here's my estimated cost breakdown. My tank is a 36-gallon corner tank. I got it and a few other components off of CL. I'm probably forgetting some things, but my total setup cost was right around $1000.
Tank & Stand- $150
Lights- $230
MP10- $130
Osmolator- $120
Skimmer and Filter- $210
Neotherm- $50
Rock and Sand- $100
Tank & Stand- $150
Lights- $230
MP10- $130
Osmolator- $120
Skimmer and Filter- $210
Neotherm- $50
Rock and Sand- $100
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Cleo642
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Well, when I start my tank, I was estimating costs of everything, and I want a big tank. And really nice lighting fixture, so it would end up being around $7000 or more.
Not at all surprised that you have come up with that number... If you have a limited budget, big tanks are definitely not something that one should take on.
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Cleo642
2500 Club Member
Well, i finished college and interviewing, so with pay this kind of job offers and being only me, single/no kids, I will be able to afford it. Even though I would still buy it piece by piece, light fixture first probably. 240 long tank or 180 wide.
redfishbluefish
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Bottom line is that whatever the size of you tank, you need to have discretionary funds to really enjoy this hobby. It's not for the faint of heart or someone with a thin wallet, because it will beat you down and rob you blind.
Awesome...
I would consider waiting to purchase the light and get your glass and stand first. I say this because technology in lighting is advancing so fast right now. You may find that you purchase a new lighting system and they upgrade it before you can get it installed on your new tank.
I would consider waiting to purchase the light and get your glass and stand first. I say this because technology in lighting is advancing so fast right now. You may find that you purchase a new lighting system and they upgrade it before you can get it installed on your new tank.
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Cleo642
2500 Club Member
Will only do it if I get the job I went to school for. Only a matter of time, makes up to $32 an hour or more. I should be good, been planning a while.
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Cleo642
2500 Club Member
I think that the led thing they had alot if hype to it. I don't think it will ever have the strength of metal halide. There are mixed reviews of leds. I guess I am just old fashioned also. Before I saw that fixture, I wanted a t5, 6 bulb one but it wasn't enough watts per gallon.
Keiki
AKA LACY ON RC
You also need to consider the cost of ongoing maintenance. The cost of additional electricity to run everything, salt mixes/natural seawater, food, corals, fish (unfortunately they die sometimes and need to be replaced), etc. Like they said before it never ends, but the rewards are worth it.
sprinklerdudes
Valuable Member
I had been into fresh water for over 30 years, had several key pieces, so my start up was not that much, I did a lot of bartering, and worked my way up, I probably could have bought a nice car for what I have put into this hobby over the lasts few years. but I really enjoy it, coming home after a long day, the tanks, give me a calmness and peace. that is worth a lot. If you have the kind of money to buy all new, hey that's a good way to go, most of the people I know, started with used equipment, and bought 1 or 2 new pieces as time went on and finances allowed.
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Cleo642
2500 Club Member
$7000+ but that's just the basic setup and equipment. Then I forgot to factor a chiller into that so it's more. It's a lot of money but then everyone has their hobby or pet project that costs them allot more money like boats, four wheelers, etc. .. Well, this will be mine.
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Cleo642
2500 Club Member
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Cleo642
2500 Club Member
What he put in it? Gold. Lol. But I want including livestock or live rock in that figure either. Just the equipment.
Toolmandan
Community Member
220g and I have over 10k in it. not including any corals or fish.
you have to remember it isnt just the tank and stand. most of us have salt mixing stations, complex plumbing systems.. reef keepers or apex.
I know my system is setup to do everything eccept water changes and feeding of frozen food on its own. you cannot have a tank and be a slave to it. It takes away from the experience IMO.
Dan
you have to remember it isnt just the tank and stand. most of us have salt mixing stations, complex plumbing systems.. reef keepers or apex.
I know my system is setup to do everything eccept water changes and feeding of frozen food on its own. you cannot have a tank and be a slave to it. It takes away from the experience IMO.
Dan
