Is Reefkeeping Expensive?

[hotdrop]

It's more expensive than reading books, but less expensive than going to the bar.

I could get 10 beers a week for what I paid for reef stuff last year so depends

 

[Quietman]

It's more expensive than reading books, but less expensive than going to the bar.

Stock your bar at home...it's cheaper. And with my fish I never drink alone. And no they haven't started talking back...except for the goby, but he's just ticked about his roommate so I just let him vent.

 

[Jon Fishman]

Would you consider it very expensive or have you found ways to make it pretty affordable?

Unfortunately I haven’t attempted to make it affordable

 

[Jon Fishman]

I could get 10 beers a week for what I paid for reef stuff last year so depends

I could get cirrhosis

 

[Phildago]

I could get 10 beers a week for what I paid for reef stuff last year so depends

Ten beers at a bar would cost 50 bucks plus tip. I'd say my reef costs less per week to keep running.

I compare it to my friends who like to go out in weekends, and I know they probably spend 100 doing whatever.

I like my reef better than hitting the bar. But my wife likes to read books and thinks the reef is expensive.

I'd say it's middle of the road. It can be a bit pricey to get started but upkeep and occasional upgrades aren't bad

 

[Magellan]

It’s as expensive as you want to make it. However, I would say it’s less expensive than therapy, and much more enjoyable!

 

[hotdrop]

Ten beers at a bar would cost 50 bucks plus tip. I'd say my reef costs less per week to keep running.

I compare it to my friends who like to go out in weekends, and I know they probably spend 100 doing whatever.

I like my reef better than hitting the bar. But my wife likes to read books and thinks the reef is expensive.

I'd say it's middle of the road. It can be a bit pricey to get started but upkeep and occasional upgrades aren't bad

I included startup costs

 

[melanotaenia]

After startup and stocking I spend barely any money; salt, some frozen food, poly pads that cost about 5$ and every six months R/O cartridges.

 

[Salty Lemon]

It's more expensive than reading books, but less expensive than going to the bar.

First of all, I agree with you -- however, I do own a book that cost me more than any fish or coral in my tank. I collect books too. ;Smuggrin

 

[Magellan]

First of all, I agree with you -- however, I do own a book that cost me more than any fish or coral in my tank. I collect books too. ;Smuggrin

first edition Gutenberg??!

 

[Salty Lemon]

first edition Gutenberg??!

My most expensive book is likely my first edition, first printing, of "In Cold Blood" By Truman Capote. But let me know if you can find a good price on the FE Gutenberg.

 

[Magellan]

For the very fair price of 2 Mona Lisa’s I can sell you one. Comes with some ocean-front property in Nebraska as well

 

[hart24601]

Has anyone at BRS made a list of all the products and cost it would take to set up a decent but not top of the line tank with products you sell? Pick a tank you offer, rock, sand, salt, powerheads, lights, plumbing, ato, RO/di- all that and come up with an price tag. Not this “to get you started” stuff to reduce sticker shock, but a realistic package cost.

Will that seem expensive?

 

[hotdrop]

I offered that as a contest idea . Just have people setup a realistic cart with everything it would take to run a decent breeder setup for a year

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

How expensive has Reefing been for you?

Would you consider it very expensive or have you found ways to make it pretty affordable?

it comes down to what you can afford, you don't want to be that person who owns a truck or big SUV and gas prices rise up and you start complaining that gas prices are high. That person cannot afford a truck or large SUV.

 

[mike550]

What’s the phrase? “If you have to ask, you can’t afford it”

Personally, I’ve been describing reefing as a poor man’s sailboat.

 

[glagunda]

How expensive has Reefing been for you?

Would you consider it very expensive or have you found ways to make it pretty affordable?

Not at all. Using my kids college fund so I’m good

 

[Omar Marambio]

I think it depends of what corals you want to keep and the lamps and other stuff you buy. So it can expensive!

 

[Idoc]

Is it expensive? It sure ain't cheap!!!! Lol

 

[hotdrop]

I ran some quick math on what it would take to setup a 40 gal breeder on t5s with cheap low end new parts and an aqua clear 110 and I get a minimum of 600$. To run it for a year add 100 for salt and 100 for test kits and you are at 800, add 250’for electricity and now you are at 1k without livestock or stand.