I don't have an complete total but we have a 220G Mostly SPS reef and a 90G mixed reef. I would say we have $10,000 to $14,000 in hard equipment. (Tanks, sumps, pumps, Skimmers. Lights, etc.) $3,000 to $4,000 in consumable stuff. (Test supply's, chemicals, plumbing fittings, filter media etc.) $10,000 to 15,000 for Rocks, corals, fish, clean up crews, Etc.
So, I'm sure I have left out a lot of stuff like RO/DI units but somewhere between 20 and 30K for just stuff. That doesn't include Travel cost for MACNA, Reef A Palooza, Frag shows and special coral or fish looking/buying trips. Electrical costs to run all this stuff. Water costs to make good clean water. Tank sitter bribes when we go out of town on a coral safari. (son in law does it for RO/DI water for his fresh water tanks) we likely spend 10K per year running around to all the coral and fish events and most of the frag swaps on the east coast.
All of that said, It is money well spent. We are retired and love the hobby. We look forward to each event as a chance to get out and mingle with all the people in the hobby. We get to know a lot of really great people and we enjoy our self as if were 30 again. When were not going to look for that one got to have coral or fish we get to enjoy the most beautiful reef in the world right in our Great room. All of the kids and grandkids love to look at it when they come over and it always acts as a conversation piece whenever anyone come to our house.
If you think reef keeping is expensive take up Sailing or restoring old cars. This is a cheap hobby compared to a lot of other hobbies.
