Thrifty Thursday: $ well spent

[SeymourDuncan]

The Frugal Gourmet, aka Jeff Smith, is a master craftsman of eating for cheap, but still having the taste of an expensive restaurant.

We always look for ways to save money besides switching insurance companies.
Some of us use cheap pumps, others use cheaper lights, a lot of our tanks are 2nd hand, and most of them are on used stands!
So what kind of equipment do you use to save money? Whether its startup cost or long term bill reducing energy efficient tech?

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Not sure you can save money in this hobby?

 

[lyang415]

Not sure you can save money in this hobby?

+1
:xd::xd::xd:

 

[3Twinklets]

LED lights to save money long term.

 

[robbrouse]

RODI until to keep from going to LFS to buy water...

 

[SeymourDuncan]

I contest. I have found many ways around spending the big bucks and after my systems became established the corals grow so fast I literally do not spend money that is not from the tanks themselves.
LEDs were a huge factor in saving $$
Next I searched endlessly for used, quality, equipment...including my reef keeper elite and all of its bells and whistles. My 90g reef ready was $80 and the stand was $100. All my rock is a result of patiently awaiting a deal rather than rushing and dumping in what was available. Dry sand over live sand cut substrate cost in half.
Using regular salt and adding supplements has also saved money but purchasing bulk containers rather that small ones or using reef crystals.
Next $$ saver I have is diy sump, light mount, my qt systems are all used tanks. I also practice hyposalinity when at all possible to cut out the expenditure of copper. Little things like that lead to big savings.
Climate control is shared amongst all my systems via heater in each tank for emergency warmth but the room itself is the main source of stability for it has a space heater that kicks on before the room reaches 62 and a fan that sucks heat out if the room exceeds 75. By itself it is not so cheap but considering it stabilizes 4 systems it does well long term. No expensive chiller needed even in the hottest days.

Aside from buying cheap you can buy slow! Save up an get what you need rather than under equip yourself. Upgrading later on may not be so easy when you start out with under Par equipment. Nobody wants to by 3rd hand pc lights anymore and you will be wasting time and $$ buying things like that when there are better alternatives that are worth more to your tank

 

[cdness]

I honestly don't think there is anything new in my system other than lamp replacements, PVC pipe and mag floats...lol.

Tank - Used
Stand - DIY with some reclaimed wood
Sump - used (Baffle glass and acrylic was used too)
Return Pumps - Used
Closed Loop Pump - Reconditioned
Loc-Line - Used
Skimmer - Used
T-5 Retro Kit - Used
Evo 120W LED - Used
Apex Kit - Used

When I upgraded from my 75G to the 125G, the only equipment I brought over to the new setup was the T-5 Retro kit. With that included my 125G build was still under $1,250 and may have even come in under $1,000. I then turned around and sold a complete 75G system with custom oak (real red oak) stand for $450 so the upgrade really didn't cost me much at all. When I upgraded to the Apex, I bought it for $250 and sold my AC3 for $125 so I made out good on that deal as well.

So yes, you sure can save money on this hobby. The expensive stuff is when you initially get into the hobby. Once you have the equipment the rest is easy.

Other ways to save money:
* Buy captive grown frags from other local reefers (Save on the shipping cost and typically locals get things cheaper)
* Sell coral frags locally to shave off on the costs of supplements and salt.
* Use controller programming to limit the use of the heater and coolers unless they are really needed (Leave a little temp wiggle room)
* Make your own fish food with items from the Asian market (I have been doing this for years and can feed my tank for 6 months on $50)
* Perform regular maintenance on equipment (Many people don't realize the preventable equipment failures are typically caused by poor maintenance)

 

[SeymourDuncan]

See! Even is guides are frugal. Sometimes its the only way to enjoy the hobby without breaking the bank and turns out just as great, but with some spending cash leftover for out significant others. love you darling, don't be mad about the new tank I found at the garage sale. You can pick out the fish

 

[Peterock]

Make firends with local reefers. Coral is much cheaper from friends than stores.

 

[SeymourDuncan]

With proper QT procedures that is great! Sometimes other hobbyists are selling their "problems" though so be weary of shady fraggers. I've ran into a few not so shiny systems lol.

I've helped countless people who buy used established reefs only to spend most of the first few months fixing issues such as parasites or nuisances. Check gear too! Salt creep is a CREEP.

 

[mike007]

I spend alot to save alot Leds,efficent pumps etc. Good quality equipment that will last a long time and is very efficent. Should save me $ in the long run

 

[SeymourDuncan]

I spend alot to save alot Leds,efficent pumps etc. Good quality equipment that will last a long time and is very efficent. Should save me $ in the long run

Another good point. Buying cheap stuff costs more to replace and can often lead to worse issues during failure. Don't rely on a cheap pump without several backups which will end up costing as much as a more reliable pump. Still, a cheap backup for a good pump is a good idea compared to no backup. Same with the rest of the vast assortment of equipment.