THROWBACK THURSDAY! What was your first MAJOR equipment purchase?

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Hey guys, so this week's #TBT is a little subjective since what qualifies as "major" depends on each person's idea of what "major" might mean (it's usually relative to budget in some way...Ha!). I know when I first got into reefing, I was looking for cheap, and I mean REALLY cheap equipment...I was the guy buying USED Black Box LED's to keep costs down. LOL

As time went on, I realized that I was going to need to really commit financially by making some decisions that weren't purely based on price. My first "major" (again, for me) equipment purchase was when I bought my first RODI system. It was a used system but it cost me close to $200 and that for me was significant at that time. Since then, I've still been careful to not go crazy (cost still matters to my budget...and my marriage ), but I am much more intentional about buying good quality equipment that will last and be the best for my system.

What about you? What was your first major equipment investment?

 

[Crabs McJones]

My 1st major purchase was my kessil A360We's they were still 399 apiece at the time so that was an $800 bill

 

[MTBake]

My first major purchase was a Lumenarc reflector, 12k reeflux bulb, and ballast from hellolighting back in 2006. That was like $400. That was a big chunk of change for me back then.

 

[kirstyflash]

Not sure on how much it cost but a second hand aquaone 120.

 

[AdamNC]

Back in 2005 my Current Orbit PC 130watt light. Had two sockets that I used a 10k bulb and a 420/460nm bulb. I still have it (sitting in the garage though) and it grew softies and LPS really nice.

 

[Flippers4pups]

200 gallon Oceanic tank. $1000. Circa 1995.

 

[count krunk]

A 48" 6 bulb ATI sun power fixture!

 

[Antics]

When I first got into the hobby 6 or 7? years ago I got in big. I think my first "big" purchase was an order than included a Bubbleking Mini, a Gen 1 Radion X30 and two MP10's.

Looking back... yeah... I think a lot of money has been dumped into this hobby over the years.

 

[cancun]

My first major purchase was 2 EchoTech XR15s gen 4......love them....but not the price! LOL! But not much in this hobby is cheap! LOL! [emoji16]

 

[cancun]

When I first got into the hobby 6 or 7? years ago I got in big. I think my first "big" purchase was an order than included a Bubbleking Mini, a Gen 1 Radion X30 and two MP10's.

Looking back... yeah... I think a lot of money has been dumped into this hobby over the years.

I totally agree! [emoji849]

 

[ca1ore]

Lightweights ...... 1998 ...... MTC ProCal (already had the CO2 kit from planted tank days).

 

[miPapareef]

One huge BRS order. Rocks, sand, skimmer, pumps, heaters, reactor, test kits, RODI, overflow,plumbing parts,... Everything I thought I would need except the tank and stand and lights. Total was $2342.78. That was day one of reefing.

The order was so big BRS called me to confirm it was real before charging my credit card and actually accepting the order.

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

I fell in love with the innovative marine 20 gallon tank and needed it for my first venture into saltwater. $200 seemed bananas at the time...especially for a tank.

 

[ca1ore]

One huge BRS order. Rocks, sand, skimmer, pumps, heaters, reactor, test kits, RODI, overflow,plumbing parts,... Everything I thought I would need except the tank and stand and lights. Total was $2342.78. That was day one of reefing.

The order was so big BRS called me to confirm it was real before charging my credit card and actually accepting the order.

At least you got a lot of boxes for your $2,400.

 

[Just_Pete]

So far my biggest single purchase, at one time has been my Aquatic Life t5 hybrids & ATI bulbs. $311 roughly.

 

[Dragonreef202]

my maxx-spect 48' razr from seller on forum

 

[mfinn]

My first major buy in the hobby was probably the first light system. A 4 tube VHO light system. I'm guessing it was 1988.

 

[ncaldwell]

Deciding to get a red sea reefer 525 was biggest expense.... by a wide margin

 

[Jim Fox]

It's a toss up between my light and the skimmer. If I really had to choose just one, I guess it would be the light.

 

[Crimson]

My first reef was in '94. I had so much equipment and livestock from then til now it's hard to say. However, if it came to I would say the Apex (which I do not have anymore).