Don't SKIMP on this!
- QUESTION OF THE DAY
- Thread starter revhtree
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I don't usually buy name brand items. I make my own. Not sure if this is counted as skimping.
IMO "skimping" does't have to be monetarily only... can I get a skimmer rated for a smaller tank to save a couple bucks? Possibly but why not get one that will over perform and can be tuned down in the case that I may want to upgrade tank size later and utilize the same skimmer instead of having to buy a new skimmer too and spending more anyway. I think this goes for A LOT in this hobby, lights, return pumps, powerheads etc.. Do I skimp? NOPE I got into this hobby knowing it was one of the biggest things in my life that I enjoy (not the only thing) and I want to completely enjoy it!
4tanks
Well-Known Member
I skimped On mixing equipment I just fill my 2x 25ltr containers every week the day before water change Leave them somewhere I walk past
And shake the s@*t out of them every time I do plus get bit of exercise lol then before bed into the warm airing cupboard they go perfect temp for the day after water change
And shake the s@*t out of them every time I do plus get bit of exercise lol then before bed into the warm airing cupboard they go perfect temp for the day after water change
bigjgmac
Active Member
I try not to skimp, and came back to the hobby this year after an almost 25 year hiatus. Last time out it was fish only tank (FOWLR wasn't even a thing then) and this time around it's mixed reef. With a January start, everything is in it's infancey, but is progressing nicely.Today I'm "skimping" on a description of this thread and simply asking you to answer these simple questions.
1. In keeping a saltwater reef aquarium you should not "SKIMP" on this?
2. What have you "skimped" on that has worked well for you?
Man, have things changed! Unfortunatley, I began by setting up a 1995 saltwater tank as opposed to what one would do today. I've learned as I progressed whih led to replacement of inexpensive lights wiht Kessils, replacement of Current Loop powerheads with Ecotech Vortechs, an ATO system, etc...
I guess about the only thing that I have skimped on is fish feeding, and I'm in the process of correcting tht as 0 nitrate and 0 phosphate concentrations are now viewed as sub-optimal. I'm feeding, and going to get those parameters up to 3 and 0.03 respectively, and see how the corals like it.
The more things change...the more they change.
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HairyGary
Why do all your fish look like trout?
1 - Don't skimp on ATO. Having reliable ATO to keep salinity in check is key.
2- Really no need for a controller. Over priced and save your money.
2- Really no need for a controller. Over priced and save your money.
stacksoner
Well-Known Member
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In this hobby, skimping is not worth the potential upside of saving money. The price of buying the right item and/or the costs and time required to fix a problems that a cheap product creates makes it not worth the risk.
Almost everything I’ve skimped on I bought 2x. Lost about 1k on that lesson. Saltwater stuff is expensive because everything is marine grade and low volume. You can buy toy grade **** buy it won’t last when it touches salt for over a year.
even the good stuff won’t last more than a decade in most cases
used light worked out ok for me though the first ai prime the original owner had dipped in the tank. Luckily ai sent me a hydra as a replacement.
even the good stuff won’t last more than a decade in most cases
used light worked out ok for me though the first ai prime the original owner had dipped in the tank. Luckily ai sent me a hydra as a replacement.
1. In keeping a saltwater reef aquarium you should not "SKIMP" on this?
Learning
Patience
The wisdom of more experienced reefers
Equipment
Salt mix
2. What have you "skimped" on that has worked well for you?
Nothing. Every time I have ever skimped I have regretted it. Buy quality the first time, pay the price and treat it with care. Understand sometimes even quality products may fail of have a lemon but that is the exception not the rule.
One last thought. Enjoy the hobby, don’t let it “rule” You let it be a source of joy.
Learning
Patience
The wisdom of more experienced reefers
Equipment
Salt mix
2. What have you "skimped" on that has worked well for you?
Nothing. Every time I have ever skimped I have regretted it. Buy quality the first time, pay the price and treat it with care. Understand sometimes even quality products may fail of have a lemon but that is the exception not the rule.
One last thought. Enjoy the hobby, don’t let it “rule” You let it be a source of joy.
Cheapest salt and bulk additives, like soda ash and calcium. Let’s me do more water changes with less cost and the additives are a daily requirement. Neither is a complicated product so side effects are not a concern.
I love tank automation and control and im a gear junkie so I don’t think I have skimpt on much. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from not skimping it’s that sometimes keeping it simple and not adding too much complexity is the best route to success.
Scott Ulrich
Active Member
If I had to do over, the only thing I wouldn't skimp on would be not doing proper quarantine. On everything.
Most equipment (lights, powerheads, skimmer) probably okay not getting top of the line in a lot of situations.
Most equipment (lights, powerheads, skimmer) probably okay not getting top of the line in a lot of situations.
Indytraveler83
Well-Known Member
What have I not skimped on:
Quality of livestock: I've learned my lesson buying random things at the lfs that just came off the airplane. I only buy animals that have been cared for well, and when possible fully quarentined already.
What I skimp on:
Testing equipment. I use cheap API test kits for the most part and a simple hydrometer and my test results always match the Red Sea tests and refractometer that the lfs uses. When something is wrong, my testing methods have always picked up on it. Maybe it's just that I run a less sensitive lps/softie/nem tank, but I've never felt the need for more or more accurate info than I'm getting.
Quality of livestock: I've learned my lesson buying random things at the lfs that just came off the airplane. I only buy animals that have been cared for well, and when possible fully quarentined already.
What I skimp on:
Testing equipment. I use cheap API test kits for the most part and a simple hydrometer and my test results always match the Red Sea tests and refractometer that the lfs uses. When something is wrong, my testing methods have always picked up on it. Maybe it's just that I run a less sensitive lps/softie/nem tank, but I've never felt the need for more or more accurate info than I'm getting.
Well as for skimping that is in the eyes of the beholder.
Salts, food, and many of the substances for keeping a reef.... no.... them are top shelf nothing less than the best even if its cheaper best or none. Top shelf can also be DIY and can be cheaper.
But as for equiptment..... well thats a different story. New used is always welcome.
Many items in my size are ether non effective.... or so overly priced and bulky it couldnt be used.
To this ive kept the keep it simple stupid approch rather than "skimping"
Where i could have bought bigger or more lights a single AI prime was murderously overkill for a nano tank.
And where many items like the 1k gyer and mp10 are great! I love them. They dont fit....
So the cheaper 300gph hydor pump line up work amazingly once fitted to suit and not just thrown in. *just keep a few spares around.* too cheap not to.
Corals and fish. Well i like to take injured or sick many if not all up to this point of my corals and fish have been free or cheap for a reason. And all have made full recoveries!
So where many may skimp and be inconsistant by pinching pennys shopping around. Loyalty to quality is supreme and change needs to be slow and consistant not abruptly.
Salts, food, and many of the substances for keeping a reef.... no.... them are top shelf nothing less than the best even if its cheaper best or none. Top shelf can also be DIY and can be cheaper.
But as for equiptment..... well thats a different story. New used is always welcome.
Many items in my size are ether non effective.... or so overly priced and bulky it couldnt be used.
To this ive kept the keep it simple stupid approch rather than "skimping"
Where i could have bought bigger or more lights a single AI prime was murderously overkill for a nano tank.
And where many items like the 1k gyer and mp10 are great! I love them. They dont fit....
So the cheaper 300gph hydor pump line up work amazingly once fitted to suit and not just thrown in. *just keep a few spares around.* too cheap not to.
Corals and fish. Well i like to take injured or sick many if not all up to this point of my corals and fish have been free or cheap for a reason. And all have made full recoveries!
So where many may skimp and be inconsistant by pinching pennys shopping around. Loyalty to quality is supreme and change needs to be slow and consistant not abruptly.
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Dburr1014
7500 Club Member
I skimp as much as I can.
Used equipment, build it if I can. Cheaper controllers for instance I have a inkbird instead of a whole aquarium controller.
I bought jaybo wavemakers and I like them better than the MP40 that I actually spent money on. Eh
Used equipment, build it if I can. Cheaper controllers for instance I have a inkbird instead of a whole aquarium controller.
I bought jaybo wavemakers and I like them better than the MP40 that I actually spent money on. Eh
