Is now the right time

[Magnar]

I have looking and planning for a 120 and I saw something on the news that made me think. Is now the time to get back into saltwater?

With the tariffs and prices going up on fish and equipment should I postpone getting back into this? I haven't even purchased the stand or aquarium yet so now is the time to wait if I am going to. I am very close to getting both but have been checking options before purchasing and then I saw this.

I do not have loads of money to just do it and not worry about pricing of things. When I did it 8 to 10 years ago it wasn't cheap I guess but it wasn't bad enough that I didn't want to do it. Today I really want to get back into it, but I am thinking my timing may be off.

The news was talking about many things including fish coming from overseas and in turn causing the prices to go up on everything.

Wanted to get opinions of people on here. What you are seeing this year with pricing on everything since have been doing it.

Thanks

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Prices have increased steadily since covid, first it was covid and now the tariff war which I suppose will go on as long as mr trump is in control so 3.5 more years. A lot of smaller companies have been driven out of business and also mergers and buyouts and we are seeing more and more large multi corporations and they get greedy and raise prices for more profits and care little for hobbyist feedback and customer service is going down the drain. What cost $20 5 years ago now cost $50-$60.

I'm sorry to be bleak but thats what I see. Good luck

 

[Reefer Matt]

It depends on how sociable you are. If you like to make friends, look for local Reefers to buy used equipment and livestock from. That is usually the best deal you will ever find. If you are an introvert, then yes, reefing will likely be expensive for you. I suggest making friends.

 

[X-37B]

Honestly the longer the wait the more it will cost.
Get the tank stand and sump.
You can build it at you own speed/cost.

 

[exnisstech]

I'm not an economist but I don't look for prices to go down anytime soon. I also don't think its just this hobby that has prices increasing at a fast pace.

 

[BryanM]

Used, FB marketplace, great deals to be had. Just stay away from redsea tanks.

 

[dschuffert]

I think it really depends on you. If you have enough funds, then go for it, I don't think prices are coming down any time soon. As others have said you can find items reasonably priced in the used market.