Is this hobby a perpetual money pit ?

snorklr · Dec 23, 2021

the last thing i'd do is downsize...after all you've already pi$$ed away the money...going for a smaller box will only limit you greatly in potential livestock selection

zheka757 · Dec 23, 2021

my first year was constantly buying stuff, cheap stuff, most was due to no experience.

flashsmith · Dec 23, 2021

Another hobby that's a money pit.. I get alot of enjoyment out of this one..

JumboShrimp · Dec 23, 2021

Not after the first $10,000.

Somehow the pain starts to dull.

Mr. Mojo Rising · Dec 23, 2021

yes its a money pit, this hobby is no fun if you're on a budget and dont have money to spend.

On the other hand, I'm sorry, but IMO 8-10k in 9 months on a 75 gallon tank is beyond ridiculous.

Zoa_Fanatic · Dec 23, 2021

I mean not really. I spent around 1k total to get going and now if I want coral I just trade for it or sell stuff until I get the $$ I need

Idech · Dec 23, 2021

LordofCinder said:
yes its a money pit, this hobby is no fun if you're on a budget and dont have money to spend.

On the other hand, I'm sorry, but IMO 8-10k in 9 months on a 75 gallon tank is beyond ridiculous.

We both agree on that. I’m feeling bad as it is, so you’re not really helping but thanks anyways for your comment.

muggle0981 · Dec 23, 2021

It is a money pit

But this year i upgraded to a 180g for 10k

but replaced most

and 1k was for gfci outlet and a dedicated breaker

Idech · Dec 23, 2021

muggle0981 said:
It is a money pit

But this year i upgraded to a 180g for 10k

but replaced most

and 1k was for gfci outlet and a dedicated breaker

I’m sorry it cost you so much. But now I feel less alone in my misery, lol !

vetteguy53081 · Dec 23, 2021

Hmmm- wonder where the pic of my budget came from,. , , LOL

Gotta plan like I do !!!

Jeffcb · Dec 23, 2021

Idech said:
Okay, I need encouragements. Or not. Maybe this is just too expensive for my taste.

I am always, always very well prepared before going into a new project. I had done hundreds of hours of research, reading and watching videos to learn as much as possible on tons of different aspects of the hobby.

After that I set aside a budget, thinking I would have a lot of expenses in the beginning, and that eventually it would calm down . Like it does in freshwater (even though it’s a lot less expensive). After a while, you have all your gear and all you need to buy is food and maintenance products. And enjoy.

But that has not happened with my reef tanks…. So far I must have spent 8k-10k in 9 months. For a 12 gallons and 75 gallons tank (I already had the tank and stand). It seems there is always a problem to fix that needs specific equipment, or products. Every month, I’m thinking : okay, this was the last time I spent so much. But then I need something else that can’t wait.

What I want is to achieve a state where my tank is complete and where I only need to buy new stuff exceptionally, and because I want to (outside of all necessary items). I want my montly budget to be spent on corals, so I can have the tank I dreamed of.

Is this unrealistic ? Should I downsize ?

Right now I’m tight on money because of this hobby I love and it’s not a pleasant feeling. Yeah, I could spend less, but I’ve already spent so much how can I let it go to waste ? Sigh.

Your experience will be appreciated.

yes, very

muggle0981 · Dec 23, 2021

My choice

i saved for a year and had it planned out…upgrading from my 120g

almost done being reminded about from my wife what she allowed me to do

Mywifeisgunnakillme · Dec 23, 2021

Ferrell · Dec 23, 2021

Only if you let it be

CanuckReefer · Dec 23, 2021

Tamberav said:
What is it that you need? Technically reef tanks only NEED rock + light + flow then maintenance stuff like 2 part and/or water changes.

Listen to this lady here @Idech . She is brutally honest

, but also willing to provide assistance. A rare combo....seriously....

CanuckReefer · Dec 23, 2021

vetteguy53081 said:
Hmmm- wonder where the pic of my budget came from,. , , LOL

Gotta plan like I do !!!

10 bucks for the lady? Lol! Who is this girlfriend???? She won't be for long! My goodness....

ThRoewer · Dec 23, 2021

Idech said:
Well, if we were in the hobby of butterfly observation, for example, I’m sure it wouldn’t cost as much.

Or knitting, lol !

Any hobby can be as cheap or costly as you want it to be.
This applies as much to reefing as it does to observing butterflies...
Usually you don't just observe but also take pictures. And good photography equipment cost you. And once you're getting bored of your local butterflies, you might wanna travel to areas with more exotic butterflies. Before you know it you'll be spending thousands on better equipment and expeditions around the world.

Any hobby you really get into can become very costly...

That said, reefing can be quite "cheap" if you stay with smaller tanks where pretty much every issue can be solved with regular water changes.