The Mrs. is going crazy!

[LilNemo]

I got into this hobby a few months ago. At first, my wife was a little upset about the cost. She has always told me I have expensive hobbies. I won't lie because I do. I also do model railroads, R/C planes and helicopters, and now this. The funny thing is now she's all into it seeing how everything is developing. At this time we only have the 30g tank, but she's wanting to upgrade already so she can get her "Dory" fish. I've read that a 90g tank would be great. So, my question is would it be cheaper to build one, just for the sakes of trying something new, or buy a prebuilt tank? Also, I've told her she griped about the cost for this 30g tank just wait in the end for a larger one. LOL.

 

[BlueZreef]

Do you mean build the tank itself? In the case of most tanks, especially smaller standard sized tanks it's cheaper to buy them built. 90s are usually plentiful for reasonable prices. You could build a stand if you just buy the tank. Stand building is a toss up because you are in control of how "nice" you want it. On the plus side, your wife is giving you the go ahead...my girl is always ****** when new corals and fish randomly show up in the tank :)

 

[BR549]

My wife is not particularly happy about the cost of the hobby either. However I do catch her staring into our tank and bragging to others about it. It will be astronomically cheaper and more satisfying to do everything yourself. Especially since you have a tank to enjoy right now. Take your time. Use Craigslist and local forums to find what you want. Don't buy cheap components it will be more expensive in the long run. Don't be scared to drill a tank. Making you own stand is fun because you can match your furniture. Also I prefer a stand with room to work under, upgrade later or pull my sump out if I need to. Hard to find in an off the shelf stand Also consider how you will make water, do water changes, and get it to the tank. You'll thank yourself later. Oh and do a build thread I didn't do one for either of my tanks and wish I had now. Looking forward to seeing it cheers.