Is Setting Up a Saltwater Reef tank Expensive?
- Sep 26, 2021
- Anshika Mishra
- 180 0 0
In this article, we are answering one of the most asked questions in the hobby: Is Setting Up a Saltwater Reef tank Expensive?
Is Setting Up a Saltwater Reef Tank Expensive?
This is a pretty hotly debated topic. But, we believe that it can be done cheaply. Representing saltwater aquariums or reefing, in general, is cheap and is a disservice to anyone considering it. It is much more helpful to know what you are getting into. It is safe to say that a majority of the reefers will spend over $1000 in the first year.
You are about to create an artificial environment in Minnesota for animals that normally live underwater in Australis and Indonesia and other completely different places from your living room in Minnesota. This is what makes this hobby so rare and special.
You will likely be one of the only people you know doing this. But, unfortunately, it is not a goldfish bowl; therefore, it is more productive not to kid yourself that it will be the cheapest pet you have ever had, but it also doesn't have to break the bank completely.
The best way is to start with something reasonable for you and go from there. The reality is that if you invest in things that bring joy to our lives, the more joy you get from your tank, the more you'll naturally want to put more fish into it.
So, the more definitive answer to our primary question is: it is going to be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be.
In terms most of us would probably understand, this is like asking if a dog is inexpensive. They are ways to get puppies and certainly adult dogs for free, and after that, you can spend as little money on their food and medication as you like.
However, it can also be a purebred $2000 puppy, natural raw food diet, yearly vet bills, flea, tick, heartworm meds, dog bed, toys, treats, training, maybe even infrastructure like installing a fence.
The conclusion is that there is no correct answer to is a dog expensive. But, here are some clear and direct expectations:
The Expensive Way
There are primarily two paths. The second one can be cheap, but the first path is followed by most of the path, and they spend about $500 -$1000 setting up the tank, and over the next years, double that with fish, corals, and new equipment.
It is a very helpful window to consider a new pet for a hobby. Keep in mind this is a hobby and fun to explore. Since people invest in things that bring them joy, don't be surprised if the tank upgrades bug caused you in a couple of years.
If you want to go big right off the bat because you are into this hobby, and have always dreamt of keeping a saltwater tank for a long time, then do know that it will cost you double.
The Smart Way of Cutting Corners
On the second path, if keeping the cost down is the primary rehoming, an existing tank is the lowest-cost way to do this. You can check out Facebook groups or local club forums, maybe even make a pst that you are looking for.
Buys used always save 50-70% or more and are a great way to enter the hobby. Of course, used equipment doesn't last as long as new, but in terms of just getting your feet, wet that may not be a priority.
The best advice before shopping for used gear is to check that it is clean, it's anonymous with well-cared-for, and you must pay more for gear that was well-cared-for and clean before storage and significantly less for dirty and close to nothing for anything that shows signs of rust, leaks, or damage.
Happy Reef Keeping!
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