Biggest expense? Money saving tips?

[CACAdmin]

Fishkeeping can get to be expensive (especially and the number of tanks and fish increase... a common phenomenon known as MTS :wink:).

Have you ever thought about where your money is going and what your biggest expense is? Any tips on what you do to reduce the cost?

[susankat]

I would have to say elec would be my biggest expense running so many planted tanks, then the fish would be second. I have bought some fish that I paid pretty pennies for.

[OldMan]

Well now there are two of us voting Susan. I think the equipment cost is much bigger than the power cost for me but I keep lots of goodeids so I don't spend a ton of money to heat my tanks.

[Melody]

Tank maintenance/consumables (including food) eats it up most consistently for me. Most of the rest is periodic and overall I don't know that it ever catches up.

Probably the biggest money savers are buying used, buying from other hobbyists (plants, supplies, etc) and buying livestock from reputable stores. Nothing eats up cash quicker than med's or losing livestock.

[susankat]

Well I know mine will go up in a couple of months in all matters. Buying two large tanks, setting them up and stocking them is gonna cost a bunch. And then running them will cost me more.

Also just setup my 90 gal pond so that will increase my elec usage also.

[Melody]

:yes: ... and yet I'll bellyache about the expense of essential undergarments. :rolleyes: But I don't have a problem and I'm not addicted! :laugh:

[T Dawg]

Fishkeeping can get to be expensive (especially and the number of tanks and fish increase... a common phenomenon known as MTS :wink:).

Have you ever thought about where your money is going and what your biggest expense is? Any tips on what you do to reduce the cost?
Best tip - don't flood the house. Ripping up carpet, renting flood mitigation items, and replacing damaged stuff gets expensive.

Other tip - Auctions seem like away to save money, but they can lead to impuls buys.

Second highest expense is equipment, and I could control that with a little self control.

[susankat]

My problem is no self control ::(: and auctions are my downfall. Thats why so many dedicated tanks.

[OldMan]

Now that you bring up auctions, we can talk about the real expenses. A 4 day stay at the ALA convention was not expensive by travel standards but by fishkeeping standards it is probably going to be my biggest expense this year. The real problem is that it was so much fun and next year it will be close enough to do it again.

[CACAdmin]

My biggest expense is CAC but that doesn't count.:wink: So I selected equipment. It's my biggest expense because I am paranoid about a potential flood (I live on the 7th floor of a hirise and doubt my neighbors or landlord would be very appreciative if one occurred). Thus I tend to buy new (and expensive) tanks and equipment although I know there are excellent deals should I opt to buy used (which I think would definitely be the way I would go if I lived on the ground floor. :yes: )

The next most expensive item would have been tank maintenance but I cut costs greatly by making my own filter media. So what now falls into second place is food. Yup,:yes: I think my fish eat better than I do.:spinny: :laugh: I could cut costs there too, if I made mine own food and hatched my own BBS. But that's where my lazy fishkeeper status shows. However, it's not as big a bill as it could be because I feed an variety of store bought foods supplemented with fresh veggies and homemade and bulk foods (either purchased on the auction or traded for with other fishkeepers.):Smile:

[blainep]

For me , I pretty much have to go with equipment.

But, alot of that is due to fishroom building. $100 bills seem to float away with every trip to Home Depot etc.

I did try to build with energy efficiency in mind, but I'm sure electrical costs will catch up.

[T Dawg]

My biggest expense is CAC but that doesn't count.:wink: So I selected equipment. It's my biggest expense because I am paranoid about a potential flood (I live on the 7th floor of a hirise and doubt my neighbors or landlord would be very appreciative if one occurred). Thus I tend to buy new (and expensive) tanks and equipment although I know there are excellent deals should I opt to buy used (which I think would definitely be the way I would go if I lived on the ground floor. :yes: )
That was my thinking, and you never know where the tank has been, how it was handled, did the fish get sick,etc. :twitcy: Standing in the LFS hearing horror stories about blown tanks and leaks had me very nervous.

But my latest flood was due to water leaking from the Python, so no help from the new tank there. :SLEEP:

Other than the flood largest expence by far was the boxing day sale at Big Als. The benifit of cheap fish with small bellies!:Smile: Our power bills are fairly modest so far, but I am trying to use the questions on the stands saftey from it being wet to upgrade the 18 to a 50, or 72, or 90...after all we need a pace for them to live while we replace the stand.

[GaryofMontreal]

As a serious multi-tank guy, I've really had to think things through. I was an Apistogramma breeder for years, and I found that very expensive. Beyond the cost for new and exotic species, there was the cost for heat. Every tank was on a heater, and every species needed three tanks. Selling the young paid for the adults, but operating costs were too high. A key 'element' was the heaters themselves. Fifteen years ago, an Ebo Jaeger or other brand name heater was good for ten years. Now, you're lucky to make three years with them.

I now have only one tank that needs 28c - my Geophagus tank. As my heaters have died, i haven't replaced them. Instead, I've turned over the Apisto tanks to livebearer and killie tanks. I'm lucky to have the house water heater and oil furnace basically in my fishroom, and with $60 worth of insulation, the room sits at 21 when the house is kept at 19 all winter. I added electric baseboard heaters to bring the fishroom to 23, and reduced my costs incredibly.
I have really good plant growth happening with low wattage energy saving spiral fluorescent screw in bulbs. I hang them over tanks in $10 IKEA fixtures.

[Melody]

My lights throw a lot of heat, which cools at night but doesn't go to freezing or anything. I figure that's no different than the tropics so I don't worry about it.

Some good points about saving money only to have it cost more in one respect or another. I find the same with DIY projects, be that food or otherwise. We know what kind of quality we want so we put more into it sometimes. Building your own stand can save you money if you don't care what it looks like. Building your own tank can cost more because you want good thick glass, industrial silicone, a hood with enough lights to grow plants, etc.

But then it's all in how you look at it I guess. If the tank/hood lasts much longer and doesn't flood the place, it pays off. If I'm paying $13 for a container of fish food that has very little value by comparison to fresh, live or homemade food, I'm better off doing it myself. The time involved counts but really, is it any different than cutting your own lawn as opposed to hiring a landscaper?

Auction fish are something we go nuts on because they're in superior health as a rule and of course, there's rare fish that we may not see again. Even if we can get them later, there will be big shipping charges added.

If value always came down to dollar signs, it would be easier to say no to ourselves.:yes:

[OldMan]

I am just thankful that I can understand and agree with you on quality vs cost Mel. There have been times in my life, and I am sure in a lot of other people's lives, where spending a bit more for quality was not an option. Now that I am in my dotage, I find that doing the right thing means more to me than the cost involved. As my wife says "Life is too short for bad beer".

[Melody]

I have a feeling I'd like the lovely Mrs. Oldman. :Smile:

Those times when we had to buy cheap or not at all... or not at all period, are a big part of shaping one's character and gaining perspective. Those butterfly pork chops taste much better when you know what it's like turn a package of cheap generic hotdogs into meals for a week. :yes:

I'm so big on animal nutrition that you just brought on a flash-back of my newly widowed Mother of 4 young children, cooking oatmeal because that's the only thing she had to feed the dog. He survived. We do what we have to do, as best we can.

Thanks for reminding us how blessed we are to be able to have wet pets in the first place!

[Edgezilla]

Biggest expense is electricity. lighting and heating is pretty steep in a basement and for planted aquariums.

[susankat]

I totally agree, I think if it wasn't for the plant tanks, my electric would be a lot cheaper.

[Shawn]

I have fill blown MTS, and I have found replacing filter cartridges isn't so much pricey, but certainly a consistent cost. The alternative to this is expensive cannister filters for my large tanks, or AquaClear power filters that require cleaning weekly.

[Melody]

I'm getting the best of both worlds now - a low price HOB with an industrial sponge (http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/ClassAuction/index.php?a=5&b=213) that will probably outlast ME....lol.

[fishclubgirl]

Money saving tip for women. Get a boyfriend with a bigger fishroom than you have. You then can "borrow" pumps, tanks, etc. As well he buys his food by the bucket so you can take the "crumbs". After all, you're are ever generous with him, gifting him with your plants overgrowth. I'm not sure about doing water changes as a date though!!

[Melody]

Get a boyfriend

He could buy me a tank everyday and foot the bill for the fish in general...

... And it still wouldn't be worth it. :laugh:

[fishclubgirl]

But if you travel to pick up fish, you have an experienced fish sitter. However he seems to be laying claim to my alvarezi swords, hmmm. Actually it works pretty good as we have plenty in common.

[Melody]

:nah: The levels on which we pay can't be measured...

I'm not quite as jaded as I let on...lol...just a tough sell. That's great that you found a fellow fish lover. Maybe we should have a personals section Jay. :Canadian: :StockAvailable::SoHappyICould...:

[fishclubgirl]

Well, I have committed the cardinal sin of mixing up his swordtails, gifting him with convicts( They needed a good home and I thought they were cute) and also thinking my mongrel angels are "pretty". Also I do have some fish that have names which he doesn't so there is definitely 2 different styles of fishkeeping going on. Might have to have the "single" aquarists describe their fishkeeping habits to see if they're compatible.

[CACAdmin]

However, compatible fishkeeping styles might end up meaning sharing tank space as in, "You don't really need that tank do you? I absolutely have to have room to grow out all these swordtails." :laugh:

[fishclubgirl]

He would steal my swordtails in a heartbeat!! On the other hand, it would be a toss up between him and giant metallic plakat pair(I think I'd take the pks). I have discussed the leasing tank idea but been met with a blank stare and the suggestion that I start my own fishroom in my one bedroom apartment???

[CACAdmin]

:laugh: I live in a bachelor suite so my one room is everything: home, fishroom, workroom, etc. I'm currently running only 5 tanks... although I have had as many as 8 (one being a rubbermaid tub) plus a nano-pond on my balcony. If I had a one bedroom, the bedroom probably would be a fishroom :spinny: :laugh:. If you have any hopes of bringing up the tank leasing option again, do not, whatever you do, mention what I have crammed into my place. That'll destroy any chance you have of success.

[Edgezilla]

females.... :twitcy:

[T Dawg]

Money saving tip for women. Get a boyfriend with a bigger fishroom than you have. You then can "borrow" pumps, tanks, etc. As well he buys his food by the bucket so you can take the "crumbs". After all, you're are ever generous with him, gifting him with your plants overgrowth. I'm not sure about doing water changes as a date though!!
I keep getting corrected when I refer to it as "my tank" but god help me if I don't call her tank hers or goddness forbid want to make sugestions....

My creditcard does seem to be the one comming out at the LFS, guess I may loose my Gigolo card.

[Melody]

Mr. Edge wanted me to remind everyone that this can go both ways :Frog: . It's the 2000's and 'she' could very well be the one with the big house, make the most money and... dare I say it? She might even have the nicest fish! :swoon:

[fishclubgirl]

Oh yeah!! I have 14 tanks and he has 46, I think. I have more varieties of plants and have spawned more fish in the year that we've been dating. (I'm working on BAP). I fell for him when he said that my tanks looked "pristine", words of romance for a fishclubgirl!!

[Edgezilla]

I think we are taking the interpretation the wrong way. If a female is attracted to someone because of money, than I would say the male has a character flaw and he can't attract someone who loves him for who he is. and this goes the same for females.

If the guy/girl is dating someone for their money, than they got issues too.

I have nothing against people dating someone who is completely in a different social status because everyone starts at a different level and where they end up is up to them.

This comes to the conclusion that ---> good luck finding the right one.

Do you detect a sense of sarcasm there?

[Melody]

Well you certainly aren't going to find her with that attitude. :rolleyes:


Oh yeah!! I have 14 tanks and he has 46, I think. I have more varieties of plants and have spawned more fish in the year that we've been dating. (I'm working on BAP). I fell for him when he said that my tanks looked "pristine", words of romance for a fishclubgirl!!


I was speaking of all 'she' people in general...lol..but he's lucky to have you regardless. :yes:

[Edgezilla]

There are other people in the world with similar attitude, so I will not rush into gold diggers for the sake of having someone around.. :frown:

[CACAdmin]

Here's a tip for those trying to economize (and yet provide quality food) for herbivores and omnivores. Buying fresh veggies can be expensive but you can often get great (& sometimes even free) items. We humans tend to be picky and like veggies to be crisp and firm but often our creatures don't.

Often vegetable markets will put together bags of things like green peppers, etc. which are starting to get a little soft or have a small blemish and have the on a discount shelf for quick sale (usually at half the price or less than you pay for individual crisp ones). They often do this with a multitude of veggies. The shelf of discount items is usually parked in a corner somewhere so keep an eye out or ask.

[fishclubgirl]

Actually I cook some of that stuff, puree it and freeze it. If you freeze the puree in ice cube trays or flat in ziploc bag, it's quite easy to break off the amount you need. Also I freeze my leftover veggies, and feed it to my BNs as I don't like leftovers!! Martha Stewart, I'm not but my fish love me anyhow!!

[CACAdmin]

Great idea. Do you use gelatin or anything to hold the pureed veggie cubes together as they thaw? Also, would it be possible to puree it without cooking it first or does it go stringy? (I'm no cook, so bear with me.) I'm just thinking here of ways of trying to preserve as many nutrients as possible.

[fishclubgirl]

Most of the time, it's spinach and like to freeze it flat(1/4") in the ziploc. It purees much better cooked and then I just break off pieces and chuck it in(with a little butter and vinegar, lol). My mollies love it!!

[Edgezilla]

Something non wormy and meaty is beefheart. Very cheap and high in Iron. Lots of work preparing it though. but 1 lb of beefheart can last a long time.. Add a banana, some vitamins, and veggies flake and a bag of gelatin

[fishclubgirl]

Another money saving idea; I use sign vinyl or blue or black coroplast as my backgrounds. I do get it super cheap or free at work. If you know a sign maker, they might have some sitting around.

[CACAdmin]

Does sign vinyll have an adhesive backing?

I'm off to Google "Coroplast"

[Edgezilla]

They don't have adhesive backing,

The white coroplast from Home depot works really well for tank lid. $20 for a 4 by 8 ft sheet.

[fishclubgirl]

They don't have adhesive backing,

The white coroplast from Home depot works really well for tank lid. $20 for a 4 by 8 ft sheet.
I put the shiny side as the background and leave the backing on. If you contact a sign supply wholesaler, you'll get a better deal on the coro as well as a choice of colours. It's also available in clear which is better as a tank lid for plants. Not that I work for a sign supply wholesaler or anything!!

[Edgezilla]

Here is a good way to save money. I was just at home depot and I guess they just had a shipment come in. They had a damaged goods area. Got me a piece of 2' by 8' 1/2" pink insulation. They normally go for 6.70+, got it for $1. :laugh: They are great as a cushion/insulation for racks

Craigslist is a great way to save money on DIY parts.

[fishclubgirl]

Another money saving idea for the girls other than the boyfriend??? Use your old knee highs, pantyhose, etc. to hold filter media. Also have used an old fish net stocking to attach some moss to wood. Was using hairnets to attach plants to wood but found my longfin BN were getting caught!! PS guys, if you ask your mate to get fishnet stockings, don't tell her it's for your fish tanks, lol!!

[Melody]

Here is a good way to save money. I was just at home depot and I guess they just had a shipment come in. They had a damaged goods area. Got me a piece of 2' by 8' 1/2" pink insulation. They normally go for 6.70+, got it for $1. :laugh: They are great as a cushion/insulation for racks

Craigslist is a great way to save money on DIY parts.

It's also good for lining shipping boxes :yes: .

[fishclubgirl]

Another money saving(spending) idea, sign up for the e-mail specials at your fave store. I just saved over 50 dollars at Big Als today by knowing the specials. Granted it was 80 dollars I wouldn't have spent, if I didn't know about the specials but I never can have too many bettas or plants!!

[CACAdmin]

Good idea. :yes: I love the way you phrased that as money saving/spending. :laugh: (so true :spinny: )

One of our sponsors Pacific Aquatics (http://www.pacificaquatics.ca/) also has a newsletter you can can subscribe to (letting your know about sales, etc.).

[Edgezilla]

I am going to go outside of the box and say gas. Wooo wee. I don't think I have driven so much for trading, buying, and selling goods in a long time. :laugh:

No pain no gain. :cheers:

[fishclubgirl]

I am going to go outside of the box and say gas. Wooo wee. I don't think I have driven so much for trading, buying, and selling goods in a long time. :laugh:

No pain no gain. :cheers:
Agreed, driving to the states to pick up fish plus hotel, restaurant food etc. Of course, I had to go to Victoria's Secret too. Is that a hobby expense,lol??

[CACAdmin]

Of course, I had to go to Victoria's Secret too. Is that a hobby expense,lol??
:Think: ...:nah: ... nice try, though. :laugh:

[OldMan]

That may be a hobby expense fishclubgirl, but I don't think its a fish hobby expense. You need to be careful moving fish across that border according to what I have been reading here. It seems some officials take a view that makes it dificult to move fish across that boundary.

[CACAdmin]

Good idea. :yes: I love the way you phrased that as money saving/spending. :laugh: (so true :spinny: )

One of our sponsors Pacific Aquatics (http://www.pacificaquatics.ca/) also has a newsletter you can can subscribe to (letting your know about sales, etc.).
Just to let you know, at the moment there is no link specifically for the newsletter on the Pacific Aquatics website but just go to their Contact Us (http://www.pacificaquatics.ca/contactus.html) page, and you'll find an email link to send Paul a note. ::D: (or you could simply drop by the shop and do it in person.:yes: )

[fishclubgirl]

Another money saving idea, courtesy of the bf. We were looking at a way of setting up livebearer breeding tanks without traps. Went to Rona and found some plastic air filter netting(for about 3 dollars) that looks like it's just the size for platies and guppies. He got some edgecap for a couple dollars and is planning on gluing it to that and hanging it from the top and then tucking the bottom into the gravel. Will let you know how it goes!!

[CACAdmin]

Sounds like a great idea. Perfect to have a tank divider that only the fry can cross through. Looking forward to hearing how it goes.

[fishclubgirl]

Hey all!!
Had another money saving idea courtesy of my good friend Edge and I wanting the same plant. When you're buying rooted ie swords, look for ones that contain more than one plant or with runners(not shoes). Automatically you have more than one plant(which you can sell to Mr. Edge at over inflated prices, lol!!).

[fishclubgirl]

Another money saving idea if you're like me and don't pay for electricity. Was unhappy with one filter and thought I'd get a bigger aquaclear for that tank. Then realised that I had 2 aquaclear minis sitting around and I could use the 2 filters and problem solved!!

[Pamelajo]

I chose fish, because I am continue to buy fish.
Equipment at the beginning was the biggest expense, but now I hardly buy anything.
With the exception of the filter change over.

[CACAdmin]

If you amortize the cost of the equipment over the years, it does bring it down, but it still can be quite an expense. However, used equipment and DIY projects can help bring the cost down. That frees up money for the things you need to buy new (and for fish).

[brnttoast]

i have a local asian market that sells frozen baby fresh water shrimp
they look just like ghost shrimp
package lists only one ingredient... shrimp
and its 3 bucks for a 1 lb brick

[CACAdmin]

I guess that means you're a frequent customer. They must think you love to eat this stuff on a regular basis. I'd love to see the expression on the face of the person who decides to ask you how you prepare it. :laugh:

[brnttoast]

ya, between the shrimp and all the snails i buy there they prolly think i have some pretty strange munchies

i'm sure their expression would be similar to the one i had when i asked one of my customers why they had a pet chicken in their basement

customer reply to me..... SOUP

[CACAdmin]

:laugh:

[Noctame]

See, we can't tell stories like that because I'll start thinking of getting a fish I can eat and then wait patiently to eat it :p

[fishclubgirl]

So I added in some rocks from the dollar store last night and had a money saving idea. Those net bags that they come in would make good filter media bags too. So not only did I get some nice rocks but bags too. Am liking the look of the rocks so I may end up with more bags too.

[Detritus Mulm]

I voted for I don't want to know.

It probably varies based on what I'm up to. Electricity is a big cost, but I don't even count that. :-) I don't spend a lot on livestock; I'm not really an afishanado. But looking at some of Gary's rare breeds, I could see that changing. I'm into the plants more than the fish, but I haven't bought any of those for a while either. I'm more into the technology than the livestock; it just appeals to my inner geek. The pond costs me more than the tanks and most of that was DIY. Cheapest purchase was my snails; the gift that keeps on giving. ;-}

I think I need an intervention. :spinny:

[Melody]

I think I need an intervention.


OK - you have to send me all of your aquarium stuff. It's for your own good.

Well what did you expect in a fish forum? Addiction counselling? :laugh:

[Detritus Mulm]

OK - you have to send me all of your aquarium stuff. It's for your own good.

Precious, precious, precious! My Precious! Oh no, not my Precious! :tongue:

[Melody]

You don't handle withdrawl very nicely :laugh: .

[fishclubgirl]

Melody,
You're an "enabler"!!
Anyhow 2 tips, if you need a smaller quantity of food, ask in the forums. Many people buy buckets of food and will gladly sell you some at a lower price than the lfs. I just got some NLS grow for 12 dollars and it's 30 at the store. Also enter jar shows, raffles etc. I won some GCs for the lfs and had myself a fun little shopping spree!!

[CRS Fan]

Between pressurized CO2 systems, suspended HagenGlo T5HO fixtures with Giessemann bulbs, and oversized Eheim canister filters, they all are pricey (good thing I sell some plants to offset my investment costs). I'm also able to source used equipment in the Vancouver area.

And then there is always ADA Amazonia substrate, way overpriced, BUT well worth the investment IMHO. That doesn't even include the new and upcoming plants I cultivate :eek: !

Best regards,

Stuart

[bingerz]

When i got back into fish keeping i scoured CL and got a tank for free! My largest single purchase was prolly my sand.

[Death's Sting]

Equipment for sure!

There are soo many items that fall under that category! Plus, they are the most expansive, filtration is huge!

My filters on my 120 with all the media cost 5X what all the fish are worth combined.

[mollybawn]

Since Santa Claus brought me my tank setup and equipment, and I got my 2 measily little fishies on sale, I've got to say that meds has been my biggest expense this time around. Buying fish from a bad source has gotten the better of my fishy budget. On the bright side, I now have a well stocked fishy medicine cabinet.

[fishclubgirl]

Here's an interesting frugal tip, scour your lfs for fish that have already paired off. I've scored 2 pairs of mated angelfish for the grand total of 45 dollars. And the best part is they're good colour matches as one pair's a marble and the other pair's sunset. I'm going to have new angel babies soon!!

[afnaveils]

My biggest expense is the construction of my whole set-up. It includes the fish house (shed), the tanks, the equipment and the piping.