what's your budget

[tonkadawg]

In a hobby that can be as expensive as reefkeeping, I often wonder what people typically spend on their tank for a given month. Some of you guys who have those huge tanks, packed full of beautiful corals/fish/clams - I can only imagine.

So if you don't mind sharing - please shock us!

I guess some specifics are in order to help keep this thread on track:

1 - what size tank?
2- do you have a budget, or do you buy what you what when you see it?
3- on average how much do you think you spend for livestock for a month?
4- on average how much do you think you spend for supplies for a month?

[mikester]

I budget $50 a month to cover supplies - zeo, salt, replacement bulbs, etc. For livestock, I started with an initial budget of $600 for frags. I have spent half that and realize it wasn't near enough to get the kind of tank I want, but oh well. The rest will just come from trades and extra money here and there. I'm even willing to brownbag lunch instead of going out if I find a frag I want.

EDIT - tank is a 145g. And that budget doesn't include electricity, which I estimate is another $30 a month or so.

[tonkadawg]

me first huh?

1- 18 gallon & 75 gallon both Zeo
2- I try to stick to about $100 month. But this has gone out the door as I have tried to finish the the 75.
3&4 - my $100 covers both - if I need supplies it goes towards that, but if all is good, I spend it on livestock.

[tonkadawg]

$600/month on just frags - why not colonies? How big is your tank?

[mikester]

No, $600 total to get the tank started with frags. After that, I will just have to trade after they grow out.

[tonkadawg]

oh ok - a one time sort of thing until the tank was stocked then.

[Brad Villeggiante]

1. 40 gallon tank
2. Yes, I have a budget about 40 dollars a month, I am a college kid
3. Maybe $10 a month, there are a lot of people in the San Jose area so I mostly trade with them and it saves everyone $.
4. Supplies maybe about 10-15 dollars per month

[Aquatic Image]

I have come to the point where I try not to add any of my purchases up. It is too depressing Usually if there is something I want I just buy it.

[s13silvia]

lately (past 2 months) i've decided to set my max livestock spending at $100/month...

[Znut Reefer]

I have a budget of $350 to $400 a month. That includes any supplies I need. I don't always spend that each month. I ususally buy what I want if I'm willing to pay the price. My tank is a 225. And it's full now. So now I'm saving the extra $$ for a 450gal tank. Unless I come across an acro I just gotta have.

[nyfireman3097]

i dont have a clue about 20 a month for zeo stuff bulbs are once a year about 25 on carbon every 3 months as for corals i have the 125 set up since dec 17 and i have over 60 diffrent frags and most are the hard to get ones that cost stupid money i spend about 400 a month at least on them
Nick

[wasp]

No idea... Don't even want to think about it!!!

[Aged Salt]

I tell my wife $100/mo am I close? Bob

[nyfireman3097]

Yeah thinkin about it just kills me
Nick

[scottw]

as a rule zeo is about $25/100 gallons per month or so. thats for the basic 4. Remember start will last you a long time