Can you run a reef tank on a budget?

[cdurkin100]

Big question I know and many different options and types of tank you may want to keep.

But IMO the answer is no.

You can have a tank and keep it, but is it successful? Does it look stunning ?

It's an VERY expensive and time demanding hobby and over the years I have seen a hundred people start then shut down through not understanding what they are getting into.

There are reefers who run tanks on a budget after many years experience, but for a new starter in the hobby I don't think it can be done. I maybe wrong, but most fail and give up.


Thoughts....

[Hazey]

Once experienced then yes you know your tank & it can be done cheaper but still expensive in eleccy alone.
In the 5 years I have been reefing I have learnt a little to save the pennies but it's still costing me....
£55 on additives last week, I am going through Rowaphos & Rowacarbon like they are penny chews....but thats onlt because my tanks still maturing as you know.

IMO, you set out to run a tank on a cheap budget & on a shoe string & you are new to marines then it is one harder struggle that many often fail at but then there are others that take to it fast & do well.
It does depend on the set up you have though especially corals, Softies & LPS are easier to keep & SPS harder & demand optimum water params & quality.
A nano keeping a couple of fish & softies will not cost too much to run whereas a 4 footer+ with SPS will

[Inklinkerman]

I started in the wrong order, as many do.

I had a rio125 from my brother in law.....i always wanted a marine tank, from 9 YO and had lots of FW experience.

I managed to set up 125l lps reef on T5s with cuc, clarkis, and YT. all have since moved to my 5x2x2 via a few tanks. but my rio cost nothing to run. 75p a day lecy, ro 2.50 a fortnight, afew supplements and thats it.


its harder, but definetly doable esp for softy/ hardy lps imo.


reading up costs nothing but is worth the most

[reefloat]

I think the answer is yes, a lot of equipment that is purchased is superfluous and can be done without, having said that it does depend on what is kept, a lot of inhabitants are specialised to differering degrees requiring outlay on keeping the tank environment within tight limitations.
when it comes to a tank looking stunning then a lot comes down to the time spent on it and the ability of the aquarist, moreso than behind the scenes equipment which admittadly can makes things easier albeit it at a price.
so a reef tank on a budget, yes its possible, but initial outlay can be more than planned.

[Mayo]

I don't think it's possible to run a reef tank on a budget as a beginner. Mainly because there is always something else to buy! Be it more rock, fish, sand, corals, media or equipment. It's a constant drain.
I think it's only possible to run on a budget if you have got a mature system with all the corals, fish and other livestock that you want and have equipment that your happy with.

Running on a budget as a beginner = no (not if you want a nice tank)
Running on a budget with a setup that your happy with = yes

[Inklinkerman]

the question is....what is "a budget"?

[Mayo]

the question is....what is "a budget"?

Good point! If your a high earner obviously your budget is going to be allot higher than someone who earns less.

[ZombieTuesday]

Depends what you call a budget.

For instance, I have some cheap assed light fittings (just the ballasts - you know the ones you by as a unit with a transformer etc) and some cheap reflectors (7 quid each) BUT .. I spend the money on the bulbs, won't use the cheap ones.

I have separate dosing units from fish street that keep my levels nice and steady.

i will upgrade these things over time, as budget allows .. but .. the cheapness of these parts at present don't affect my growth or color .. So i would say ... sort of!

Providing you know where to make the savings .. then yes I'd say.

thing is .. learning what you can and can't scrimp on.

[jamesfirth1]

I think the problem is that we are never happy with everything, we are constantly wanting better colour, growth etc. How many people have changed lights over the last few months, tried different additives, bio pearls etc. These changes are often the things that cost you a fortune, and often don't bring the results you are after.

As it was mentioned above, if you have a tank that you are happy with.........one of the lucky ones, then you can do it on a budget, but you are always going to have costs on salt, bulbs etc. So its never going to be a small budget.

[Javahart]

I've been slated in the past for saying this but to do this hobby properly you need money.
Electric, salt, hardware, livestock, bulbs - its not cheap! The ongoing maintenance costs outweigh the startup costs IMO. It's easy to pick up a second hand setup for £200 but sooooo many people don't take the ongoing costs into account.
Having said all that, our tank running cost is about the same as keeping a large dog (if you factor vets bills) so its all relative & depends what else demands your disposable income!