How much $$$ have you spent on this Hobby

[andy4499]

For some reason I checked my bank account to see how much I have spent on this hobby since I started. I was shocked to see that I have spent almost $43,000 just on credit card transaction since I started in the hobby. Over $18,000 of this was when I tried to start a business out of the aquarium. As you can seek with that kind of a loss I closed the business. See below picture of my bank account totals since 7/26/1999. I bought my first aquarium (55 gallon) aquarium from Rich when he was selling out of his house. I actually started some near the end of 1998 and I am sure there are several things that were not recorder in my bank account (like anything I paid cash for). I know I have spent a ton of money in the hobby, but it has been fun for me and very addictive. So if you think you have spent a lot on your tank I am pretty sure I have spent more LOL.

Post what you have spent on your tank.

[jt3069]

that is alot of money,to spend on this hobby

i an't no were close to that but i do remimber my first year in the hobby
b and b keeps a record of your spendings and at b an b alone i had spent $4000
my first year

now i look for any money saving things out there
like pickeling lime, epsion salt ect....

[Amphiprion]

I'm at about $15000, but I've been in the hobby for a good while. Given the time vs. money spent, I'm probably not so bad off.

[JRA95SHO]

I've spent well over a meager $500 in a few months since I've had my tank, and I have lost several expensive fish in the process. This hobby is like going to the casino and throwing all your $ on a shitty bet on the craps table. I'm just not good at it, nor do I have the experience. At least with my old beat up cars, I can put $ into them, see the progress of improvement, and get enjoyment of repairing something and have it work. I like my tank.....but the whole hobby is just a big gamble, and so far I'm losing. I'm not liking this at all. Not sure how long I'm going to stay in it. I can't afford to keep flushing $ down the toilet---literally! I can always go to Andy's house and see all his cool shit....for free!

[andy4499]

Well after seeing this number last night I have really been thinking is it really worth this. I have learned a ton about tanks over the years and really enjoy having it, but I don’t know if I want this number to get any higher. Not saying I am going to get rid of my tanks right now, but it has got me thinking. I have had a tank for so long I don’t know what I would do with out it. I enjoy the hobby so much.

[Amphiprion]

Honestly, I'm the same way. I grew up with my marine aquariums and frankly, it's hard to imagine not having one. However, those rising dollar signs are what finally prompted me to shift my approach substantially. As a result I have spent less on my system in the past couple years than I ever thought possible. Not only that, but it has run incredibly successfully all at the same time. I'm happier with it now than I have been in a long time.

[Buddy08]

im at $4500 since feb, im sure theres a few things ive missed that could push the numbers closer to 4600-4700 but so far excluding power and water, i have enjoyed it. Im trying to move towards the less expensive route long term, i.e. adding led lights in an effort to cut back on power consumption and bulb replacement.. figured that would save a pretty penny. I would like to get my tank to a state where all i have to do is feed, scrape, and water it... but first i have to fill it up with livestock

[strout2]

I am at about $4800 on the new tank right now. Still have to get 1 more MP 40 $400, 1 AI Sol Blue LED $400, $350 of dry rock, glass baffles for the sump $75, fininsh paying for the light hanger another $150, plunbing parts $200, Top Off tank Wes - Blwtr is going to build that for me price,,, we don't know yet, wood for the stand plus stand skinning wood price who knows, Sand $150, and still have to get the tank Geeez Is it worth it, right now no, but when its set up yes