How hell do people afford such massive tanks with an average job?

[white specter crayfish]

I’d love to get massive tanks, hell I’d even want to own a fish store, but that’s going to cost thousands and I wouldn’t be able to compete with the internet. So I’d probably just have some huge tanks, but people with hundreded, even thousands of gallons of water with just an average income somehow afford all of that. How is that?

 

[robham777]

Save, save, save and look for deals. Not sure what you consider massive but I have 2 tanks over 200 gallons and got them for $400 each off craigslist. If you can set aside $40 a week you can do that in 2 1/2 months and depending on where you live may be able to get a larger used tank for the same amount of cash. Aquarium clubs are great places for deals.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Freaking expensive hobby and pets for sure. Craigslist is a good option if you are looking for deals. Check your local ads every morning and evening because nice big tanks will go quick. But be prepared to do some handiwork and spend some cash to overhaul them if need be.

Also check online for sales frequently. Last year petsmart had a flash sale for a couple days on acrylics and a 300 was like $1800 shipped.

 

[jaws7777]

Save. Budget.

Use your tax return. Go through your finances see where your spending. Cut out something and figure out what you can put away every month for your tank

 

[robham777]

I saw in your profile that you are 14, so you may not realize that many of the members here are much older and have acquired their setups over years or even decades. I have 3 kids so whatever I spend on the hobby is after their needs are met. To put it in perspective my daughters iphone (which she does not even like because it's an older one) cost more than my most expensive setup.

 

[Gourami Swami]

WIll be difficult to save up for thousands of gallons tanks at 14. But, I got my first job at 14, at a pet/fish store, and it taught me a lot about keeping fish. I got to take care of tons of tanks without owning any of them. I would give that a shot if there is one in your area. Do a bunch of research first, then go in and impress them with your knowledge. I was able to find a big tank cheap back then through a coworker. Craigslist is great too.
One thing to remember is this hobby is a long haul. Most fish live for 5-10 years if kept properly. Keep small tanks for now if that's all you can afford, when your fish die of old age I'm sure you will be able to afford a bigger tank

 

[Backfromthedead]

Great advice by swami with the fish shop job. Also, start preparing now and put yourself in a position to attend a university with a top notch biology department. Stanford, MIT, Penn, duke come to my mind. These schools have access to millions in equipment and research grants. Keep your grades up, apply for scholarships, learn as much as you can now if you are really motivated to get into large scale fishkeeping. I sure wish i had a plan like that when i was 14...

 

[robham777]

I sure wish i had a plan like that when i was 14...

Ditto

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Work hard and save or crime

 

[tlindsey]

Great advice from everyone. I worked in a pet department years ago and Pet Store fish department and learned quite a bit. Received perks and discounts. I was 16 yrs old.