BUDGET FISH KEEPERS

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
ECarbonel

ECarbonel

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Sep 26, 2007
927
52
61
hello all just wanted to find out what everyone uses to cut some costs on fish supplies to save money for more fish or for the monster tanks what low cost materials do you use for your filters for the monster filtration.

Share your secrets with us so we to can save some money on materials.

for example i know pool filter sand used for substrate is cheaper than reg lfs substrate. or plastic pot scrubbies insted of bio ball. mortons water softener salt the blue 50lb bag for 5 bucks insted of aquarium salt they sell at lfs.
 
I have a HOB filter, and I simply wring out the sponger filter instead of replacing it. I use a razor that was lying around the house to scrape the algae off of my glass tanks. What also saves costs is constantly surfing craigslist for free items :)

Sorry, I am not as thrifty as I thought.

Although, I have five fish tanks, and never paid for a single one!
Yay for CL.
 
ECarbonel;2482076; said:
hello all just wanted to find out what everyone uses to cut some costs on fish supplies to save money for more fish or for the monster tanks what low cost materials do you use for your filters for the monster filtration.

Share your secrets with us so we to can save some money on materials.

for example i know pool filter sand used for substrate is cheaper than reg lfs substrate. or plastic pot scrubbies insted of bio ball. mortons water softener salt the blue 50lb bag for 5 bucks insted of aquarium salt they sell at lfs.
Click to expand...

50lb of salt for 5 bucks?? Is this marine salt?????
 
i buy my food from ebay. tetra prima tubs are about £12 for 300g in the shops. i buy it from ebay in bags as they buy it in bulk and split it up. i get 300g for about £6 just because its repackaged.
my water conditioner i get from ebay as well, 500ml for about £6 and its repackaged in a plain bottle from a bulk buy. i have just kept my original bottle from a year ago for the instructions/description and measuring lid.
 
Go to fish club auctions and fish conventions. Cheap stuff every time, sometimes free.
 
ECarbonel;2482076; said:
for example i know pool filter sand used for substrate is cheaper than reg lfs substrate. or plastic pot scrubbies insted of bio ball. mortons water softener salt the blue 50lb bag for 5 bucks insted of aquarium salt they sell at lfs.
Click to expand...

I do the morton salt and the pot scrubbies.
It also saves energy to have your tanks set on timers. I know I would forget to turn off all of my tank lights alot. And with 800 gallons of tanks, a few ours every other day or so adds up. Other then that I go on Craigslist everyday. Oh and selling my body..that too. easy money...
 
Craigslist is definately a must. If you see a good deal snag it up. Even if you don't need it right now, its probably something that you or one of your friends will need eventually. Also get friends involved in the hobby. Between me and my 2 buddies we provide the LFS with so much business that they give us good deals because they know we are regulars now adn that the more stuff we buy from them, the more we will be buying in future. Such as a good deal on a new tank is going to lead to us wanting mroe fish, food, filters, etc... Which also leads to next advice. Find a family owned style LFS and get to know them. You go into petco or petsmart and find something you like, more than likely your nt going to talk them down in price. Where as if you get in good with your local guys they can work with you. Not to mention I strongly recomend supporting a locally owned place if you find a good one.
 
I use hot water to bring up the water temperature every waterchange. This way my heaters are not constantly on and burning up 500 watts for 6-8 hours. I do not use Marineland replacement carbon cartridges. I just use poly fiber floss to stuff the media tray. Then I replace the poly fiber and rinse the tray monthly. The poly fiber cotton is only $4 a bag and will last up to 6 months. I use a prefilter for my canister intake so I wouldn't have to service my canisters as often.

Make fish friends locally and get in good with you local fish store so they will allow you to negotiate price with them.
 
^^^ agree. when i go to the lfs, i only bring cash, no debit card. set a limit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom