Having done this for almost 10 years as well as having an aquarium store I can offer a few pointers.
As was mentioned, look at what others are charging in your area. I priced mine based on the tank size and the frequency of cleaning. Take into account that you have to drive TO the client, and then AWAY from the client. You're unproductive at this time, so factor it in.
Keep in mind the economy in your area. An aquarium that I would clean here for $20 would be cleaned in a big city for around $100.
You also have to keep your hours flexible. No restaurant wants hoses running through their dining room during peak hours. Same goes for offices. You might be running around at very early or late hours to keep your clients happy.
Also, is there actually a need ofr it in your area? If you know of very few tanks that are setup in places, there might be no point in the business at all.
The biggest thing I found though, was the slow erosion of my love for aquariums. After 30 years keeping them, the last three have been pretty dark. I've had 2 tanks at home with two at a friends I used to have 10 in my house). In the last 3 years I think I did 2 water changes total (one tank was a reef tank).
Now that I've been pretty much out of the business for a year (I have 5 tanks left to look after) I've finally taken an interest and enjoyment out of my own tanks. Be prepared for that possibility. It sucks.
As was mentioned, look at what others are charging in your area. I priced mine based on the tank size and the frequency of cleaning. Take into account that you have to drive TO the client, and then AWAY from the client. You're unproductive at this time, so factor it in.
Keep in mind the economy in your area. An aquarium that I would clean here for $20 would be cleaned in a big city for around $100.
You also have to keep your hours flexible. No restaurant wants hoses running through their dining room during peak hours. Same goes for offices. You might be running around at very early or late hours to keep your clients happy.
Also, is there actually a need ofr it in your area? If you know of very few tanks that are setup in places, there might be no point in the business at all.
The biggest thing I found though, was the slow erosion of my love for aquariums. After 30 years keeping them, the last three have been pretty dark. I've had 2 tanks at home with two at a friends I used to have 10 in my house). In the last 3 years I think I did 2 water changes total (one tank was a reef tank).
Now that I've been pretty much out of the business for a year (I have 5 tanks left to look after) I've finally taken an interest and enjoyment out of my own tanks. Be prepared for that possibility. It sucks.
