Tips for reducing costs of fishkeeping...

[STONEDFISH]

I know that a lot of people on this site spend big bucks on the hobby, but how many of those people make big bucks?? I know I don't.

Even though obsession may cause me to make poor budget decisions at times, usually I'm trying to figure the cheapest way to get the job done right.

I see plenty of threads telling of small fortunes spent on set-ups that are inferior to others at half the price. SO, here is what I suggest:

A list of low cost alternatives to commonly used supplies, some suggestions about husbandry techniques that are cost efficient, and websites and suppliers that have the best deals on equipment, all in one thread.


I'll start out with a few, please add your tricks and tips to keeping cost down!!!

Food: Frozen seafood at the grocery store is the way to go. Thaw it out, cut it to appropriately sized morsels, and your fish will love you.

Equipment: Buy it online... unless you have some emergency and need a new filter or heater immediately. I have saved HUNDREDS of dollars on Ebay and Petsmart.com.

Substrate: Buy pool filter sand or river pebbles from a landscape supply and clean them. You can get 50lbs for $5 instead of 5lbs for $5+.

Filter Media: Pot Scrubbies!! All different kinds!! I use the flat green ones in all my H.O.B. filters... you can cut them to any size or shape. In canisters use the plastic mesh sphere type instead of bio-balls, etc.

Lighting: Shoplights.... go to a home improvement place and choose from lots of sizes. They are even some that are nice looking, not just that white metal reflector.

Just a few suggestions from myself... please keep this going as you find better deals or come up with new ideas!!

stndfsh

 

[88GT]

we buy dry foods in large quantities and use them like refill containers. usually about a third of the price. Bought most of our emperor 400s on sale for $40. Got alot of my rock for free at the river. Do alot of shopping around for sales/used stuff. Got a used 100 complete for $275 and a 125 with stand, lights and tops on sale for $400

 

[Edwin]

good information, ur going to make MFkers save alot of money . thanks for sharing. i agree with the frozen seafood and ebay. great way to save money.

 

[aquatic_wonders]

buy used equipments.

 

[Weylin]

As for fish.. I get mine from the wholesalers... So I get them way cheaper than any lfs..even if i buy a single fish... Same goes with equipment... So I tend to have alot of fish and equipment..

My biggest weakness in this hobby is impulsive buying, every time i go to the lfs i end up picking something up..

 

[Edwin]

As for fish.. I get mine from the wholesalers... So I get them way cheaper than any lfs..even if i buy a single fish... Same goes with equipment... So I tend to have alot of fish and equipment..

My biggest weakness in this hobby is impulsive buying, every time i go to the lfs i end up picking something up..

so true, im guilty of that>>>>LOL

 

[duke33]

I got my gravel out of my creek, my lights are a hodgepodge of shop lights,street lights and used aquaria stuff. My food is as stated. My decor=yardsales. My filtration systems I have saved by buying them online. A lot of my fish are ones noone wants anymore. I have spent more money than I ever dreamed(on fish), But I've also saved alot. Good thread.

 

[Peter McFarlane]

Nice post, the more we can save on equiptment/setups the more we have for cool fish!

Keep the great idea's coming, this stuff is pure gold!

 

[Weylin]

Another way to cut the cost down.. Use ordinary lighting for non planted tanks... There is no need to feed daily.. Feeding every alternate day is a good way to save on food..

 

[Miles]

Use PRIME- It's more concentrated

Change Water - Don't rely on chemicals, carbon, and when you have healthy water you never have to spend money on chemicals, when your fish never get sick..