Tips for reducing costs of fishkeeping...

[gill]

i agree with everything posted so far.

I champion the point about joining local groups. I went to a local group meeting and bought ranchus that would cost me 20-30 Pounds in an LFS for a fraction of the cost.
I got 7 Ranchus for 5 pounds, were as if i went to an lfs i would have had to spend 100 on the same fish.

 

[phaedraeos]

Work part time at your LFS - not only do I get first dibs on all fish brought in, but I get 20% off all my purchases, from dog food to my most recent farlowella!

Put a bunch of livebearers in with some of your omnivores and carnivores - a cheap, constant supply of live food

Set up a tank for breeding your live food as well. I have a sweet 10g going for cherry shrimp that are going straight into the 125 whenever I get too many.

 

[Pufferpunk]

I have mollies breeding in my figure 8 puffer tank & they pick off the weaker ones. The strong ones stick around & make more babies.

 

[gomezladdams]

I dont belong to a club there are none near me.But most clubs have annual auctions that are open to the public and HUGE.Stay till the very end the crowd thins out and you can nail some bargains.Sometimes vendors set up stands for great shopping too.I buy flake and pellet by the kilo for what a few oz would cost at the lfs.
Also its a cheap day of entertainment and you never know who you might meet.

 

[nomadofthehills]

we buy dry foods in large quantities and use them like refill containers. usually about a third of the price.

I would be wary of this, as dry food looses most of its nutrition in about 3 months.

 

[Scorponok]

Don't waste your money on gravel, lights, and decoration. You don't need them to keep your fish alive.

 

[stl2pab]

I'm pickin up a 55g with stand, lights & filters for $75 tomorrow. . . . got it off craigslist.

 

[STONEDFISH]

Go Fishing! Use your catch for food. Cut the fillets into little portions and throw them in for your fish. They'll love it! Plus you have an excuse to go fishing too! Its a WIN-WIN situation!

Chris

I hadn't thought about that....good idea!!

stndfsh

 

[Scorponok]

Save food cost by digging for worms and collecting bugs. Hunting for small rodents is a plus.

Change water 20% everyday then you don't need filters.

 

[ddyerfamily]

Make sure Everyone knows your a Fish Fanatic !
That way if any of those people see or find a good deal or freebies,
you will be the first person they think of and call.

And when those same people are surfing Ebay or Craigslist ,same story.

I have received most my tanks from friends of friends,really cheap.