This is an Expensive hobby...lol

[Subliminal]

55 gallon tank and stand: Had for years, but I got a killer deal of $200 for them (acrylic tank with no front edges): $200
Lights are a used t5 Nova Extreme yadda yadda: $130
Skimmer Coralife SS65: $70
Powerheads (2xmaxi1200s): $40
Sand: 2 bags of craigslisted arag-alive: $25
Rock: Well, Probably $300 worth of rock, at any rate
Frags: From fellow reefers (20ish) ...$200
Snails and Shrimps and Crabs: (Fellow reefers and a Petco price mistake): $50
Anemone: $25+$23 in tolls to drive to Brooklyn, NYC: $~50
Salt: Probably $100 worth in the first few months
Power cords, hydrometers, and all the food and knick knacks: $100
Fish...well, no fish there anymore, so we won't count those...

$1435?

Add another few hundred for failed this or dead that...wow...didn't realize I'd spent that much..

And I just set up a second tank.

 

[Scribble68]

I'm at close to $4,000 for my whole 120g setup. Thats the tank, stand, equipment,(lighting), LR, sand, fish, and coral. And i only have about 1/4 of the coral that i want so far.

 

[SuperScro]

Of course its expensive but every penny is worth it.

 

[old grouper]

In my 72 gal bowfront I have over 3500.00 invested.

 

[untoldlegacy]

I had no idea how much money you could pump into these tanks! the pics look awesome though, hopfully mine will look as good as some of yours

 

[soccerkidbs]

yes it is but i am spending $200 on skydiving this weekend and it only lasts for a short while haha think of what i could buy for my tank...

 

[saltydunc]

yeah money just vanishes on this hobby.....my 100gal tank has cost me £1500 so far and ive just 5 fish and some soft corals.....but its well worth it mate

 

[jojo22]

Over a thousand for this 10 gal!!!!

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98072

 

[WinnipegDragon]

About $2k CDN into my 34g Red Sea Max so far, no fish or corals yet.

I've got a log going over on Reef Central: Reef Log if anyone is interested.

 

[Reefscape]

Ok, to let off the fireworks here.....let me throw in a quick thought / observation...

Yes, i agree its an expensive hobby, but, one thing that people forget, is we only put in to our systems, the money that "we want to". There is no saying that a basic saltwater system cannot be done on a mediochre budget. I am not saying that it will be the best saltwater system, but, it will be a working system. Many parts and things can be brought from eBay and Craigslist these days which for someone on a budget, its ideal for.

I am certainly not saying that cheap is the best route, we all know that, however, i dont want to see people scared out of the hobby..

This is just a personal opinion..

Niko