How do you guys do this?

Lol I feel ya mang, my wifey is unemployed for a year now with a dang kid on the way (im excited about). I just started reefing and like many say, shop around and wait for the sales. This is 1 hobby that I actually took my time with. My job offers alot of overtime so I jumped on it such as I wanted corals so I busted my ass and worked like 70hrs a week and saved up for my lights. Idk why im goofy about my aquarium but I wait for deals and def craiglist it up, heck I just got prolly literally over 200 bucks worth of supplements for about 20 bucks. Just gotta be patient and catch deals when you can. I got my sundial lights if I remember for about 250 for a 36inch 4 bulb setup(my corals love my arse). Lol now Im trying to persuade the wife that I need to get a 125g tank since sharkbait(sailfin tang) needs a bigger home or else he goes to another tank. Well just say shes onboard but it has to be money from selling from my other hobbys (hombrewing beer). It sucks but Im prolly just gonna bust my arse for 6 months or so with ot and save up as best as i can. Be patient things will come in time, im a major believer in that and we always find a way to make it happen. Woot 3reef!

 

patience and craigslist!! Theres weeks when i have to decide to pay the electric bill or buy that new frag.No electric = no frags at all,And i have seen very good deals slip through my hands because they was $15 or $20 out of my reach,but be patient and you will find most everything you need on craigs.It also helps by slowing you down,so things arnt going to fast as buying eveything quickly,usually means a faster failure.Be patient and good luck,theres alot of peeps on here(including myself)that are playing the same game as you.

 

yea I know what you guys mean. I'm 24, working half the hours I was a year ago, my wife is unemployed, and I have 4 month old twin girls. I struggle to keep my little 20gal going lol. But everything I bought to set it up was off of craigslist or ebay.

 

Patience is something NONE of us have,,,,,we just get what we can when we can afford it. Craigs list, Ebay. ect.... LFS sometimes sells used stuff too..

 

Wow it seems that due to one reason or another there are a bunch of unemployed reefers out there. Maybe we should all band together and visit congress as the "Unemployed Reefer Foundation" and see if we can get a government bail out for our struggling reefs. I know I personally could use a billion dollars or two. J/K

 

i just bought an easy button from staples. every time i want something i push the button...then i save up and buy it when i have enough money.

 

I'm a full time student have a part time job and pay for schooling, rent, car and health insurance, and all bills. I shop around a lot. Wait until Christmas time and you can get great deals on lights. Purchased a 36" nova extreme w/ 6 t5ho bulbs for 180 from an online store. The day after christmas they went back up to 350. For corals, I buy nanos and frags. No point spending a lot of money on a large piece when in a few months it will be that size anyway. Do a lot of research on livestock and dry goods before you buy. Don't make compulsive buys. You will waste a lof of money that way. The number on key to saving money is patience.

 

Hey I like your way of motivation-I will employ that from now on-

On a positive note they get to see the world!

 

I agree, be patient and monitor craigslist. I actually traded a kayak for my 125, stand, wet/dry, chiller, halides, pumps, etc. I just got lucky that the person wanted something I had lying around. You will find it, just be patient. I have been looking for a cheap 30 gallon to make a DIY refugium for a while and today 4 happen to pop up. It's been about a monthof waiting....hopefully one comes through.


Good luck!

 

I agree, be patient and monitor craigslist. I actually traded a kayak for my 125, stand, wet/dry, chiller, halides, pumps, etc. I just got lucky that the person wanted something I had lying around. You will find it, just be patient. I have been looking for a cheap 30 gallon to make a DIY refugium for a while and today 4 happen to pop up. It's been about a month of waiting....hopefully one comes through.


Good luck!