Salt water aqaurium a costly hobby?

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum, and as far as my fish knowledge goes, it's mostly goldfish and tropical (danios, gouramis).
I was just wondering, it seems that most of the people I talk with who have salt water tanks (corals and all) always have some huge gigantic tank like 90g-150g.

Do I need to get something this big to have a successful established aquarium? I also heard something about sumps, and another aquarium for your aquarium .

I heard you drop a grand easily on the first year from replacing dead fish and coral cause your tank won't successfully establish itself until a year later. Oh man, lol, this is mind boggling just thinking about it.

 

you can have a established saltwater aquarium with any size tank as long as you know what your doing, and yes it can be costly.

 

Someone on here related it to " sitting in your basement tearing up 100 dollar bills whilst banging your head against the wall" I thought that was a great description!

 

yup, it is a very expensive hobby but there are many great deals out there if you do some looking around. You don't really have to start with a 90+ but bigger is always better. My 46gallon bowfront is a good size, and it's my first saltwater tank, and on this tank ive spent over 2k, but everything as brand new and top of the line equipment.

Try to find a tank of around 50 gallons to start with, it's not super huge but it's not to small, theres always great deals on craigslist

 

Oh jeeze, I guess I'll just stick to my herps lol ;D
I'll have to tackle this in a few years though, once I can afford to tear money in my basement.

 

I have a 55. The bigger tanks aren't required but are easier in a way...


Yeah, a grand in the first year? That's it? I spent a wee bit more than that (sarcasm, I spent a lot more than that)

Lights for a 55 : ~200-500
skimmer : 100-300
rockwork, cleanup crew, sand, salt mix, liquid test kits : another couple hundred

then there's the livestock and misc supplies... and that hasn't even counted the cost of the tank and stand, etc...

It is expensive and time consuming. But if you have the time and money, it's well worth it...

If you don't, it's just a money pit IMO. ;D

I love this hobby. But it costs me plenty.

 

Thank you for your input.
Do all coral reef aquariums require a sump and a refuge?

2k is not bad for everything (including fish I'm guessing)

 

you dont need them but there recommended, you can grow certain types of algae that help your tank or put the skimmer in the sump and heater so you wont have to have them in the main tank. It basically helps to make it easier to maintain

 

i don't run a sump or refuge on my tank but they really do help

 

I've put about $3,500 into my 75. You spend a lot of money in this hobby. It can be done cheaper than that, but keep in mind you will eventually spend more money in the long run by buying cheap equipment.