Tank service pricing or a no no??

I have a 90 gallon and was thinking about having a service come in and help maintain it for a couple months to help show me what I might be doing wrong. Its a well established tank 3 years now but the pump failed now I am trying to get it back up and running to how it use to be. Never had a lot of corals just fish but want to make it a reef tank.

Should I hire a service? I work out of town and my woman isnt up to taking care of it like it needs to be so I thought this would be the best route while I am gone plus I will probably learn something also! LOL Wondered about how much it would cost and is it worth it. I would assume its well worth the money since I am not home for about 3-5 weeks at a time!

Thanks,

Jacob

 

It would be good in your situation. I would suggest looking at the tanks they service to see if they have experience in handling the needs of your tank or its future state.

 

Well the company I found in Houston that seems to be most qualified responded to my e-mail today with a quote of 300 a month for bi-weekly visits!

Maybe I am cheap but I think that is a little bit high! I mean 150 per visit?? OUCH!

 

WOW, that seems ridiculous to me, what all are they saying they do?

 

The guy says they will do everything! Cleaning everything, water changes, hand feeding corals or verts ect..ect.. More less told me all I have to do is feed the fish. LOL

Aquarium Innovations

That is the place I have been speaking with. 300 is high in my book but I have nothing to compare it to and 300 vs amount of money I could loose if my girl didnt do something once the tank is stocked again could be much more. I think I am going to shop around a little. Granted cheaper may not be better in this case but there has to be someone in the Houston area that would be more affordable.

 

Out here most people, me inculed, charge roughly $60-70hr. One typical visit could take anywhere from 1-2 hrs. I am just starting my service up, but around $300 a month is about right. Are they going to pay for dry goods needed, filters and such?

 

Definitely shop around and check out their work before making a decision. See if you talk to some of their customers and see what the customers say.

 

k+ always shop around! And talking to customers is the best way to judge their work. Most of their customer are going business, ie doctors offices are the best. But I can confidently say you can look at spending $200+ a month. The services aren't cheep, they have to pay the "techs" . Also when talking to the customers ask about the companys "techs" If they have the same one, and how they interact with the clients. Good hunting

 

I sent a reply to his response what I gathered is they pay for everything and its included in the 300 a month. (your typical expenses obviously nothing major from failed equipment)

I will say they are prompt in responding to e-mails and have given me plenty of information along with answering all my questions which is a good sign!

 

I am moving to Houston next month. I will do it for less than they will and I consider myself experienced in the hobby. I will be living in central Houston. I'm sending you a PM. In the mean time check out my build threads to see work I have done.

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