Due to the state of the world, everything has become pricey and some things (food, shelter, health, etc) have become main priority and have eaten into paychecks, leaving little to nothing left. With that being said, my reef tank has taken a step back on upgrades and new additions. But I still want it to keep it up! What are ways you are keeping your cost low but your hobby enjoyable? I have been resorted in doing more dosing and cleaning to keep my tank looks pretty and pristine.
Well, I've turned this hobby into my business, so I have built some of my tanks with simpler equipment, like hang on the back filters, and I have tried to source used equipment in good condition, like wave makers, or lights, but no heaters.
My biggest issue with costs right now are testing supplies, since I'm running so many little systems I have to spend much more on testing than I'd like, but I can't afford to not track parameters on my farm!
It's a struggle huh?
Id say maintenance schedule consistency is important, the stabler you keep things, the less trouble you will run into, which will cost you. Another cost saving method would be non negotiable dipping. Even though you are spending money on the dips, you will spend more money on pests and coral loss if you dont.
QT more, including corals. It's not something I can do right now with the corals, but as I build up my systems and move some of my frags into bigger tanks, I will be converting those smaller frag systems to qt systems, so i can be sure not to add any thing negative to my system.
One of the biggest savers will to be to tighten down on your methods and insurance practices to keep things stable, and to make sure you dont lose stock through complacency.
