[wizord25]

hey i figured i'd show you my setup costs/checklist that i have for my 12 gal jbj Nano Cube. Just to give people an idea of the price it takes to start up in this hobby.

nano cube $ 99
smartlite 15" 32W retrokit $ 40
mag float 30 algae magnet $ 6
50w heater $ 15
maxi-jet 400 powerhead $ 12
200 gallon salt mix $ 35
-shipping for above order $ 30

2 6 gallon water jugs $ 15
12 gallons ro/di water 50 cents/gal
12.5 lbs. live rock (5.49/lb) $ 68
-tax on above order $ 8

Aragonite Sand $ 18

total = approx $325

This is just the cost of setup so it will soon go up with cleaning crew, fish and corals. It also does not include costs that i have spent on my 55 gallon that i am using for this tank as well, such as:

ammonia/nitrite/nitrate/ph test kit
calcium test kit
strontium test kit
ph/alk test kit
fish net
fish food (variety is important)
b-ionic additive
strontium


As you can see, no matter what size aquarium you have, cost adds up fast. I thought this would be some good info for someone looking to start into the hobby... personally i had no idea it would end up costing me as much as it did. I'm sure i'm missing some things and I'm positive there will be plenty more purchases, But i have to tell ya, it's all well worth it.

[djconn]

Thanks for the info wizord25 and welcome to Nanotank.com! Its great to see people actually keep track of their spendings. I've been doing it since day 1 and its pretty fun to look back and just see what you spent on things, etc. I keep a word file and just update it when I get back from my LFS.

You cannot believe how much I've poured into my 20 Gal. Its in the thousands of dollars if that tells you anything but I agree with you completey in that it was completey worth every penny :P .

Great idea and I'm sure beginners will find this very useful!