"Christopher" wrote in message
rthlink.net...
I I have a tank for about 6-7 months now and have spent about 4k on it,
I'm
wondering if this is normal or have I been buying too many toys/expensive
stuff for it that is unnecessary? I have a 125gallon tank with a 20gallon
tank underneath it to raise shrimp in. (both tanks acryllic). Can you
guys
list what types of tanks you have and the stuff you have put on them and
the
aproximate amount of money you have spent on them? I don't think
maintaining the tank will be that expensive, probably on the order of
$200-$300 a year (mostly due to bulb replacement 7x20watt, foods,
expensive
fertilizers). I'm more interested in the 'setup' costs associated with a
tank, I'm not sure if I've been buying this stuff at way more than I
should
be paying. Please reply with your info, I'll post a detailed itemization
later.



I replace my lights at home depot, where they cost $6-8 a pop. Food is
cheap. I do not buy carbon or any thing else, and I do not do Co2
injection - I believe my SUV does enough of that already. My setup costs
were fairly high, I have a 150 that recently sprung a leak and got a new one
(warranty replaced). So I had to re-buy a lot of the fish, plants, etc. My
initial setup costs we

tank and stand - $700
Custom oak top - $125
Two fluval 404s - $85 a pop
sand and gravel- $50
4 light strips - $45 each
Two heaters - $15 each

Java fern and fish - $200

Not quite done with the fish yet. so thats the only thing going on in that
department

Dan