Tank (And UpKeep) Costs

[runningboy01]

Hi all,

In doing my research, I am trying to determine overall tank, care and upkeep costs. I have put together a basic excel sheet and was hoping you guys would take a look and provide feedback:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... nNvelA3dlE

Some of the numbers are estimates (I'm hoping to find a tank with a hood, light and stand all on craigslist for much less).

The areas I'm not sure on would be the reoccurring, which I've taken my best stab at.

Any input is much appreciated.

Edit...I forgot to mention I'm looking at a 55 gallon tank for 1 (or 2 if possible) GSP.

[PufferLover999]

did you look online for heaters and stuff?

This a pretty cheap website http://www.bigalspets.com/Fish/b/300770 ... title=Fish.

[runningboy01]

Yup. I did check online. New to this though so I appreciate the links

I was trying to put together worst case numbers, knowing some of it I could get cheaper. Moat parts were priced from online resources.

Also, I should have mentioned that I'm looking to put 1 (maybe 2?) GSP in this setup, which I also forgot to mention is a 55 gallon setup.

[goldielocke76]

-I got my Theo Submersible heater on Amazon for about $23. (Amazon is an amazing thing.)
(http://www.amazon.com/AquaClear-110-Aqu ... 942&sr=8-1)
(http://www.amazon.com/Hydor-THEO-Submer ... 302&sr=1-1)
-Also, depending on what puffer you plan on getting, I had to get the 5 gallon bucket of salt....Big $$$ up front, but it's going to last for a good long while (had to buy this one because of getting my SW tank up and running.)
- I would definitely budget more for decorations....puffers need lots of things to explore and lots of breaks in LOS. You can never "over decorate" a puffer tank IMO
- Depending on what kind of tank that you have, I would recommend getting a refractometer. I use mine all the time and I have a hydrometer. Again, more $$$ upfront, but it's a lifesaver and more accurate IMO
- If you get your snail tank up, running and stocked early, food costs can be less recurring. I bout about $30 worth of frozen food over time and I have a snail tank. I have daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and tubifex worms...so far since I have started, I have yet to buy more food.
- Substrate doesn't have to be that much if it's just gravel or dry aragonite. Don't buy the "live" stuff in a bag. Just a bag of ammonia. (Unless you are like me...I loved the substrate I got, but it was "live." The only reason it worked out for me because at the time, I had no idea that I needed to continue adding in ammonia to my tank to keep the bacteria fed). Also, not sure why you put a recurring cost for it..
- Plan on getting a digital thermometer, because the puffs can mistake the glass ones as snails...(http://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-Coralife-0 ... lies_img_b)

As you can see, I am an Amazon junkie. But I have found some seriously great deals on my supplies (including all my meds, vitamins, test kits etc.) that allowed me to save money and then go blow it all on decorations for my tanks LoL. Needless to say, I don't have bored puffs ^.^

HTH. What kind of puffer are you leaning towards??

[goldielocke76]

May I try to persuade you to just having one?? They are much more personable by themselves and will require a bigger tank once they reach closer to full grown (7 inches). Also, very, very, VERY territorial. I have what is technically a 55 gallon show (really holds 60g though by measurements) and I only plan on putting in one gsp. I don't want the nipped fins or the during the night attacks LoL. Not worth it IMHO. I think PufferPunk had to rehome one of her GSPs because she had two in her 55g and it ended up being too small.

[Pufferpunk]

I've been buying lots of new aquarium stuff from Amazon lately. Free shipping on almost everything!

[Tim]

I think the excel sheet is missing reoccuring electricity and water cost .

As for 1 or 2 GSP in a 55 Gallon. I would only keep one based on my experience with one in a 30 gallon.

[runningboy01]

Thanks all!

I updated the sheet with some new costs and links as well. A lot of the stuff I found on Amazon originally, just bumped prices a bit to begin with to cover for error.

I listed the substrate as reoccurring thinking that I may need to add more over time.

At this point, I will take the advice and only look at one GSP.

As for filters, would that one I have listed be enough or should I look at 2?

Also, any links or info on starting a "snail tank" would be appreciated (I'm going to google this as well).

[Tim]

Also, any links or info on starting a "snail tank" would be appreciated (I'm going to google this as well).

Take any container you want, find a budget filter, add water and snails

All that is left is to add flake food/algae wafers as required.

[J-P]

A couple points here:

1) you have hydrometer AND refractometer. You only need one and the better is the latter.

2) no live rock? or are you going to be keeping it brackish? <== that is your BIGGEST expense by far.

[RTR]

+1 to J-P's questions. Salt mix, water and electricity are your major operating costs outside of food. For me, FOWLR + skimmer + 24/7 lighted refugium is the best operating system at SW densities, and is cheaper long term that conventional biofiltration with large weekly water changes.

As you are new to the hobby, you have no way of knowing how good a fit it will be for you long term. But you are planning for a fish that should live about 15 years and could last over 20 years.

[Pufferpunk]

Don't forget calibraton solution.

[runningboy01]

I listed both of the meters just to account for the costs, I know I only need one

I am keeping it brackish as I'm putting in a GSP, but from what I've read I need to move to a full Marine setting at some point. As such, I'm looking for input as to what is on the list and what may be needed instead.

I thought about live coral, but didn't know what all is needed.

[goldielocke76]

I listed both of the meters just to account for the costs, I know I only need one

I am keeping it brackish as I'm putting in a GSP, but from what I've read I need to move to a full Marine setting at some point. As such, I'm looking for input as to what is on the list and what may be needed instead.

I thought about live coral, but didn't know what all is needed.

I thought about doing that as well, but it was strongly suggested to me to just do a full marine set up from the get go. =) Many members said it would be easier and less painful in the long run, haha.

Also, did you mean live coral or live rock? There is a huge difference. Depending on the puffer (from what I have read) corals are not always recommended because some puffers are inclined to nibble on them. For the LR, as J-P said, that will be your biggest expense by far. The Live Rock (LR) will act as your biological filtration, as canisters and filters hold the wrong kind of bacteria on a SW tank. You will need roughly about 1.5-2lbs of LR per gallon for a puffer. After you get the LR, they need constant flow so you will need to get at least 2 koralias (or anything else that moves water, I believe members recommend those, I have two of those myself). Then you will need to think about getting a protein skimmer to collect all the waste, and think about a refugium like RTR mentioned. I don't have one on my tank, but when I upgrade to a 72 g for him (waay in the future) I plan on putting everything on it, as a permanent set up.

Here is my thread on my new GSP setup, if you are interested in reading it: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=28583

It's still a WIP, but as I had many of the same questions as you, you might find it helpful =)

[runningboy01]

So wait, I don't need filters for a GSP (Marine Tank)?

I should invest in Live Rock (LR) and Skimmers instead?

Any LR and Skimmer in particular you would suggest?

Also, I know my LFS doesn't keep the GSP in Marine Setup now (they are in FreshWater, unknown SG at the moment). Wouldn't it be best to put them in the same SG they are now, and then just slowing increase it to Marine Setup?