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Reef_Engineer's 300G System Build
- Thread starter NeverlosT
- Start date
Man that is going to be INSANE when those frags grow out!
I agree, socks can certainly be a pain. I just toss them in a bucket on my porch and run them through the washer every few weeks.
Tank is looking good.
Nanoreef15
Non-member
i am wondering what is the cost (each month) to run such a big tank
I run a 450G hot tub with my 200G tank and electric monthly is about $500
OP
OP
Hi Nano, I can give you a good estimate:
1. Heating/cooling - the AC in the summer is like 80-100/month in power but its for the whole house and the tank just enjoys the benefit so I cant really call that a fishtank cost, more like a happy family cost. The wood stove heats the house in the winter and honestly the tank heaters almost never kick on, if anything the cooling fan runs to keep the tank cooler than the house. So lets say like $40 to heat/cool the tank per month.
2. Feeding - I probably feed roughly 50-60 dollars in food each month
3. Supplements - The calcium reactor is a significant up-front expense but cheap to run month on month, literally about $10 in CO2 and media per month. I change about 100g of water per month so thats like $40 in salt and some filtered water.
4. Other electricity (pumps/lights/etc) - I think this is about 80 per month I'd say
I know there are other costs, but I would guess the tank costs me about $225 a month to run, maybe a bit more. That does not include buying new critters. But it is one of my primary hobbies and a piece of art in the house, so for me, that is worth it. All about what it is worth to you, which will be different for everyone.
I don't drink anymore, so I often tell myself that when I used to drink, Id be into bar tabs and beers about $100-200 a month, so this is a healthy alternative. I also used to race superbikes and downhill mountain bikes, and both of those hobbies are extremely expensive and extremely dangerous, so despite the cost my wife is stoked to support this safe and family friendly hobby.
I can tell you the initial cost for a system of this size is roughly the price of a cheap new car, and the resale value is dismal. So you have to be in for the long haul to make it worth it. Otherwise you are just blowing money.
But sometimes at the end of a long day I sit on the tank couch and watch the fish and coral, or other families will visit and they are just amazed at the animals and the system, or when my kids get to witness some miracles of nature in their own home; in those moments, the cost is worth every penny.
OP
OP
hot tubs are bruuuutal. They are close to $400 in power per month easily. So nice, but sooooooo expensive to run. My buddy has a hot tub and no fishtank and on a cold winter month his electric bill can be $700!!!I run a 450G hot tub with my 200G tank and electric monthly is about $500
OP
OP
It now has a gas exchange chamber and a media chamber. So it uses way less co2, is silent, and super easy to run.
I made a vid on it once, maybe ill upload it.
For the money, i honestly thing with these mods its the best CARX money can buy, and it cost me $300 on black friday and $50 in parts.
Nanoreef15
Non-member
thanks NeverlosT. that is quite expensive (at least for me.)
I am on disability but I also like to have the tank running too. The only thing I run on my 10g tank is just the 50w heater and a small return pump. (light is on 4-5 aday). No powerhead, and I use water from the sink.
LPS are happy and the clown fish is also fat.
OP
OP
Reefing is different for everyone! If your coral and fish are happy, it matches your budget, and you are enjoying it, I'd say you are doing it right!
I have seen and heard of plenty of successful reef tanks using de-chlorinated tap water and some corals appreciate the "dirty" water!
Coming along nicely! Any reason for swapping the bubble king? I have never owned one of those, but I thought those were the Ferrari of skimmers with the Red dragon pumps.
OP
OP
It has been a great skimmer. The Regal 250 is a bit bigger, but it is true the RE materials and workmanship is significantly better (welded PVC, titanium hardware, heavier duty everything). I got a great deal on the reef octo skimmer (pre-owned but NIB) so it was too good to pass up.
I like having fancy stuff, but support and replacement parts for the RE skimmer are more money and harder to come by than for the reef octo, so if the skimmers show similar performance I will probably sell the RE skimmer, that or just keep it as a swanky spare.
