REEF TANK HOBBY ON A BUDGET

You're unlikely to really save money with a saltwater aquarium. However, there are a few things you can consider to make your aquarium cost-effective. We'll give you tips on energy-efficient furnishings, give examples of frugal fish stocking, and tell you where it's not worth saving.

#1 The dimensions of your aquarium

In the long run, the size of the aquarium determines the cost: a larger aquarium means more electricity, more consumables, more reef inhabitants and of course higher initial costs. So if you only have a limited budget or want to spend, then opt for buying a smaller aquarium.

Nano aquariums can be a cost-effective solution because they are not only small, but also equipped with less technology. However, small tanks can sometimes be more difficult to maintain, as the small water volume buffers fluctuations less well. So if you have little experience in saltwater aquarium keeping or are afraid of the maintenance effort, then we recommend a tank size of at least 200 liters.

#2 Energy efficient facility

What is actually the cost driver in saltwater aquariums? Of course, it is electricity. So make sure that your aquarium is equipped with energy-efficient equipment right from the start. Reduce the number of angles and bends in the piping to the bare minimum to avoid pressure losses. You could set up the technical tank at the level of the main tank. You can even do without it altogether and integrate a technical compartment in the aquarium instead. Both save money because the pump output required is lower. Continue to avoid mechanical controls for pumps. Either buy exactly the power you need or, better still, use electronically controllable pumps. If you have a UV filter, do not let it run continuously (except in the case of acute problems such as white spot disease, bacterial blooms, etc.), but equip it with a timer so that it runs for hours or generally only switch it on when needed.

#3 Location of the aquarium

After lighting, heating is the biggest energy guzzler in the operation of a saltwater aquarium. Therefore, choose a well-tempered room for your tank. Cool basements or the garage are not ideal locations, as the heating element would probably be permanently switched on. But your aquarium should also be placed in a favourable location with regard to hot summer days. For example, a location with direct sunlight in an attic apartment or in a winter garden is not advisable. Because when the temperature in your tank reaches the 27°C mark, the water must be cooled. Depending on the solution (aquarium fan, air conditioning unit or cooling unit), cooling costs many times more energy than heating.

#4 Second-hand in marine aquaria ?

To save money when purchasing your saltwater aquarium, you can also buy some things second-hand. Portals such as classified ads or forums are ideal for this. You can usually buy skimmers and pumps second-hand. However, you should be careful with used glass aquariums, lighting and heating rods - take a close look or buy new!

Avoid purchasing “old” live rock from tank dissolutions. This could contain phosphate deposits that could become a problem.

#5 Be careful when choosing your stock!

A beautiful saltwater aquarium can also get along very well without rare fish or extremely light-hungry SPS. Instead, stock your tank with a focus on corals that have a lower need for light, current and/or calcium supply - this will not only minimize your costs for energy and consumables (e.g. Balling salts and trace elements), but also the amount of care required. Provided, of course, that you make the appropriate adjustments to the current and lighting settings.

Examples of "energy-efficient corals" include Caulastrea , Cyphastrea , Duncanopsammia , Chalice, Leptastrea , Blastomussa and Discosoma . They all cope very well with low light and current.

Just a few examples of corals that cope well with low light and current (from top left to bottom right): Caulastrea , Cyphastrea , Leptastrea and Chalice

Another tip is patience: take your time setting up your aquarium and stock the tank little by little. This way you can spread the costs over several months. If you look after them well, your corals will quickly grow over the reef structure.

Also keep an eye out for offers. In our shop you will find at least one new "discount coral" every week. We also offer you new sets every month at particularly low prices in the "coral packages" category. 😊