Internet saved my wallet.
 

I just added lights and such to my 75 and was bemoaning how much I had just spent. You know the mysterious shrinking bank account, when I reflected back to my first tank. I bought a 29g tank and stand at an LFS. They also talked me into an UG filter, a hagen back filter and two 301 power heads all for the sultry sum of $400. When I decided to keep corals, which they sold, they told me all I needed was an extra striplight. So I tossed them an extra 100 for strip and bulb. I didn't like the color so spent another 60 or so on different bulbs until I found one I liked. countless dollars later on corals that slowly croaked or barely held on from lack of light, I bought a 175 pendant for 350. The LFS told me since it was so hot I should keep it 16" above the tank. Needless to say the corals didn't fare much better since the light was pretty removed but at least they were surviving. Then I discovered protein skimming :). Of course all they had were seaclone's so there was another 150 down the drain. Yes they charged that much for a seaclone. Not including the $6lb rock I filled my tank with I spent well over a grand on a little 29g tank and didn't have anywhere close to a high tech set up.

Looking back I see that I really saved a ton on my recent purchases thanks to on-line vendors! A pizm skimmer at the LFS is well over $150, and I got a Euroreef for only $60 more. I admit to hating the wait when ordering, but it sure does save a ton and leave more money for more gadgets/fish:)

I also went to the LFS and got a seaclone for a $150 and two power heads for $45 a piece. $7lb for live rock and like $60 for a heater. Thank God that I built my own tank.

I don't buy any equipment from LFS.. I buy it all online. I went to the lfs the other day and some guy bough $1800 worth of live rock at $11/lb!!!!!OUCH.. What a *******, the rock looked ****ty too.

<-- gets all equipment and supplies online.. much less money & more choices... even with shipping charges, it comes out to be less money.... AND NO TAX!... what a great world wide web! :)

"Internet saved my wallet. "

I think that's the first time EVER that ANYONE has ever said that.

:)

Arthur

P.S. Akin to "Reefkeeping has made me RICH!" ":)

JamesT
Of course you claim it at the end of the year and pay the tax on it, right;)