Fishkeeping is a great hobby for kids and adults alike that teaches responsibility and promotes mindfulness. Watching fish swim around has been shown to improve mood and decrease anxiety. However, fishkeeping can get expensive. The cost of running lights and heaters and buying food and cleaning supplies can add up. Luckily there are ways to save money on aquarium maintenance so you can enjoy this relaxing hobby without breaking the bank. Here are our top four tips for cost-effective aquarium maintenance.
4 Tips for Cost-Effective Aquarium Maintenance
Choose Cheaper Options When Planning Your Tank
If you don’t have an aquarium yet, it’s important to plan your tank well and choose the most cost-effective options. Acrylic tanks are usually cheaper than glass tanks and retain heat better, which can help lower your heating costs in the winter.
Freshwater tanks also have much lower aquarium maintenance and startup costs. On average, you can expect to pay $200 to set up a freshwater tank and $100 per year to maintain it. In contrast, setting up a saltwater tank costs around $500 and ongoing aquarium maintenance costs $400 per year. Saltwater tanks require more equipment, supplies, and upkeep, so they’re not the best option for beginner fishkeepers on a budget.
Picking the right fish can also help you save money on aquarium maintenance. Certain fish like discus and clown loaches are more sensitive to temperature and require a warmer environment. So if you live in a cold climate, it may be best to avoid these types of fish to reduce your heating costs.
Consider choosing low-maintenance fish like goldfish and betta fish that don’t require specialty food and care, especially if you’re a first-time fishkeeper. You’ll have a better chance of success and save money by opting for easy types of fish.
Reduce Lighting Costs
If you don’t have LED bulbs in your aquarium yet, making the switch could save you a bundle. LED lights can be up to 80% cheaper to run than other types of bulbs, helping you save on electricity costs. Depending on the light needs of the fish and plants in your tank, you could also consider installing a dimmer to lower your power use.
Speaking of light needs, a non-planted aquarium requires less light throughout the day than a planted one. So changing the vegetation in your tank is another great way to economize. Planted tanks generally require 12 hours of light per day, whereas aquariums without live plants only require 8 to 10.
Consider Insulating Your Tank
Reducing the amount of heat loss from your tank can help you save on heating costs and aquarium maintenance this winter. If your tank is in a drafty part of the house, it’s best to move it somewhere warmer. Make sure any windows around the tank are properly sealed and consider insulating your tank to reduce energy costs.
A simple way to insulate your tank is to wrap blankets or towels around it when you’re not viewing it. Be careful not to drape any materials over the light or heat fixtures. Another solution is to apply Reflectix insulation to the back and sides of your aquarium to keep heat in. One fishkeeper was able to reduce the wattage of his heaters from 300 to 100 just by installing Reflectix.
Switch to an Energy-Efficient Filtration System
Buying a cheaper filtration system may seem like a good way to save money. But it can cost you in the long run because less expensive filtration systems may have higher operation costs than upgraded models.
So switching to a more energy-efficient filtration system could be a good way to save money on aquarium maintenance long-term. Additionally, make sure you’re cleaning your tank regularly. Excess debris and waste can clog your filter and decrease its efficiency.
If you have pet fish, how do you save money on aquarium maintenance? Share your tips in the comments!
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Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.
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