I did it...

[MeganW]

Now I'm scared to let it go. Ever since I moved cross country and gave up my salt water aquariums I've wanted another one. I went to the fish place over the summer and asked what do I need to set up my 75gal I have at home...Presented with pricey list. WOW I didn't remember it costing that much but ok. So I've been working hard over the last couple of months to save up some cash (something I'm bad at) and I finally have what I need to set up the aquarium....but I don't want to part with the money. I know if I don't spend it on this "big item" I'll end up nickle and diming it away and not have anythign to show for it so how do I get up the courage to spend it?

[sarah_bella1050]

If you are having a hard time parting with the money then that probably means you should be spending it on that. I would consider it a frivilous expense, maybe there is something you need more. Either that or you could think of something even better for the money to go to, like a day trip for the family?

[Zamber]

I would say go for it, but shop around more for better prices if possible. You already have the tank, so that large purchase is already out of the way. Once you are set up, it should not cost much to maintain it (stock up on filter parts - it makes it easier to remember to change them if you have them handy). Start with the more affordable species, and only a couple until the tank breaks in. Do you have a smaller tank for quarantining new or sick fish (like a cheap 10 gal?)?

If you are worried about spending the $, you can always buy the supplies you need now with half the money, set them aside, then get the fish down the road when you have saved up more $.

[MeganW]

I'd like to get this up and running before the baby arrives since once they are going they're pretty self sufficient but there are lots of little things to do and expenses in the beginning. I'd say it's going to cost me about $1500 to set up. So it is a huge investment.

There are some t hings I need "more" but they aren't really attainable in my opinion and then there are other things that are more practical like matching curtains for my bedroom but not really that important to me...Does that make sense?

[LEAW]

Ah, but will it make you happy? The answer is YES.

How about shopping online with the list o'parts they gave you? You can make several smaller "trips" instead of spending it all at once.

[phatchristy]

Originally Posted by MeganW

I'd like to get this up and running before the baby arrives since once they are going they're pretty self sufficient but there are lots of little things to do and expenses in the beginning. I'd say it's going to cost me about $1500 to set up. So it is a huge investment.

There are some t hings I need "more" but they aren't really attainable in my opinion and then there are other things that are more practical like matching curtains for my bedroom but not really that important to me...Does that make sense?

What things did you like about having a saltwater tank. That seems like so much $$$. Is it possible for you to get as much enjoyement out of having less expensive freshwater fish? About 15 years ago I had a freshwater tank which I really enjoyed (only had a couple of fish in it...I think it was 40 gallon), and I don't remember it costing more than maybe $80 to get everything set up.

[annethcz]

Have you stalked Craigslist or eBay for a used tank?

[missi66]

Salt water tanks are very different from fresh water.She already has the tank so she should go for it.The relaxation from just watching a beautiful tank is like a mini vacation any time you need one. We have really wanted one for a while. Needed to stop moving around first. I say go for it!

[SugarGlider]

I would go for it too. If it gives you happiness and its something that can help you relax when you are tense... then it's priceless

[mightymoo]

I think there is something to be said for staying true to yourself. You set a goal, you worked hard at it and you achieved it! That's fabulous. Now, if instead of going ahead with the goal, you pull the rug out from under youself and don't get the tank - how will you feel the next time you consider whether you should buy something or save the money? I say, you've done a great job, get the tank, now set a goal to achieve something else.

If you feel nervous about the cost of maintaining the tank, maybe instead of getting the tank right now, price out exactly what you need to get it going and how much it will cost to maintain for a year, then set a goal to save that amount, once you have it, go ahead and get the tank!

Then say to yourself 'What do I want to do next' - sounds like you are really enjoying having that money saved - so why not set a goal to save that much again and maybe put that towards something bigger or a savings ,etc.

[MeganW]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. YES it would make me happy and Yes the next time I see a really beautiful tank I know I"ll regret it if I don't go ahead and set mine up. I guess I'm not a very good goal setter/achiever so this all stuck me a little by suprise when I checked the balance against the shopping list and it was there.
Mightymoo I'm not too concerned with the maintenance cost. That is why it's costing so much to set up I'm buying things that I should not have to upgrade and that are high quality so they should last a very long time. So aside from adding fish/corals and some live food and a little on the elec bill nothing to be too concerned about.

Phatchristy I agree that it's very expensive but I think once you've had one there is no going back to freshwater or goldfish. You really could just sit and stare for hours and see TONS of different things many of which appear. It's actually different everyday.