Fish-keeping needn’t be expensive – here’s our guide to getting started with cheaper, more efficient aquarium keeping.
he cost of keeping an aquarium of tropical fish has no upper limit, as some of the more outlandish tanks prove. Should you really want to, you can have an aquarium built in to your home by professional tank installers; or even have a bespoke tank created in the shape of a coffee table or other object. Such examples can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds in both installation and running costs – but such budgets really aren’t necessary. In fact, it’s perfectly reasonable to create and keep a healthy and impressive aquarium without breaking the bank.
So to keep it feasible, keep it simple. Ignore a reef tank, especially if you’re just starting out. A fish-only system can save you hundreds of pounds as it won’t require the types of high-intensity lighting that corals and other synthetic invertebrates demand. And don’t be afraid to buy from eBay or second hand. People are always upgrading their systems or are leaving fish-keeping altogether, so there is usually a good selection of second-hand equipment on the market (try eBay or Gumtree). If you look around, you will no doubt find some good deals. Do proceed with caution, though, to make sure that the seller is reputable and the equipment isn't damaged or contaminated.
"Those bubbles better be Veuve Cliquot"
However, don't skimp on getting some good lighting, as it brings out the bright and beautiful colours of your tank, and gives your fish the light to enjoy their day. It’s not something any aquarium keeper would be prepared to compromise on when viewing their tank – but there are a few things you can do to help lessen the energy use and financial impact.
Lighting is by far and away the greatest cost when it comes to aquarium keeping – putting it frankly, it’s the whack in the wallet. Traditional lighting systems (older T5 and T6 fluorescent tubular lamp lighting systems) could end up accounting for up to 40% of a household energy bill, but thankfully prices have become much cheaper and equipment far more efficient. LED lighting systems use up to 80% less energy than T5 and T6 systems, and are easier to maintain.
As few people sit in front of their aquariums all day and all night, invest in a timer. A lot of contemporary tanks with integrated lighting have a dial timer that means you can automatically switch them off at night, or anytime you leave the house. In terms of your fish’s health, it’s best to have lights on in the day, and then off at night to create a more natural day to night cycle.
Don't skimp on getting some good lighting, as it brings out the bright and beautiful colours of your tank, and gives your fish the light to enjoy their day.
Ultimately it pays to ensure you buy the best equipment you can afford. It might not sound intuitive, especially in an article about budget, but it’s truly a case of you get what you pay for, and cheaper equipment will quickly cost more in the long run. But that doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive gear on the market, either. Research brands, and consult with fellow hobbyists to determine which products offer the best performance for a modest price.
