I think it would be useful for people who are considering building a tank to know what other people have spent in the process. I’m personally interested in the total price of components, materials, repairs and special modifications – but not the cost of salt or one’s own labor. It’d also be interesting to know where any wastes occur, e.g. certain components which burned out over and over again.
Terrence Brannon
[ Moderator ]
from Miami, United States of America
My tank cost under 2000, including pump/filter. At the bottom of the instructions, you can see the total cost:
- two containment tanks: 655 + 190 S&H = 850
- spa pack with mechanical filter, no ozone: 400 + 50 S&H = 450
- submersible aquarium heaters – 360 + 9 S&H = 370
- water thermometer – 8.00 + 7 S&H = 15
- GFCI – 30.00
So for about 1700 bux and I can float all I want!
I dont know why your question raises a distinction between components and materials – what’s the difference? And all components are working just fine… oh I didnt mention the cost of the GFCI which I got from a local home depot.
I am in the process of building mine.
I think it will cost about 1500 all up…. I think.
Gotta think about heating costs though. Solar would be good, but I’m not sure whether it will be able to heat it up enough. And electricity is expensive + bad for the environment.
Gas is probably the most expensive to buy first off, like \$2000 for a gas water heater with titanium components (necessary). But cheaper and better for the environment than electricity. And more reliable than solar probably. Depending where you live.
Heating seems to be the most expensive part.