Aquarium Maintenance

SaltSolutions1

SaltSolutions1

Active member
Anyone out there currently running an independent aquarium service business.

I am thinking of starting one locally and would love to pick your brain a little.

I have some questions that need some answering to say the least.

Anyone interested in helping out a fellow entrepreneur would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
 
so----you want a independant aquarium service to help you set up and answer your questions so you can set up and compete with ---them---h--mmm ok
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12967538#post12967538 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kdocimo90
Hey, he didnt say anyone running one in Florida
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yep your right fair point:) apologies to saltsolutions
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12967339#post12967339 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Michael
so----you want a independant aquarium service to help you set up and answer your questions so you can set up and compete with ---them---h--mmm ok
Click to expand...

I doubt that he would be competing with anyone on here directly. The US is a lot bigger than the UK and the only way someone would be worried about him competing directly with him would be if he was in same area, which more than likely would not be the case.

I've tried setting up my own aquarium maintenance business. I put out flyers, and posted ads on craigslist, etc. I never really got much money out of it, but I did manage to get quite a few free aquariums. I only service 3 tanks now, and only 1 is a reef tank. I suppose it didn't help that the 3 LFS in my area all offer maintenance services.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12967566#post12967566 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xJake
I doubt that he would be competing with anyone on here directly. The US is a lot bigger than the UK and the only way someone would be worried about him competing directly with him would be if he was in same area, which more than likely would not be the case.

I've tried setting up my own aquarium maintenance business. I put out flyers, and posted ads on craigslist, etc. I never really got much money out of it, but I did manage to get quite a few free aquariums. I only service 3 tanks now, and only 1 is a reef tank. I suppose it didn't help that the 3 LFS in my area all offer maintenance services.
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ok- ok guys apologies as stated in my second post
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12967593#post12967593 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Michael
ok- ok guys apologies as stated in my second post
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Sorry, I didn't mean to repeat what had already been addressed. I guess I was just a bit slow typing my reply.
 
Well turning your hobby into a business is usually not a good idea. I have a friend that is in that business so post your questions . . .
 
Well, here goes.....

I have heard that turning a hobby into a business isn't such a great idea, but I no longer have my own tank.....haven't for a few years. I do enjoy them though.

As for the business idea: There are a ton of saltwater tanks set up in my area. Some are under service as I've found out already. I'm hoping not all of them though.

I paid about $20.00 for 1000 business cards and made up flyers at work using my computer and printer at work with my boss's permission.

So far, that is all I've spent. As of now I am waiting until I get someone to agree to allow me to service their tank before I put any additional money into this venture.

I guess my questions are as follows:

What else would help promote my service besides going to the place that I know have aquariums and dropping off my card and flyer?

What equipment and tools should I buy and use when the time comes for me to maintain my first one?

A lot of these places are very high end and I would need to change water in a cleanly manner....any suggestions there?

I was thinking of getting a 10 gallon tank to keep running at my house so I have a quarantine tank set up if needed......any suggestions or thoughts about that? Is it necessary or a good idea? If so, what should I set it up with? I was even thinking about maybe a 29 gallon, that way if this biz thing didn't work out, I could at least set the tank up with some fish and stuff and it wouldn't be a waste, ya know?

Thanks to all of you who backed me up with the guy thinking I was going to steal his business from another country....LOL!!!

Michael, if you have an aquarium business, good luck to you!
 
Thanks to all of you who backed me up with the guy thinking I was going to steal his business from another country....LOL!!!

Michael, if you have an aquarium business, good luck to you!

total missunderstanding, i assume you can read, if you read my 2nd and 3rd posts again then you would not have made those comments
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12968143#post12968143 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by abulgin
Face it, you're just trying to subjugate us like it was 1776.
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:lol: :lol:
 
Oh, and I forgot one other question:

Does anyone know where I can buy tanks, equipment, test kits, fish, and all other things I might need wholesale. I am having a hard time finding a place online that will deal with independents / only deal with LFS?
 
Saltsolutions1. I'm not a business person and you may get a lot more thoughts on this topic from those who are, but I would look closely into the area of liability and perhaps get some basic legal advice. I can think of many scenarios where you do great maintenance and the customer screws up the tank one way or another, causes thousands of dollars in livestock losses, then blames you. Or the customer who says that you dripped saltwater on his priceless handmade Persian rug etc. etc. I'm sure you get the picture.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12968201#post12968201 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SaltSolutions1
Oh, and I forgot one other question:

Does anyone know where I can buy tanks, equipment, test kits, fish, and all other things I might need wholesale. I am having a hard time finding a place online that will deal with independents / only deal with LFS?
Click to expand...

You need a trader's license. Once you get that, wholesalers will sell directly to you at wholesale prices. By trader's license, I mean some proof that you are a legitimate business. This can be as simple as registering a trade name with your state's corporation commission/secretary of state. If it were me and I was going to do a business, I would create limited liability company and run the business out of the entity. Note that you'll likely also need to obtain a sales/use tax license. Lots to consider when starting a business . . .
 
thanks for the advice, abulgin.

i was thinking either incorporating or doing it limited liability. I've read stuff on both but I still am unsure of what to choose with this type of business.

all of which is still on hold until i can find some business. I've gone to a few places this week but haven't heard from anyone yet. I have about 10 more places to go where i know there is a tank and after that I'm gonna start calling dentist offices and doctor's offices in the area.....even restaurants. That should be a start.
 
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