Costs of Running Large Tank

[polaraligned]

I have a 225 tank that I was thinking of doing FOWLR. I can't seem to find much info on the costs involved in running/maintaining such a tank.
I guess it is not rocket science to figure it all out, but just some quick estimates of electric costs alone (18 cents/KWH in my area), leave me a bit scared. Talking about $150 a month or more just for electric.

Anyone estimate all recurring costs of running a tank like this?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[serpentman]

Exact dollar amounts will depend on the specific equipment you choose and the electrical rates in your area. However, running a FOWLR will be substantially less cost than a full blown reef. For one, you won't need high wattage lighting and can run NO fluorescent bulbs for starters. Plus, your water chemistry requirements will be different so you won't need to dose as much, etc.

 

[sedor]

A large FOWLR can be as cheap as just buying food for the fish and salt for the water changes. As far as electricity goes, I don't know what the price difference is between our areas (I live in NC), but with my 2 250W halides and all the rest of my equipment running, I pay around $25 / month for the extra electricity.

 

[Gatesoray]

You can easily convert wattage listed on equipment times running time into KW hours. Then multiply. Out 120 system takes $18 month with 8 build TEK T5's, pumps, 2 skimmers, powerheads, etc.

 

[FishBoy05]

Sometime's it best not to know!

 

[HASBRO]

Sometime's it best not to know!

Dido!

 

[phuzzykins]

There are so many little costs... test kits, cleaning tools, medications, GFO, carbon, RO/DI prefilters and resin, replacement costs for things that wear out, etc etc etc.

I'd estimate that my 300 gallon system costs me about $300 a month.