Tons of options that you generally learn about with experienceYou are correct. You don't need to go top of the line everything to have success, and you can buy used, and you can diy. That's all true. But that's still going to cost you far far more than keeping virtually any other animal. When you look at the closest comparable hobby, freshwater tank keeping, you're looking at many times more $ per gallon if you take all cost saving options. If you tell someone they can do this hobby cheap, they are going to think goldfish bowl or betta tank.
I see your point but one doesn't need a Jaguar to get a gallon of milk from the store when a Yugo works just as well That was for the options part 
But yes, bells and whistles or some things one thinks is necessary can escalate the cost. I do agree. But....this is where planning comes into play.
Well, I'm not going to split hairs on verbiage but I can see what you are saying. Although there are a few people keeping nano's that would qualify as a beta tank. Yes, this is an expensive hobby. But it doesn't have to be. If one plans accordingly and has patience there is no reason this has to be out of peoples reach. Sure, maybe they won't have a 500 gallon tank or a purple tang or some other expensive fish but there are entry points like a 40 gallon breeder tank that could be bought for 40 bucks during a sale to get started. Obtain some frags, rubble, etc - off you go. Don't need a controller, skimmer, etc but could start under 1k easy. I'd wager even 500 depending on how thrifty or good of a shopper one is.
Car analogies don't work anymore
I think more or less we agree - not that it matters. I'm just one who says it doesn't have to be. I think some of the prices we pay today are by our own accord. Case in point - follow the recent captive bred Genicanthus Personatus. Super rare and expensive fish shown at last years MACNA. Now that is is captive bread do you think it will be going down in price or stay out of reach...
This hobby started with glass tanks using metal frames and standard bulbs...
That's why I got a CaRx. Tired of mixing up two part every week or so and spending all that money on two-part (which is way cheaper than the bottled stuff). Take that money and spend it up front on the CaRx. Then the only thing you need to test is Alk, and once in a blue you can double check your Mag. Long run, much cheaper and much less maintenance. No manual dosing from bottles, no mixing stuff up. Just replenish the media and refill the c02 tank every 6 months or longer. Healthier for the tank, too.
I don't stay at home, we both work (which is worse on time), 6 days/week workout, dogs, tanks, home... so i hear ya.
That's why i look to automate as much as I can.
What's a carxThat's why I got a CaRx. Tired of mixing up two part every week or so and spending all that money on two-part (which is way cheaper than the bottled stuff). Take that money and spend it up front on the CaRx. Then the only thing you need to test is Alk, and once in a blue you can double check your Mag. Long run, much cheaper and much less maintenance. No manual dosing from bottles, no mixing stuff up. Just replenish the media and refill the c02 tank every 6 months or longer. Healthier for the tank, too.
I don't stay at home, we both work (which is worse on time), 6 days/week workout, dogs, tanks, home... so i hear ya.
That's why i look to automate as much as I can.
