bottomless pit that's what a reeftank is or where to get the best cup of coffee

[reeferious]

holy cr*P *esus spare me from this. my S O who's been secretly tallying my hobby spendings from last year has just presented me with a tallied sum total 5433.71 i'm looking at this inches tall stack of bills and receipts and am having difficulty accepting them for what they are. HELP! proof has been presented before me yet i can't stop myself.

[xtreme]

Quick, burn all the receipts and stop keeping track of the spending. It's only gonna get worse.:lol:

[banditpowdercoat]

$5K in one year. Getting off lucky LOL. But really, Reefing can be as expensive or frugal as you make it. And, once you get the equipment, the buying stops......For some of us. others, just need to keep upgrading LOL. Buy good once, then you wont need to upgrade.

[scumchug]

$5433.71 That's it?

What are you going to do when the bug really bites?

[parkinsn]

Stop keeping track and do it fast :lol:

[intarsiabox]

I just keep telling the wife that this is the last item I need to buy for awhile, but I when I say it every week-end I'm afraid she's catching on to me!

[walloutlet]

Hehehe, I think I am easily into for that much and its only been 6 months. Ssshhhh. The sad thing is I haven't gotten into the cool controllers, reactors, etc...

Good thing interest rates are low, its time to take out a second mortgage!

[walloutlet]

I just keep telling the wife that this is the last item I need to buy for awhile, but I when I say it every week-end I'm afraid she's catching on to me!

LOL, that sounds just like me. I just become acustom to the scowl face. I always say its easier to beg for forgiveness then ask for permission.

Good Luck.
:lol:

[Tomjay]

Yep I don’t want to keep track I have only had my new tank for just over 4 1/2 months which cost a ton of cash and I am still spending....good thing I only have to answer to myself:lol:

[fkshiu]

holy cr*P *esus spare me from this. my S O who's been secretly tallying my hobby spendings from last year has just presented me with a tallied sum total 5433.71 i'm looking at this inches tall stack of bills and receipts and am having difficulty accepting them for what they are. HELP! proof has been presented before me yet i can't stop myself.

Just 5.5Gs??? That's nuthin'. Cash is your friend.

[bignose]

I said to my self it only costs alot to start the system... dear God was I wrong! Just forget the past and move forward that's what I do.:lol:

[naesco]

I just keep telling the wife that this is the last item I need to buy for awhile, but I when I say it every week-end I'm afraid she's catching on to me!

Dont fret. She is getting even.
Check the bags in the trunk of her car, the shelf above her clothing in that tiny walk in closet that if full with stuff, and the back of her bedroom drawersl. You will find lots of receipts.
Keep them for the day when she starts complaining about how much you spend on the tank.

[BlueAbyss]

:lol:

Sorry to hear this, man... how big is the tank?

For posterity (and since I'm home on a Saturday night), quick tally of what I've spent on my 10 gallon... I don't include the tank, heater, or HOB filters here...

70W ballast - $25
Noma fixture - $35 (DIYed my own MH light)
14K bulb - $25
Wire, tools, electrical tape, connectors - $60
Bucket of Instant Ocean - $100 (waaaay overpriced, tell me about it... I won't forget this one for a long time)
Live rock - $60
Seachem Sand - $40
Test Kits - $100
Refractometer - $45...

The list goes on, and I won't tally what I've spent :biggrin: Cause honestly, I don't wanna know :lol: And I haven't even started stocking the tank yet... that's just the equipment and basic stuff I bought to do a very low tech 10 gallon.

I knew this was going to be expensive when I got into it... I feel your pain man. At least I knew what I was doing when I started, I can see now how expensive (and painful) a mistake could be. Precious little comfort... but even unstocked my tank brings me a certain amount of joy.

Perhaps you could offer your wife some consolation... take her snorkelling on a shallow reef somewhere warm in the middle of winter? Then when she sees your tank, it could then conjure up warm memories of a winter vacation with her family. Everybody wins :wink:

[carnut]

Trying having a his and her tank. It starts off innocent, Oh honey just a small tank. Three upgrades later and she has a 150 and he got a 300. two people who say oh just one more and we;ll stop for a while:mrgreen:

Don't know if we work for the bank or the fish!!!

[Dez]

It's sad when you build a house around a fish tank. That was one stipulation while we we building a house was there had to be the perfect place for a fish tank. We had most of the equipment from our previous fish tanks but I'm still a couple of thousand into the tank so far and I don't even have water in the tank. But my mentality now is - this is all part of the "start up" costs. Once the tank is running it'll just be electricity and food that we'll be spending on the tank :)

[Navarchus]

Well,
I have a very simple philosophy how to handle this situation….







































http://www.melih.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/ostridge.jpg

[Doug]

:nod:

Love the head in the sand. :lol:

Actually its not anymore expensive than most other hobbies/recreation thingys. My boys snow machine equipment is much more. My boat and fishing equipment used to be a lot more. Crap, I use to sepnd more on the cash bowling circuit without much return. :lol:

I think its all just relative.

[banditpowdercoat]

Ya, try juggling Reefs, Snow machines, Muscle car's AND a family on a measly Electricians salary. Good thing I don't drink Starbuck's. I couldnt afford that HAHAHA

[Leah]

:decision:No comment!!! hehehe! Have a good day salt addicts and don't think to much!!

[Skimmerking]

WOW I have spent that on skimmers alone LOL:lol::lol::lol:

i think that i have a problem

[banditpowdercoat]

WOW I have spent that on skimmers alone LOL:lol::lol::lol:

i think that i have a problem

But your not normal ROFL:mrgreen:

[Leah]

Normal vs reefkeeping ask anyone that does not own a tank what they think ROFL

[Aquattro]

. Good thing I don't drink Starbuck's.

I think I might spend more at sbux than on my tank. I spend a lot on my tank....sad...:)

Shite, quick calculation, I spend $2034.00/yr at sbux.

[whatcaneyedo]

I've estimated that I generally spend about $2000 a year on consumable products for my tank (electricity, bulbs, salt, food etc). So now I regularly sell frags from nearly everything in my systems to off set the upkeep costs. I'm pretty excited because this year I should break even.

[JDigital]

Shite, quick calculation, I spend $2034.00/yr at sbux.

:lol: LMAO.... Wow... No wonder you're on Canreef at all hours of the day...

[Skimmerking]

But your not normal ROFL:mrgreen:

What you mean I'm not why didn't you moderators tell me that ...........

I can't speak:mrgreen:

[Aquattro]

What you mean I'm not why didn't you moderators tell me that ...........

I can't speak:mrgreen:

Well, Mike, we have sort of hinted.....:)

[StirCrazy]

WOW I have spent that on skimmers alone LOL:lol::lol::lol:

i think that i have a problem

no, we know you have a problem...:mrgreen:

[StirCrazy]

I think I might spend more at sbux than on my tank. I spend a lot on my tank....sad...:)

Shite, quick calculation, I spend $2034.00/yr at sbux.

you know if you switch to timmies you would have about 500.00 more a year for the tank with out giving up any coffies..

Steve

[Aquattro]

you know if you switch to timmies you would have about 500.00 more a year for the tank with out giving up any coffies..

Steve

When Timmy starts starts selling real coffee, I might think about it.

[StirCrazy]

When Timmy starts starts selling real coffee, I might think about it.

I know.. it is sad how a company who wasn't even owned by a canadian for the last 5 years can brainwash a nation into thinking bad coffee is good.

Steve

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

I know.. it is sad how a company who wasn't even owned by a canadian for the last 5 years can brainwash a nation into thinking bad coffee is good.

Steve

The wendys people did a great job keeping the sale relatively quiet and most people don't seem to know tims is not Canadian anymore.

I don't think they sell coffee though do they???

[banditpowdercoat]

I don't drink Tim's either. Good Old Maxwell House, at home, Unlimeted supply of Nabob at work. Good to know I save $5k a year LOL

[Skimmerking]

Well, Mike, we have sort of hinted.....:)
but ,but ,but they said that you were full of SH.. lol back at ya ...:lol:

[StirCrazy]

The wendys people did a great job keeping the sale relatively quiet and most people don't seem to know tims is not Canadian anymore.

I don't think they sell coffee though do they???

actualy it was anounced last month that it was sold again and it is now canadian owned again..

[Leah]

I heard this morning they are opening up in Newyork

[scherzo]

Notice how the OP hasn't been back to reply to his own thread.. maybe his significant other tied him up.. :(

I thought that my FW addiction was bad.. once I got into the Salt thing I've been going nuts!

Put it this way.. $5000-$6000 a year is far less than other hobbies. You could be out drinking every night with your buddies.. at least you're at home doing water changes.

Also Tim's is currently incorporated in the US but will move back to Canada to take advantage of Canadian tax rates
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/tim-hortons-makes-move-back-to-canada/article1201286/

[Ian]

LOL
Nice I thought maybe I was going a little over the edge...BC 29 just over a year ago and a 90 gallon added nw I am over 5 k spent also......AND I SET A BUDGET... My other hobby is tournament paintball try explaining the 2000$ paintball marker to your wife and you need 2 just in case:twised::twised: keeps sw in her good books

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

actualy it was anounced last month that it was sold again and it is now canadian owned again..

So then will they start selling coffee now?

[Delphinus]

I find not much beats a Timmie's double-double when it's done right. Starbucks, meh, it's nice, but too much coin and I can't really get into the double-tall venti latte this that and the other terminology. Is a tall a small? I never really know.

As for the reef hobby though .. I'm pretty sure if I hadn't had the tanks the last ten years I'd uh .. probably have way nicer other things. Yeah, I think I'm not going there. No tracking the spending, I'll just weep if I do.

[Aquattro]

I find not much beats a Timmie's double-double when it's done right.

Done right? You mean pressed and steamed in an espresso machine? with enough coffee to turn water a different color? Ok, when they get it right, I'm there!
Let's see. Tall americano. Easy. Large double double done right. Sounds more complicated. :)

[StirCrazy]

hmmm

[Canadian]

Done right? You mean pressed and steamed in an espresso machine? with enough coffee to turn water a different color? Ok, when they get it right, I'm there!
Let's see. Tall americano. Easy. Large double double done right. Sounds more complicated. :)

I can't believe you're dissing Timmy's and praising Bucks! They both suck. Timmy's is nothing but MSG, sugar and cream and Bucks is button-pushed burned beyond recognition shite beans. Next time you're on Goldstream Ave. head in to Mirage Coffee (right beside the public library) and get a real cup of coffee (great Americanos if that's what you like).

[Skimmerking]

i like my timmy's alot ,however the first tiem that i tried a starbucks coffee was in Fredericton, NB and it was the grossest thing that i have ever had..... and that was in 2001 and the next time that i had starbucks was last week me and my daughter went for a vanilla bean frappocheano and man that was great.

[Aquattro]

Alright Andrew, I'll try it tonight. If they're open. :)

[Canadian]

I don't think they'll be open very late Brad - their hours are something like 7:30-7:00 I think.

[Aquattro]

their hours are something like 7:30-7:00 I think.
Those are not coffee hours! :)

[scherzo]

I don't think they'll be open very late Brad - their hours are something like 7:30-7:00 I think.

Must be a Victoria thing.. Ours is open at least until 11pm

[StirCrazy]

Timmy's is nothing but MSG, sugar and cream

MSG????


burned beyond recognition shite beans.

burnt beyond recognition??? what about people who prefur dark roast.. but you are partialy right they are both crap and there is no good coffee in Canada at all, and in the US for the most part..

real Jamacian blue mountian made in Jamacia now thats a good coffee:mrgreen:
Very dark roasted, very thick... mmmmm

Steve

[Snaz]

http://www.timhortons.com/ca/en/about/faq.html

"Is there nicotine or MSG in Tim Hortons coffee?

This urban myth is just that. a myth!

Tim Hortons customers expect and deserve high quality coffee that is always fresh and consistent, along with fast, efficient service and all at a good value. Tim Hortons would like to clearly state that there is absolutely NO nicotine or MSG in our coffee. Tim Hortons coffee has NO ADDITIVES whatsoever. It is made only from a blend of the highest quality premium Arabica beans from several different coffee growing countries.

Tim Hortons decaffeinated coffee also contains no additives. It is decaffeinated through what is called the Swiss Water method, which is the purest manner of removing caffeine from the coffee. Tim Hortons believes that our focus on quality, service and value, is what keeps our customers coming back for more!"

[whatcaneyedo]

I think this thread is a little off topic. :wink:

[BlueAbyss]

real Jamacian blue mountian made in Jamacia now thats a good coffee:mrgreen:
Very dark roasted, very thick... mmmmm

Steve

Speaking of off topic :lol:

Isn't Blue Mountain supposed to be a light roast? I thought it was one of the more delicate coffees?

[banditpowdercoat]

http://www.timhortons.com/ca/en/about/faq.html

"Is there nicotine or MSG in Tim Hortons coffee?

This urban myth is just that. a myth!

Tim Hortons customers expect and deserve high quality coffee that is always fresh and consistent, along with fast, efficient service and all at a good value. Tim Hortons would like to clearly state that there is absolutely NO nicotine or MSG in our coffee. Tim Hortons coffee has NO ADDITIVES whatsoever. It is made only from a blend of the highest quality premium Arabica beans from several different coffee growing countries.

Tim Hortons decaffeinated coffee also contains no additives. It is decaffeinated through what is called the Swiss Water method, which is the purest manner of removing caffeine from the coffee. Tim Hortons believes that our focus on quality, service and value, is what keeps our customers coming back for more!"

Atleast thats what THEY want you to know......

[Aquattro]

I think this thread is a little off topic. :wink:

Yes, it is. You guys quit hijacking threads!

[StirCrazy]

Speaking of off topic :lol:

Isn't Blue Mountain supposed to be a light roast? I thought it was one of the more delicate coffees?

nope, thick enough to use a fork :mrgreen: I do imagin that us unedumacated coffee drinkers import unroasted beans and waist them by only lightly roasting them. I brought home 10lbs from there market at 1.99 cdn / lb

sure beats the 50.00+ a lb it was here back then.

when I was in the middle east, crete, sicily, india, malysia, ect I have never found a lightly roasted coffee... always full bodies and dark..

so this light roasted thing must be a whimp thing from North america:mrgreen:

Steve

[Aquattro]

so this light roasted thing must be a whimp thing from North america:mrgreen:

Steve

Isn't that stuff called tea?

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

One of the mods should retitle this thread to "Coffee: How do you like your beans?":wink:

[Canadian]

The MSG thing is just one of those ridiculous rumors about Tim Hortons coffee and it's "addictive" qualities.

And all Bucks coffee is nasty - Tim Hortons at least uses Arabica beans while Bucks uses the cheapest Robusta they can get their hands on.

And here's some info on dark vs light roast: http://www.ineedcoffee.com/06/darkroast/

MSG????




burnt beyond recognition??? what about people who prefur dark roast.. but you are partialy right they are both crap and there is no good coffee in Canada at all, and in the US for the most part..

real Jamacian blue mountian made in Jamacia now thats a good coffee:mrgreen:
Very dark roasted, very thick... mmmmm

Steve

[StirCrazy]

The MSG thing is just one of those ridiculous rumors about Tim Hortons coffee and it's "addictive" qualities.

And all Bucks coffee is nasty - Tim Hortons at least uses Arabica beans while Bucks uses the cheapest Robusta they can get their hands on.

And here's some info on dark vs light roast: http://www.ineedcoffee.com/06/darkroast/

I don't realy agree with the author that a lighter roast is showing off the beans.. proper roasting brings out natural flavors that can't be brought out by a light roast. I do agree that burning is a way to hide bad beans but I think most of your bad beans in the industry are sold as folgers, maxwekk house, nabob ect.. the medium roast area.

I have has good dark roasts and bad dark roasts, while I don't like some of SB's dark roasts I do like others, and I do always ask which one they have on that day befor I order them. I think there generic SB coffees are garbage, but there feature ones are sometimes suprising.

generaly though like I said.. I don't find many great cups of coffee in North america, I find lots that are acceptible though.. and my timmies theory has always been, that they have bad coffe, but it is consistant.. you always know what your getting any where in canada when you order a extra large double double.

Steve

[StirCrazy]

damn all this coffee talk,, who's up for coffee tonight???


Steve

[woodcarver]

As this has turned into a coffee thread .................

Timmy's double double is o.k. if you don't really like to taste the coffee! Bucks is very strong and needs diluting with lots of cream .
The best one we have found ,by far , after many trials is Presidents Choice colombian made with the drip type coffee maker . Every morning on the timer !!!!
Way ahead .......................Dave

[no_bs]

Never mind bottomless reef, These guys must spend more money on bottomless coffee cups!! Me, personaly have spent more on tanks, etc. instead of wasteing my money on those two coffee stores. Yech

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Yup, haven't bothered buying very many cups of coffee from either SB or Timmie's.

I still spend too much every month, heck every week, heck, sometimes every day on my tanks.

Anthony

[banditpowdercoat]

I just spent $200 on mine, and I'm not even near civilization....:neutral:

[JDigital]

Yup, haven't bothered buying very many cups of coffee from either SB or Timmie's.

I still spend too much every month, heck every week, heck, sometimes every day on my tanks.

Anthony

I just spent $200 on mine, and I'm not even near civilization....:neutral:


Suckers!! I just made a $100 from mine.. :lol::mrgreen: hahaha!


and for some reason, I am CRAVING a Large Double Double..... weird...

[banditpowdercoat]

Suckers!! I just made a $100 from mine.. :lol::mrgreen: hahaha!


and for some reason, I am CRAVING a Large Double Double..... weird...

Grrr and I still dont have any Lumenmax reflectors :(

[fishoholic]

I don't want to know what I spend on the hobby, all I know is that it's more then enough to make me not want to know.

Timmies: caramel ice cap supreme or english toffee coffee.

Star bucks: coffee=not worth the $$, strawberries & cream drink=very very yummy yummy :biggrin:

[JDigital]

Grrr and I still dont have any Lumenmax reflectors :(

Getting close... I'm only "making" money as I am slowly selling things off...

[Aquattro]

, strawberries & cream drink=very very yummy yummy :biggrin:

so good, love the whipped cream!!

[fishoholic]

so good, love the whipped cream!!

That's the best part :mrgreen: I have to say the strawberries and cream drink is one of my all time favorite drinks.

[StirCrazy]

Getting close... I'm only "making" money as I am slowly selling things off...

hey quite trying to hijack the thread :mrgreen:

seriously though, how much money threads don't last to long as it is to depressing to think about how much you have spent... coffee is much better as it is nothing on the wallet compared to tank:lol:

Steve

[Aquattro]

coffee is much better as it is nothing on the wallet compared to tank:lol:

Steve

Maybe for you!!

[Navarchus]

I prefer coffee maker like these:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uxCgBLJKy-Q/R4hygj4gCYI/AAAAAAAAAXA/XqSIXLD-Mrk/s512/Picture.jpg
http://www.reef-center-host.com/pix/albums/userpics/10429/normal_P1170171.JPG
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb35/mylittleocean/Picture1212.jpg

And some rea maker:

http://www.reef-center-host.com/pix/albums/userpics/10053/normal_20102007037.jpg


:)

[banditpowdercoat]

Getting close... I'm only "making" money as I am slowly selling things off...

Well, maybe I'll hold off on the JL order then.....