by Katriina L.

Created on: July 30, 2008

Fish can be very inexpensive pets, but we forewarned; even a five dollar betta can cost you over a hundred dollars if you're not careful with your spending. Aquariums and water care are not inexpensive items, especially if like most fish owners, you have purchased fish in part to complement your decor. Have heart, however! There are many ways to save money and still provide a great environment for your fishy friend.

THE FISH
The species you choose will make a big difference in price point; not only in the initial cost of purchasing the fish itself, but also in its care. Consider your purpose in owning fish. If the fish is for a child, consider an inexpensive, easy to care for, freshwater creature like a betta. Bettas do not need particularly large tanks (although leaving a betta in a tank smaller than 3 liters is actually very cruel), and do not require the arsenal of chemicals and water additives that tropical fish require, for example. The harder your fish is to care for, the more it will cost you to maintain its living environment. Be sure to have a long discussion with a knowledgeable staff member at a reputable aquatic life store. If possible, avoid the big box stores because staff tend to know less about the fish than they do about the dogs, for example. Be sure you understand all of the equipment necessary to keeping whatever fish you are considering, and find out the prices BEFORE you purchase the fish.

THE TANK
If you have your heart set on a big tank, don't run straight out to the pet store. Check garage sales, Ebay and Craigslist for good deals. Often when either their fish die, or their children leave for university, former fish owners will be trying to offload their expensive aquarium set-ups at break-neck prices. Ask your friends and family, too; you never know who might have a tank collecting dust in their garage. Be sure to clean the tank out before you use it. Do not use chemicals, but use only boiling water to disinfect.
If your fish does not require a large environment and you want to forgo the tank altogether, you will need a very large glass vessel which once again you may be able to pick up at a garage sale, or you may have stored away in your own house. If you do not have a lid, use cheesecloth which is readily available at grocery stores and secure with rubber bands, or little metal butterfly clips. Do not cover with plastic wrap or other substances that do not allow air to circulate, or you may kill your fish.

DECORATIONS
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