are aquariums & fish an investment or liability? - Page 2 - Aquarium Advice

**QTOFFER** · 11-07-2004, 06:43 PM

I look at fishkeeping the same way I look at digital phoptography: bote are immensely enjoyable, and expensive ways to spend my time.

I guess you could say the same for any hobby.

I don't think that fish make a particularly good investment. Ask any breeder or [acronym:6e5596e66e="Local Fish Store"]lfs[/acronym:6e5596e66e] owner and you'll find that profit margins are pretty small. The overhead expenses, maintenance, labor, and losses are very high. I don't think anybody goes into fish breeding to get rich. Whatever money they make probably goes right back into their hobby anyway.

As far as fish being a liability, I guess they are in a way. Think of the potential losses that you would incur if the tank leaks. I have renters insurance to cover this liability. I suppose I could even buy fish life insurance, if I owned a rare, expensive koi or pleco.

Interesting post!

Jchillin · 11-07-2004, 06:47 PM

My family and I see this as a theraputic hobby and a learning experience. Where else can you go and almost need a Ph.D in physics and chemisty and actually enjoy it! The cost is appreciable in that happiness doesn't have a price tag.

Pacifico · 11-07-2004, 08:41 PM

I tend to side with several of the other posters in this matter... I'm in them for pure enjoyment, but I suppose it's bonus if you happen to win some fame & fortune in the process!

Rocket2001 · 11-11-2004, 09:57 AM

I agree with all of you that there is a therapetic "value" to fish keeping, but getting back to the original question (investment vs. liability) using the analogy of a new car, yea you dump thousands into the latest equipment and in three years you decide to upgrade and sell your used equip, you only get a fraction of its original value. My 2002 GMC Envoy is not worth the 30,000 it cost 3 yrs ago, but i do get alot of enjoyment owning a new car instead of the 1978 Chevey Nova I used to have.( and the heat actually works too) So Investment or Liability..no doubt liability..lets be honest.
(* please note all this means nothing if your a breeder)

11-07-2004, 06:47 PM	#12
Jchillin Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New York, NY (The Big Apple) Posts: 12,976 Images: 47	My family and I see this as a theraputic hobby and a learning experience. Where else can you go and almost need a Ph.D in physics and chemisty and actually enjoy it! The cost is appreciable in that happiness doesn't have a price tag. __________________ _________________________________

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11-07-2004, 06:43 PM	#11
QTOFFER Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Kew Gardens, NY Posts: 3,701 Images: 30	I look at fishkeeping the same way I look at digital phoptography: bote are immensely enjoyable, and expensive ways to spend my time. I guess you could say the same for any hobby. I don't think that fish make a particularly good investment. Ask any breeder or [acronym:6e5596e66e="Local Fish Store"]lfs[/acronym:6e5596e66e] owner and you'll find that profit margins are pretty small. The overhead expenses, maintenance, labor, and losses are very high. I don't think anybody goes into fish breeding to get rich. Whatever money they make probably goes right back into their hobby anyway. As far as fish being a liability, I guess they are in a way. Think of the potential losses that you would incur if the tank leaks. I have renters insurance to cover this liability. I suppose I could even buy fish life insurance, if I owned a rare, expensive koi or pleco. Interesting post!

11-07-2004, 08:41 PM	#13
Pacifico Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: AR Posts: 104 Images: 10	I tend to side with several of the other posters in this matter... I'm in them for pure enjoyment, but I suppose it's bonus if you happen to win some fame & fortune in the process!

11-11-2004, 09:57 AM	#14
Rocket2001 Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 322 Images: 18	I agree with all of you that there is a therapetic "value" to fish keeping, but getting back to the original question (investment vs. liability) using the analogy of a new car, yea you dump thousands into the latest equipment and in three years you decide to upgrade and sell your used equip, you only get a fraction of its original value. My 2002 GMC Envoy is not worth the 30,000 it cost 3 yrs ago, but i do get alot of enjoyment owning a new car instead of the 1978 Chevey Nova I used to have.( and the heat actually works too) So Investment or Liability..no doubt liability..lets be honest. (* please note all this means nothing if your a breeder)