How Much Do Aquariums Really Cost? A Deep Dive into Annual Fishkeeping Expenses

If you’ve ever admired a beautifully aquascaped tank and wondered, “How much does it cost to maintain something like that?” — you’re not alone. While aquariums bring serenity and sculptural beauty to a space, they also come with real-world costs that every hobbyist should know. Whether you're keeping guppies or building a thriving reef, here’s what the average U.S. aquarium owner spends annually.

Aquarium Hardware: Tanks & Stands

Setting up a tank is the biggest upfront cost. According to industry surveys:

• Freshwater fish owners: ~$234/year on tanks + $190/year on stands or cabinets
• Saltwater fish owners: ~$192/year on tanks + $74/year on stands (many are all-in-one builds)
• Outdoor pond keepers: ~$376/year on pond gear and maintenance

Filtration & Lighting Systems

Proper filtration and lighting are essential for a healthy tank:

• Freshwater: ~$60/year on filters + $73/year on lighting
• Saltwater: ~$118/year on filtration (skimmers, sumps) + $83/year on lighting (e.g. reef LEDs)

Food & Livestock Costs

Fish are relatively low-maintenance pets in terms of food costs:

• Freshwater: ~$41/year on food
• Saltwater: ~$101/year on food (premium diets, frozen varieties)

Hobbyists may also spend more when adding new fish, corals, or invertebrates.

Decor, Plants & Aquascaping

Your tank’s visual appeal matters, and aquascaping brings it to life:

• Freshwater: ~$50/year on decor + ~$78/year on live plants
• Saltwater: ~$80/year on decor (reef rocks, etc.) + ~$75/year on coral frags or live enrichment

Water Testing & Conditioning Supplies

Maintaining optimal water chemistry is key to fish health:

• Freshwater: ~$67/year on test kits + ~$43/year on conditioners
• Saltwater: ~$47/year on test kits + ~$132/year on marine additives, salts, and trace elements

Miscellaneous Supplies

Nets, cleaning tools, backup heaters, and replacement parts add up:

• Freshwater: ~$75/year
• Saltwater: ~$117/year

The Bigger Picture: A Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

With more than 100 million pet fish across U.S. homes, it's no surprise that the U.S. ornamental fish and aquarium products market is valued at approximately $2.34 billion (2017) and expected to grow. The live fish segment alone reached about $1.68 billion by 2024, cementing aquarium keeping as a thriving — and passionate — corner of the pet industry.

What This Means for Caldera Haven Customers

If you're investing in a JBJ 65-Gallon Rimless Aquarium, you're choosing American-made elegance built to last. Our aquariums are crafted to minimize maintenance stress while delivering maximum visual impact. And yes — they're worth every dollar.

As always, our team is here to help you build your perfect oasis. Let’s talk.

Sources: APPA, AVMA, Euromonitor, and industry spending surveys (2017–2024)