Making money back on the hobby

I am 15 so getting money for this is kind of hard. I recently decided to pay attention to how much I have spent lets just say I have spent quite a bit. I want to make some money back so I can have some extra money for unexpected stuff. What do you guys recommend I do. I used to do frogbit and I was really good at it and I made a lot but it all died for some reason , I think they got to much water on top of them. Anyways I am open for suggestions, maybe not any live fish because I have no lfs to sell them to besides petco. But they won't buy them. I just bought some cherry barbs today to clean my bba in my tank I was thinking maybe I could try breeding them. Idk though because they won't breed well I feel like in the tank I am going to put them in after QT. Because there is so many fish. Thanks!

 

You could try frogbit again, or other floaters. Mosses are easy to grow and sell, just that they grow fairly slow. Other plants could be grown and sold for trimmings as well, especially if you invest in a CO2 system. Shrimp breeding is always an idea as well. Keep in mind that you can always sell online if you don't want to sell to an LFS, I'm not sure if you need any permits for it though.

 

You could try frogbit again, or other floaters. Mosses are easy to grow and sell, just that they grow fairly slow. Other plants could be grown and sold for trimmings as well, especially if you invest in a CO2 system. Shrimp breeding is always an idea as well. Keep in mind that you can always sell online if you don't want to sell to an LFS, I'm not sure if you need any permits for it though.

ok thanks! I have a c02 system, I am working on dialing it in I have had it for like 6 months but never really cared much about it but just today I got a drop checker to dial it in. I have crypts and 1 sword. They have been dying from bba and my fertilizers not having micronutrients and the plants having other deficiencies. I switched like 3 days ago to pps-pro dosing so that should help. I think I am going to try frogbit again. Is duckweed good also? I am thinking to just buy a floater plant like bundle online and seeing which one works the best.

 

Here is Aus we have gumtree, which is like Craigslist in the USA, people often put mosses, java Fern, amazon swords, crypts and many other fast growing bigenner plants for sale, its often like 1 piece between 5-10cm for about $4AUD. Stay away from slow growing plants like Anubias as it's not worth the time it takes to grow, perhaps if you could buy some more expensive fast growing plant it would be able to make loads of cash due to grow rates and more money because you can ask high price. as you have said you have co2 so the plants will be growing crazy.

 

Here is Aus we have gumtree, which is like Craigslist in the USA, people often put mosses, java Fern, amazon swords, crypts and many other fast growing bigenner plants for sale, its often like 1 piece between 5-10cm for about $4AUD. Stay away from slow growing plants like Anubias as it's not worth the time it takes to grow, perhaps if you could buy some more expensive fast growing plant it would be able to make loads of cash due to grow rates and more money because you can ask high price. as you have said you have co2 so the plants will be growing crazy.

Ok thanks! What do you mean by more expensive fast growing? like ones that take c02 I have some fast growing ones like crypts which grow really well in my aquariums usually but right now I have the algae issue. hopefully my cherry shrimp will help. I have nerites but they are kind of lazy.

 

Sorry to be a downer but in reality your not going to make much if any money. If you need extra money i would try other ways outside of the hobby.

 

Sorry to be a downer but in reality your not going to make much if any money. If you need extra money i would try other ways outside of the hobby.

no its ok I know I won't make a lot but I want just some extra money. It sucks with the age I am at right now to because I can't get a job either. Maybe I will do lawn mowing or something idk lol. Thanks for the advice also!

 

sorry, i cant help you further with the expensive plants because i dont have much plant knowledge in regards to varity, but there are many aquarium plants that cant cost over $100!

check this out i just searched up expeninsive aquarium plants and this came up.
Rare and Exotic Live Aquatic Aquarium Plants - Glass Aqua

 

Java moss and hornwort are pretty highly sought after and seem to cost a pretty penny online.

 

Java moss and hornwort are pretty highly sought after and seem to cost a pretty penny online.

ok thanks I will probably get some java moss then I have had hornwort and my filter sucked it all up. Thanks for the help!
Does anyone know how to stop my fish from eating floater plants?

 

buy plants that you know lots of people want, that is why beginner easy plants are often the most purchased plants, strongly recoomnend, java moss, java fern, hornwort, crypts, amazon swords but no anubias as i said before.

 

buy plants that you know lots of people want, that is why beginner easy plants are often the most purchased plants, strongly recoomnend, java moss, java fern, hornwort, crypts, amazon swords but no anubias as i said before.

ok thanks! where do you recommend I buy them. My frogbit which did the best was from ebay but idk if you guys recommend somewhere better.

 

ok thanks! where do you recommend I buy them. My frogbit which did the best was from ebay but idk if you guys recommend somewhere better.

Ebay, Etsy, even Amazon. There are a ton of lfs that sell plants online too. Some sellers even advertise their plants as pest-free (i.e. no pest snails or other critters that people may not want) or free of duckweed (another one of those things people seem to either live or hate). You can charge on the higher end of what you see online if there's something special about YOUR selection of plants. Floaters do grow fast, and are in decent demand. Also remember that if you sell on the lower end of online prices, you will likely sell more, which can end up making you more money than fewer sales at higher prices. I've seen snails listed for sale on ebay as well. "Pest snails" like ramshorns breed like crazy, so they would be easy to do without investing a bunch of money. They are more hardy than fish when it comes to shipping. I can't speak to how quickly/often they sell though.

 

Ebay, Etsy, even Amazon. There are a ton of lfs that sell plants online too. Some sellers even advertise their plants as pest-free (i.e. no pest snails or other critters that people may not want) or free of duckweed (another one of those things people seem to either live or hate). You can charge on the higher end of what you see online if there's something special about YOUR selection of plants. Floaters do grow fast, and are in decent demand. Also remember that if you sell on the lower end of online prices, you will likely sell more, which can end up making you more money than fewer sales at higher prices. I've seen snails listed for sale on ebay as well. "Pest snails" like ramshorns breed like crazy, so they would be easy to do without investing a bunch of money. They are more hardy than fish when it comes to shipping. I can't speak to how quickly/often they sell though.

They usually sell pretty well. People (like me) love them when they keep pea puffers. I had a ton of them and after getting 6 pea puffers I actually have to look for them now and they are getting hard to find. Now am having to look for other live food options for the little chunkers!

 

I actually have to look for them now and they are getting hard to find. Now am having to look for other live food options for the little chunkers!

I have some mystery snail culls that seem to have a genetic shell issue in the clutch. I removed the momma of the clutch, but I don't know what to do with the youngsters that have already hatched and whose shells don't seem to be recovering. I've also seen postings for like 100 ramshorns, didn't check the cost because I'm not at all interested in purchasing that quantity of any snails, but for your purpose that could be helpful.

 

I have some mystery snail culls that seem to have a genetic shell issue in the clutch. I removed the momma of the clutch, but I don't know what to do with the youngsters that have already hatched and whose shells don't seem to be recovering. I've also seen postings for like 100 ramshorns, didn't check the cost because I'm not at all interested in purchasing that quantity of any snails, but for your purpose that could be helpful.

It’s always a possibility if I can’t keep the amount I need available. The ones I have currently were an accident. No idea where they came from but I’m assuming my Java moss purchase or my hornwort. I checked them but the eggs are really easy to miss and a bleach dip wouldn’t go well for the moss so I skipped it and was overrun. With my puffers they are being taken care of. I also had bladder snail issues as well and now all I keep getting with my water changes are tons and tons of empty bladder snail shells lol! Those little guys really love their snails!

 

Ebay, Etsy, even Amazon. There are a ton of lfs that sell plants online too. Some sellers even advertise their plants as pest-free (i.e. no pest snails or other critters that people may not want) or free of duckweed (another one of those things people seem to either live or hate). You can charge on the higher end of what you see online if there's something special about YOUR selection of plants. Floaters do grow fast, and are in decent demand. Also remember that if you sell on the lower end of online prices, you will likely sell more, which can end up making you more money than fewer sales at higher prices. I've seen snails listed for sale on ebay as well. "Pest snails" like ramshorns breed like crazy, so they would be easy to do without investing a bunch of money. They are more hardy than fish when it comes to shipping. I can't speak to how quickly/often they sell though.

ok thanks for the good advice I will definitely look into those sites and I will look at those snails.

 

I'm just now seeing this, but I wanted to let you know that raising and selling fish and shrimp sounds like fun, but there's more money in plants. It kind of sounds like that's the direction you're heading anyway.

I got started by going to the locally owned fish/aquarium stores, seeing what I had growing that they didn't sell, and concentrating on those plants. They're much more likely to buy something from an individual that they don't already have a source for.

 

Pearl weed grows super fast, and I've heard water wisteria does too. Look into some plants that grow really well and see if there's a market for them.
To be honest, you can probably do shrimp and plants at the same time: just plop in some moss balls, add some moss to grow, and top it off with some stem plants. If you want, you can even add a bit of wood to create some hardscape for the shrimp as well. This way you can grow a multitude of plants and shrimp at the same time.

 

First, I wanted to say awesome job for trying to make some extra money with the hobby. It is very possible to make money but unless you have space for a lot of grow outs I'd avoid fish and snails. I think your best bet is going to be to stick with plants! You can do plants in a tub with a light (or with the weather getting nicer you could even put the tub outside!). Floating plants are always a quick easy seller and it sounds like you had success in the past. Another good one is guppy grass, it seems people are always looking for it and its really easy to grow!

 

I'm just now seeing this, but I wanted to let you know that raising and selling fish and shrimp sounds like fun, but there's more money in plants. It kind of sounds like that's the direction you're heading anyway.

I got started by going to the locally owned fish/aquarium stores, seeing what I had growing that they didn't sell, and concentrating on those plants. They're much more likely to buy something from an individual that they don't already have a source for.

Ok thanks I am planning on doing plants only. I don’t have any fish stores near me though that’s the problem. I can see if petco will buy from people like me but idk if they do. Thanks!

 

I don't think chain stores will buy from hobbyists but maybe Australia is different.

If you can find a starter colony of daphnia a tub of those with some floating plants could be profitable.

 

Pearl weed grows super fast, and I've heard water wisteria does too. Look into some plants that grow really well and see if there's a market for them.
To be honest, you can probably do shrimp and plants at the same time: just plop in some moss balls, add some moss to grow, and top it off with some stem plants. If you want, you can even add a bit of wood to create some hardscape for the shrimp as well. This way you can grow a multitude of plants and shrimp at the same time.

Ok thanks I think I will probably do it in my 20 gallon the problem is that I don’t have c02 in that tank. The one that does have co2 has a really high bio load and some fish that might eat it he babies. I could probably rehome some of them. Unless you think they will be fine. The ones I am worried about are the red eye tetras. Thanks!

First, I wanted to say awesome job for trying to make some extra money with the hobby. It is very possible to make money but unless you have space for a lot of grow outs I'd avoid fish and snails. I think your best bet is going to be to stick with plants! You can do plants in a tub with a light (or with the weather getting nicer you could even put the tub outside!). Floating plants are always a quick easy seller and it sounds like you had success in the past. Another good one is guppy grass, it seems people are always looking for it and its really easy to grow!

Ok that sounds like a good idea! I was thinking about tubs but I wasn’t set on it. I think I could convince my parents to take a section of the yard for a tub and I could fine like a tent of something that makes as like a lid or a cover for when it rains. Do I need c02 for those plants for outside? I shouldn’t need a light since it is outside, right? Also how do I keep the water warm in the tubs if it gets cold. I could use a aquarium heater but won´t it be constantly going basically so won´t it cost a lot? do the plants even need warm water? Thanks!

I don't think chain stores will buy from hobbyists but maybe Australia is different.

If you can find a starter colony of daphnia a tub of those with some floating plants could be profitable.

Ok thanks I will look into those I was thinking of doing those anyways for my fish if they get constipated.

 

You could sell on Ebay. I've made $11 selling shrimp there so far. I got my shrimp by accident. I didn't even know how to tell males from females. My LFS netted 2 and they turned out to be opposite gender. Now I have over 100 shrimp, worth $500+ altogether. Or you could breed livebearers or grow anacharis. I've got a lot of anacharis in my tank. You could also sell pest snails as food for pea puffers.

You can just keep the snails in a small tank. If its cycled and has plants, you don't even need to feed them. You could feed them veggies or algae wafers. Cherry shrimps are worth more though and they are also cooler to look at.

 

You could sell on Ebay. I've made $11 selling shrimp there so far. I got my shrimp by accident. I didn't even know how to tell males from females. My LFS netted 2 and they turned out to be opposite gender. Now I have over 100 shrimp, worth $500+ altogether. Or you could breed livebearers or grow anacharis. I've got a lot of anacharis in my tank. You could also sell pest snails as food for pea puffers.

Ok that sounds like a good idea! I could add some snails to my tanks/tubs idk what I want to do yet for where to keep them.

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You can just keep the snails in a small tank. If its cycled and has plants, you don't even need to feed them. You could feed them veggies or algae wafers. Cherry shrimps are worth more though and they are also cooler to look at.

Yeah that is true. I don’t really have room for another tank I mean I have my 40 gallon that I could put snails in. It has plants in there. Do they eat plants! Which snails do you recommend I get? Thanks!

 

It depends on the snail. Ramshorn snails only eat plants if they are hungry, but if you have lots of softer plants like anacharis, they are not recommended. Bladder snails/pond snails usually do not eat plants if you feed them enough. Nerites don't eat plants, but they are hard to breed. In fact, nobody even knows what their larvae eat! In short, I would recommend bladder snails.

Let me know if you are successful!

 

It depends on the snail. Ramshorn snails only eat plants if they are hungry, but if you have lots of softer plants like anacharis, they are not recommended. Bladder snails/pond snails usually do not eat plants if you feed them enough. Nerites don't eat plants, but they are hard to breed. In fact, nobody even knows what their larvae eat! In short, I would recommend bladder snails.

Ok thanks! I have merited but they only hatch in saltwater and I have freshwater. Thanks!

Let me know if you are successful!

Ok thanks! Also I meant to say nerites not merited.

 

Almost any fish will eat baby shrimp FYI, so if you want to double up and breed shrimp simultaneously, then you should probably get a dedicated tank.

 

Almost any fish will eat baby shrimp FYI, so if you want to double up and breed shrimp simultaneously, then you should probably get a dedicated tank.

ok then I will probably do that once I get it started and I actually start making something off of it. Thanks for the help!

 

Should I buy plant trimmings or potted plants?

 

Should I buy plant trimmings or potted plants?

Usually stem plants grow quicker, but potted plants are fine. I would start with stem plants are the are also usually easier to grow because they often don’t feed as much from their roots.

 

Hi Fishowner24.

normally I'd say "nahhh too much work too little profit" It's what I do every time I think about doing it.

HOWEVER, Figure it like this, you will grow some sort of aquatic plant, offer up or craigslist or whatever and sell for cash, round numbers no change so no cash on you for sales. 2 for 5, 5 for $10, ect.

Since you're doing plants, people always like cleaners. Any shrimp will do really, any snail will do like mystery (just a non-invasive type) , and these guys do really well with a lot of the plants you could grow, so same water, 3 species/sources of income. heck a stock tank on the patio, corner of the room, whatever and mild filtration, like sponge filter, and let things grow and multiply. save earnings to recover what you spent for the first set up, and then reinvest the new money earned into a 2nd stock tank, that one pick a different species of plant, different species of snail, and some nice guppies or even just feeder guppies really. But that doubles what you can offer.

tank raising, I just don't think you can really get the production you'd need and if outside, you have free live foods the water will attract from algae to mosquito larvae and all kinds of little things. rain water is pure for the most part. it should offset evaporation, it's minimal cost and minimal intervention, only when you have to.

If you know anyone else keeping fish or plants, nearby maybe you can get some cuttings from them, or some starter fish. Join a local fish club and someone willing to give a little. maybe find a market for some of the stuff you grow and keep through the club also.

 

Hi Fishowner24.

normally I'd say "nahhh too much work too little profit" It's what I do every time I think about doing it.

HOWEVER, Figure it like this, you will grow some sort of aquatic plant, offer up or craigslist or whatever and sell for cash, round numbers no change so no cash on you for sales. 2 for 5, 5 for $10, ect.

Since you're doing plants, people always like cleaners. Any shrimp will do really, any snail will do like mystery (just a non-invasive type) , and these guys do really well with a lot of the plants you could grow, so same water, 3 species/sources of income. heck a stock tank on the patio, corner of the room, whatever and mild filtration, like sponge filter, and let things grow and multiply. save earnings to recover what you spent for the first set up, and then reinvest the new money earned into a 2nd stock tank, that one pick a different species of plant, different species of snail, and some nice guppies or even just feeder guppies really. But that doubles what you can offer.

tank raising, I just don't think you can really get the production you'd need and if outside, you have free live foods the water will attract from algae to mosquito larvae and all kinds of little things. rain water is pure for the most part. it should offset evaporation, it's minimal cost and minimal intervention, only when you have to.

If you know anyone else keeping fish or plants, nearby maybe you can get some cuttings from them, or some starter fish. Join a local fish club and someone willing to give a little. maybe find a market for some of the stuff you grow and keep through the club also.

Ok thanks that helps a lot. What is tank raising? and what is a stock tank? Thanks for the help!

 

Ok thanks that helps a lot. What is tank raising? and what is a stock tank? Thanks for the help!

Tank raising, is in the confines of an aquarium. It gets expensive on larger size aquariums or doing multiple small ones.

Stock tank, well it's a livestock watering tub and usually a black plastic. and you can usually get them for about $1.00 a gallon where a tank of similar size would cost you an arm and a leg. Kind of a no frills large tub that sturdy to use for a small pond.