💰 True Cost of Keeping Fish

Upfront setup cost plus real ongoing expenses — including the electricity bill most people never think about

Your Planned Setup

Add a tank or pond for each separate setup you have — say, an outdoor pond and two different indoor tanks. Each gets its own estimate, then we'll give you a combined total.

Tank / Pond #1 Type

Fish in This Outdoor Pond

Your Electricity Rate ($/kWh)

Not sure your rate? The US average is around $0.16/kWh — check a recent electric bill for your exact rate, since it varies a lot by region.

💡 About these estimates: These are typical planning estimates based on common equipment and average prices — actual costs vary by region, brand choices, and whether you buy new or secondhand equipment. Electricity cost assumes your pump/filter (and heater, where relevant) run continuously, which is normal for fish keeping. If you keep fish in more than one type of setup (say, an indoor tank and an outdoor pond), each gets its own estimate since they can't share equipment. Use this as a realistic starting budget, not an exact quote.