I own an aquarium maintenance company here on Long Island. I also charge by
the gallon and based on the numbers you posted I would assume for that
price, your friend was getting service every other week ( approx. twice
monthly ). At that price it would equate to 83 cents per gallon. I charge 80
cents per gallon for a tank that size, and I spend a minimum of 1 hour with
the tank. Most of my clients are on the same twice a month schedule. I also
have some high profile accounts that demand I come weekly to keep the tank
extremely sterile. I do all the same things you listed plus my customers
have the piece of mind that all they need to do is feed the fish and enjoy
the view. I also guarantee all livestock I supply with a 3 month stay alive
or the replacement is free policy. If you are a busy person or just don't
have the inclination to learn the in's and out's of fish keeping, then
companies like mine are the perfect answer.
John.
Island Aquariums ( Long Island, NY )
631-834-7764

"Timothy Tom" wrote in message
om...
One of my coworkers has a 150 reef tank which they had serviced
regularly by the local LFS. They charge on a per gallon rate, and for
the 150 gallon tank it was $250.00 a month (water testing, water
changes, tank cleaning, and any water adjustments). My coworker told
me that the rates were adjusted up even higher for new customers.
This rate seemed pretty high to me, and you could buy alot of nice
livestock, and or equipment for this much money every month.