40 Gallon Questions..

[JayPT]

Alright, few of you know me, but I had 40 gallon acrylic tank. It cracked one day while nobody was home. I've been stuck with a 20 gal hexagon tank that I hate because of family problems- those problems are what forced me to keep it so long. Now, finally, it's my chance.

Now finally, after eight years of getting this tank forced down my throat (Don't worry, it hasn't been stuffed to the brim- in fact most of the time, it's been completely empty xD).

In a few months, I'm getting another rectangle 40 gallon. Now this is exciting, obviously, but I have tons of questions.

1. In the US, what's a good brand? If another tank cracks, I'll probably have no tank at all. So I'm a little neurotic.
2. Sand or gravel? What's better for the fish, what's easier to clean?
3. I've heard to check Craigslist/eBay. Is that a good idea?
4. Should I get a heater to make things easier?
5. Does more expensive = better quality apply here?

 

[ctsv510]

1. No comment
2. Sand! Sand! Sand!
3. Yes, its where I found my tank.
4. Definitely, even if its just for the cycle, buy you'll need it anyway if you go tropical
5. Most of the time, but it depends. Chances are you'll find good usable equipment for cheap on Craigslist along with a tank.

 

[Dieses Madchen]

1. Top Fin and Aqueon make decent tanks for relatively cheap. I have had a couple and they are sturdy enough. generally you have to buy the hood separate.
2. Sand or gravel? I don't know, but the general consensus is sand (I have gravel)
3. I have 4 large tanks from craigslist. if you are lucky you can get everything for relatively cheap. The whole package deal (filter, heater, etc)
4. Heater is great, especially if you want tropical.
5. Depends. I have a 40g Oceanic, which is a pretty expensive brand, that I got for 70bucks, this everything included, except the heater. The tank that I bought retails for 350, just the tank and stand. I love my hand me down tanks, and you can find really good ones for cheap. The link in my signature is that tank my husband just bought me on Craigslist for 160.