Budget aquarium

[wtusa17]

I am new to the hobby. I have a 20 gallon tank and am loving it. Petco is running their dollar per gallon sale and I want to get a 40 gallon breeder tank. I am trying to convince my dad to let me to get the tank. He said I may be able to to but I won’t be able to set it up. I will need a stand and everything for the tank. I was thinking of getting shelving from Home Depot or Lowe’s but they are both about 80 bucks. I would also need the substrate and plants and everything for the scape. Can anyone give any suggestions for cheaper options to not spend so much to set up this tank. Thanks

 

[yeti79]

Take a trip to Lowe's or Home Depot. For the stand get some cement blocks and a good thick piece of wood for the tank to sit on. Support it evenly too not just on the ends. Get gravel from there too as it is much cheaper. If your willing to take the time rocks and wood for your landscape can be found outdoors just be sure to make sure they are aquarium safe then clean them. Plants may be available outdoors if your climate is warm enough but you will need to quarantine them.

 

[wtusa17]

Take a trip to Lowe's or Home Depot. For the stand get some cement blocks and a good thick piece of wood for the tank to sit on. Support it evenly too not just on the ends. Get gravel from there too as it is much cheaper. If your willing to take the time rocks and wood for your landscape can be found outdoors just be sure to make sure they are aquarium safe then clean them. Plants may be available outdoors if your climate is warm enough but you will need to quarantine them.

Thanks. I mostly need to find a cheap stand and rocks and wood for the inside of the tank

 

[Aussie_Bristle]

Thanks. I mostly need to find a cheap stand and rocks and wood for the inside of the tank

Go play sand for the substrate it’s cheap and great for bottom dwellers if you decide to get some.

 

[wtusa17]

Go play sand for the substrate it’s cheap and great for bottom dwellers if you decide to get some.

I was thinking of doing that. Could you grow plants in it?

 

[Aussie_Bristle]

I was thinking of doing that. Could you grow plants in it?

yes of course you can. I use riversand as the play sand in Aussie is not suitable for aquariums here. I have val, Elodea, ambulia and Hornwort and it thrives. But in saying that, it also comes down to a well equipped setup also to help them grow.

 

[wtusa17]

yes of course you can. I use riversand as the play sand in Aussie is not suitable for aquariums here. I have val, Elodea, ambulia and Hornwort and it thrives. But in saying that, it also comes down to a well equipped setup also to help them grow.

Would pool filter sand work?

 

[wtusa17]

Take a trip to Lowe's or Home Depot. For the stand get some cement blocks and a good thick piece of wood for the tank to sit on. Support it evenly too not just on the ends. Get gravel from there too as it is much cheaper. If your willing to take the time rocks and wood for your landscape can be found outdoors just be sure to make sure they are aquarium safe then clean them. Plants may be available outdoors if your climate is warm enough but you will need to quarantine them.

Also, for the stand, I don’t trust myself building my own so what other cheap way would you suggest getting a stand?

 

[Aussie_Bristle]

Would pool filter sand work?

pool sand is a fine sand and should be okay but i don’t want to say yes fully as I have never used it. Someone will be able to help with that question tho

 

[seangee]

I got an inexpensive "generic" tank stand on Amazon. It was about a third of the price os a branded one and is doing a good job.

 

[Aussie_Bristle]

@seangee can you help with the pool sand question hun?

 

[Jan Cavalieri]

Just a reminder- unless it comes with it - you may also need a heater and a filter - both ones that fit properly. You'll need a test kit (that's about $20) and some plain ammonia so you can cycle your tank and take readings very frequently. When I first started I took readings everyday. The play sand from Lowe's is said to be a very good buy and it's recommended to get a dark color. You'll also need chemicals such as "Prime" that gets rid of chlorine in the tank. You need this solution not just at the start of your tank but each time you will do a water change. You'll also need water change equipment ( a couple of buckets and a decent gravel cleaner/siphon will run another $20). There is nothing like live plants to run up you budget very quickly and some fish really require this to feel safe. IF my tank had not been acrylic I suspect it would have cost at least $200 to get started. My Acrylic cost me closer to $600. Unless this $40 aquarium comes with lights you're going to need to be searching for a top cover with LED lights (plan on at least $100)

BUT DON'T LET THAT KEEP YOU FROM GETTING THAT TANK NOW. It's a good deal, and some do come with heaters or basic filter. You'll likely want to upgrade later but you can get by with something better once you've save up the money for it. DON'T get discouraged, but always keep $20-30 in reserve for emergency antibiolics and other equipment. You just may have wait until you have the rest of the money before you are ready for fish. Just be patient and don't let somebody from Petco talk you into getting everything at their store.

Also this gives you a LONG time to really research the type of fish you want in your tank - come up with some different combinations of fish. Make sure the fish can all coexist in that Habitat before buying and you'll have a very well planned and healthy tank.

 

[Jan Cavalieri]

Oh and as far as a stand, unfortunately my husband recently died rather suddenly so I no longer needed such a large house and I certainly didn't need as many dressers and things All my tanks reside on a VERY sturdy antique dresser covered in a waterproof mat and plastic tablecloths. They have huge drawers and make excellent stands (other than being a little high) for all 4 of my 4 tanks - they are also far more attractive than a regular stand from a store. Just make sure they feel very solid and can hold the weight.

 

[seangee]

@seangee can you help with the pool sand question hun?

I'm in the UK. Unlikely I could recognise a bag of pool sand if you hit me on the head with it

 

[Aussie_Bristle]

I'm in the UK. Unlikely I could recognise a bag of pool sand if you hit me on the head with it

Hmm, well that’s a bit interesting!! So the only pools is the puddles from the rain then