Fishtank And Stand On A Budget

[sally2]

it seem very expensive to start with tank and stand , my local tropical fish shop charges about £160 for both

i dont want to endanger future fish but is there an economical way?

thx

 

[phlawed]

stands usually cost just as much or more than tank. I make or find another way to place tank somewhere. For instance, I have my 37g sitting on a coffee table made out of 2x4 oak and got it for $15. Pluse quality of some tanks stands is not that great. If you have the means or know somebody who does, pay $50 and make ur own stand that you want. Just my opinion though.

 

[emma12321]

Hi,

Have a look in the ad papers and on ebay there are lots of bargains to be had. www.aquarists-classifieds.co.uk usually have lots and www.ad-trader.co.uk you can search by post code.

Emma

 

[zachattack]

I agree with phlawed as I also have my 55g tank on a coffee table and it works out fine. You really only need to buy the tank and remember, don't let those fish shop workers talk you into buying something that isn't neccessary.

 

[saturnal]

Look on craigslist.org, seriously. A lot of people give their tanks and stands away for free if you're willing to come pick them up. I bought a 30-gallon tank, stand, heater, light, and hood from someone for about $70 U.S.

 

[nmonks]

For what it's worth, the tank and the stand are the two things I'd never economise on.

You can cut corners with filters (e.g., use an undergravel), skip the heater (by keeping coldwater or subtropicals), forget about lights (use daylight), and of course keep cheap/free fish by getting them from other aquarists.

But a cheap tank can be a disaster. If the glass cracks, not only does water get everywhere, but chances are it'll be at 10:30 on Friday night...

Second hand tanks are VERY prone to cracking, because they are moved without being braced properly. If you look at new tanks, they're carefully wrapped in cardboard and nylon tape, which stops the glass being twisted when the tank is moved. Second hand tanks aren't protected in this way, and they can easily get twisted, which weakens the seal between the glass panes.

It is a wonderful thing to have a big aquarium, but I just wouldn't risk economising this way.

I bought my Rio 180 from Aquatics Direct, and the price and service was good. £160 will get you quite a nice tank from there.

http/aquatics-direct.co.uk

Cheers,

Neale

 

[Tolak]

Building a stand is cheap & easy for anyone with basic carpentry skills & a few tools. A basic stand for a 55 will set you back around $25 in materials. You can build a filter using a powerhead & a 2 liter bottle that has all the flexability of a canister filter.

As far as used tanks go, I have bought over a dozen, with only 1 that leaked. Another breeder was doing a fishrom upgrade, bought a truck full of used 10's & 20's. No cracks, just a seam leak. What you need to do is have them fill the tank before you arrive, and run a little late to see the tank. Any leaks will be apparent.