Kit or Build?

[LA321]

I just wanna know on everyones opinoin,

which do u perfer? an aquarium kit (kit I mean comes with everything, filter, lights,etc) or building an aquarium (when I say build I mean,buying ur own filter,lights, heater, etc)

 

[MasterP]

I like buying everything sepratley becuase the tank setups might not be for the specific type of setup i want and i think its funner to buy everything seperate then put it together.

 

[fish_keeper2]

depends....kits are great for most fish and communities. but like if you would go marine you would need different lighting, most filter media isnt good so most dont use filters, etc. i personaly like to buy kits and upgrade or add to the stuff.....one good thing about the kits is good prices ie 29 gal kit that comes with 29 gal tank, hood/light w/ florescent bulb, heater, filter and filter media, and samples of food and declhorinator all for only 95 bucks(US). ive seen heaters and filters for 29 gals alone 30 to 40 bucks(US) plus lights which are like anopther 30-50 depending on brand and strength and all that so usually it comes out cheaper and easier to buy the kits.

 

[Mo_loves_fish]

depends on how well the kit is put together

 

[modernhamlet]

Kits will get you setup for the least amount of money, but you almost always want or need to upgrade certain pieces sooner or later. I generally buy everything separately. It may cost a bit more, but you get what you know you want.

 

[Tolak]

Buy seperately & buy used equipment. That gets you set up cheapest if you know what you are buying. If you are new to aquatics, either do a ton of research, or go with the kit.

Tolak

 

[Synirr]

I prefer kits for smaller aquariums as they tend to be cheaper, but for larger tanks, say 29 gallons and up, I'd rather buy the bits and pieces separately. My 29 gallon was a kit and over time I've replaced everything except the tank itself and one light

 

[jollysue]

Again: depends on what you want, and what's on sale. I got a brand new JR Exec Sea Clear 40 usg, everything but the heater, for about a 100 USD (about 140 UK pounds?) That was a fluke. I switched out the filter for a stronger one and added a light to the fixture, but it was still cheap and I used the filter elsewhere. I've seen 65 usg setups for $100 in PetSmart.

For the big set up with the high light ratio and the power filters and extras, like a sump or refugium, I've gotta say piece it together.

When you want a small desk top it's hard to beat a kit from Marineland.

As you add to your hobby, you value having extra heaters and filters and lights to put together last minute set ups. You can pick up a tank or whatever when you see a deal. I am still watching for that 180 usg that's going to fall in my lap--with 500 watts of t-5.

 

[CFC]

Build, the equipment supplied with kits is usually of sub standard quality and made as cheaply as possible to keep the price of the kit down.

 

[yvez9]

i think kits are cheaper than buying everything seperately. but then again, kits are good for plastic plants as they usually have dim lighting.

If you wanna grow plants, you're better off buying everything seperately. Or, if you have lots of spare parts like filters and heaters, buying seperately is a better choice.

 

[annka5]

Build if you want anything unusual or have specific ideas. Otherwise, a kit.

PS -jollysue -$100 is around £65 at the mo. $1 is <£1.

 

[jollysue]

Of course, you're right, annka5, I get easily turned around when I'm tired. ) I try, but I don't always succeed. Sorry for any further confusion.

 

[Bloo]

Now that I know better, I'd definitely say build
Though a kit is good for a beginner who really does not know which products are best and just want a "easy" set up and go system.

 

[JPMarshMellow]

I think neither..I try and get most of my stuff on Freecycle.org .. the best place in the world

 

[Jules H-T]

I think neither..I try and get most of my stuff on Freecycle.org .. the best place in the world

[snapback]900763[/snapback]​

LOL, me too. Have got a 36*18*12 with all the kit, a Dell monitor, and a dining room table, all free, in the last 8 weeks. Got rid of 20 office chairs hassle free too. Picked up a 48*24*24 for £40 in the trade-it magazine recently too.

I'll never buy a tank brand new again unless it was a custom job.

Kits might be cheap, but you get what you pay for.