Starter Kit Or Not?

killudead · Feb 9, 2009

Need some help making a choice about what type of tank to get.
Starter kit or bare bones?
what is better and more cost effective?
talking about a 55gal tank
Thanks

mwood2 · Feb 9, 2009

I would say it depends on if you like the stuff it comes with. If you like the filter/lighting/heater then it will most likely save you money. Now if you where going to buy it and not use what it comes with I would think that buying each part separately would be cheaper in the end.

dcarmor927 · Feb 9, 2009

i have a 55 gallon tank that i got in a kit...i like everything it came with and i got it all for a pretty good deal...i would go with that but also agree with mwood2 that it all depends on if you like/will use what it comes with...

OldMan47 · Feb 9, 2009

It depends on where you are headed Killudead. If you are looking to get a planted tank going, the hood, light strip that comes in a kit is almost useless and you will be replacing it. Most kits come with Hang On Back, HOB, filters so if you go with CO2 you would also be replacing that. What you are left with is a thermometer and heater and a small sample of fish food in most cases. That would be a terrible waste of money on things you don't use, as MWood said. On the other hand, if you are going for fish only and have no problem with a HOB filter, the kit can be quite cost effective. The real question becomes how much of the kit you would end up using and whether you would be happy with the particular components that are included.

loachman · Feb 10, 2009

Personally, I usually get canister filters so the starter kits don't fit what I want. However, they are a good value if you think a HOB filter will be sufficient for you. They're not quite as efficient as the canister filters as they have the intake and outlet right next to one another, so I'd recommend lighter stocking. The hood lights generally suck for planted tanks as well, but are fine for some simple plants like vals and java ferns or fish only tanks.