Why Do Tank Costs Vary So Much?

[P&J]

I've been looking at large tanks, and I saw in my local PetSmart a 75 gallon tank for, if I remember correctly, $200-something. Then I saw online at www.fishtankshop.com the same size tanks going for $500-600! They claim to have "the lowest prices on the Internet." Is there really that big of a difference in quality? What should I expect to pay for a 75 gallon? Which one is the deal, and which is a rip-off? Thanks!

-P

 

[rdd1952]

The problem with buying tanks online is shipping. Something that large would have to ship via common carrier and because the tank is fragile and difficult to crate to prevent breakage, shipping is very expensive.

Not certain what a 75 gallon costs now as its been 4 years since I bought mine. I think I paid $300 for mine but that included the wooden stand, cover, lights and delivery (shop only 10 miles away). I would think $200 was a pretty good price but once again, I haven't priced them lately.

 

[P&J]

Ah, yes, this is making sense. The Web site also advertises free shipping, i.e. they build it into the price.

I don't remember exactly how much the in-store one cost, but I remember it was a total of $320 with the cabinet it was sitting on. $200 or so (maybe less) alone.

Thanks!

-P

 

[rdd1952]

Sounds pretty close to what I paid then. Yes, the free shipping thing is already built in. As they say, nothings free.

 

[Tolak]

They don't have the cheapest prices; http/www.glasscages.com/?sAction=ViewCat&lCatID=2

If I remember correctly they charge about $40 for delivery if you pick up at a location they are driving to; http/www.glasscages.com/?sAction=Deliv

You can customize it, and go well past $800.

 

[fatheadminnow]

Me and a friend were actually thinking of making a 55 gallon. He went to a local glass shop and asked how much it would be for them to cut us all the glass for a 55 gallon, and I guess he said it was like 300 bucks!

Best buy it at a store...lol.

-FHM

 

[Mikaila31]

Craig's list it.

My first tank was the first and last new tank I have/ ever will buy. Around here used tanks go for about $1 a gallon, but these are usually fish room tanks. Nicer scratchless tanks have a small premium. Tanks with there sides painted go for less usually.

You only want to build your own tank if you are making one that very big, like 300+ gallons big. When people do that they usually go with a cheap plywood tank, I call them wooden ponds, but what ever.

 

[P&J]

Craig's list it.

Ha! Exactly what I'm doing! I've been looking around to get a feel for prices, but I'll probably go used in the end. Thanks!

-P

 

[fatheadminnow]

Craig's list it.

Ha! Exactly what I'm doing! I've been looking around to get a feel for prices, but I'll probably go used in the end. Thanks!

-P

That is how I got my 29 gallon, and my friend got his 55 gallon with stand for 40 bucks!

-FHM

 

[Mikaila31]

Yeah. About two weeks ago on the somewhat local aquarium forum. Someone sold a 125gal with stand, filter, heater, glass tops, and light for only $200.

I sooooo wanted it, but no way could I physically transport or keep a tank that big. Also my parents would probably kill me. LOL

 

[fatheadminnow]

Yeah. About two weeks ago on the somewhat local aquarium forum. Someone sold a 125gal with stand, filter, heater, glass tops, and light for only $200.

I sooooo wanted it, but no way could I physically transport or keep a tank that big. Also my parents would probably kill me. LOL

WOW! That is a crazy price...it would be awesome to have a 125 gallon, but I dont think it wold fit in my room...lol.

-FHM

 

[rdd1952]

WOW! That is a crazy price...it would be awesome to have a 125 gallon, but I dont think it wold fit in my room...lol.
-FHM

Sure it would. You don't really need a bed do you?

I passed up the chance about 3 years ago to buy a used SW setup. It was 75 gallon. They only wanted $300 for everything, including filters, skimmers, etc. but most all the equipment was old so I didn't get it. After it was gone, I was wishing I had.

 

[fatheadminnow]

WOW! That is a crazy price...it would be awesome to have a 125 gallon, but I dont think it wold fit in my room...lol.
-FHM

Sure it would. You don't really need a bed do you?

I passed up the chance about 3 years ago to buy a used SW setup. It was 75 gallon. They only wanted $300 for everything, including filters, skimmers, etc. but most all the equipment was old so I didn't get it. After it was gone, I was wishing I had.

I guess I could take out my bed and put the aquarium there! Thanks for the idea!

-FHM

 

[Tolak]

Get a bunk bed. Pull out the bottom mattress & such. Load it with tanks.

Don't tell your parents you heard it from me.

 

[fatheadminnow]

Get a bunk bed. Pull out the bottom mattress & such. Load it with tanks.

Don't tell your parents you heard it from me.

Thats a good idea...

I will be moving out in a year or so...then bring on the tanks!

-FHM