Is it cheaper to buy an aquarium kit, or seperate?

Question

I guess I'm getting a bigger fish tank. Not sure of the size, I think budge wise I can only go as big as like a 36gal. I can upgrade later.

Is it cheaper to buy one of those combo kits with the filter, and everything, or to just buy it seperately? I have plenty of rocks, plants,etc. I guess I would need a bigger filter, probably a bigger heater and of course, the tank and light itself? Whats the price difference from a 30 something gallon, to a 50 gallon?

Answer 1

sometimes its cheaper to buy the kits you can to wal-mart and buy a 55 gallon kit with hood light filter heater food water conditioner net thermometer and a little booklet for 150 thats a good deal it all depends I'm not sure about a 36 gal but if do buy a walmart kit and its long like a 55 gallon then buy another filter and put one on each end it will circulater your water better and the better the circulation the better the filtration. also it comes with an airpump I think not positive on that part everything else I'm sure on just go tot he sore because its not online or another option is you can wait like I did I was planning on upgrading from a 29 gallon to a 55 and I ened up getting a 125 gallon for 150 bucks and keeping the 29 gallon. but another option is to wait until your local pet store does a dollar per gallon sale then it can be cheaper to buy everything seperate because there is usually a lot of stuff on sale. either way you go its a good deal so good luck

Answer 2

The kits are cheaper than buying separately, but only if you want/intend to use exactly what comes with them. If you need a larger filter, or a different lighting system, them you're paying for something you aren't going to use, and that will probably cost more in the long run.

Anxious has a good point about buying used. I own 20+ tanks, and only three were bought new. I also bought most of the equipment (except heaters) used. Check classifieds, yard sales, and the websites for craigslist (http://www.craigslist.org/about/cities.html ) and freecycle (http://www.freecycle.org/ ) for groups in your area. You may not have to wait for the upgrade.

If you decide to stay with a smaller tank now, maybe you'd want to buy the tank separately and try to get equipment that will work for the larger tank now - that can save you from having to buy all the equipment again if you'll only use one tank.

The actual prices will vary depending on where you live, but my local stores sell the 29 gallon kit for around $80-100, the 55 gallon kit is around $150-170. If you want to price some equipment new, see this link: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/expand/245/category.web The tanks are in the "Speciality Items" category down the left side as "glass aquariums". I don't recommend that you buy everything online - the shipping costs would be too much - but you can see what you might expect to pay.

Answer 3

If you're comparing the kits to purchasing everything individually the kits are cheaper if everything is new. I agree with the others about looking for used tanks and stands. I have gotten all of my tanks used. I've also gotten a bit particular about the filters and heaters I want so the kits would never work for me (I think some of the filters and heaters included in kits are crap). I got my 29 gallon used from craigslist for $100. This included a real wood stand (nice), the tank, the hood, the lights, gravel, a heater, and a filter. I've since switched out the filter for a more powerful one, the heater for a better one, better substrate, and the lights for ones that are good for plants. I got my 55 gallon off of craigslist for $200 which included a nice real wood stand, the tank, the hood/lights, and most importantly, delivery. I was looking for a used tank/stand without the filter and other stuff since I knew exactly what I wanted.

Answer 4

If your on a budget, Id check local classifieds or do a craigslist search in your area. You can find very good deals on used aquariums and can probably get a bigger tank with the money youd be saving rather than buy new. Plus, most people selling an aquarium have a stand, canopy, filters etc. so you get everything at once.

To make a comparison, a brand new 30 gallon setup would cost the same if not more than a used 55 gallon setup.

*EDIT* Just did a craiglist in my area. Some idea of deals you can find... Used 75 gallon setup for $200. You cant even buy a brand new 55 gallon setup for this price.

Answer 5

Kits are alright, but buying what you want separately is not only more satisfying, but it can be better for your fish. Kits tend to try to sell the buyer the bare minimum stuff that will only keep the fish alive. You could do a much better job stocking your tank than any kit could! Kits usually offer a pretty good price, but it is worth it to set up your own aquarium. It is DEFINITELY worth buying the 14 gallon over the 10 gallon! The general rule of thumb is to always buy the largest tank you can fit in your home and afford- more fish can be bought and their living conditions will be better. Also, setting up your own aquarium(no kit) can help you to specialize your tank for which kinds of fish you want! Good luck!

Answer 6

I would suggest going to walmart and buying a kit. I got mine there and its great and i got the kits. They have 10 gallon, 29 gallon and 55 gallon. The 29 gallon kit is like $94.00 in my area and the 55 gallon kit was on sale this week for $124.00.
I found in my area Walmart was the cheapest on tanks. Alot of people say don't buy your fish there but i have brought some there and pet store and they are both still living.
I would say its cheaper to buy the kit. At least that is what i found out. And if you go to walmart and buy it. It's all brand new. GOOD LUCK.

Answer 7

i would go with craigslist -- i have personally had better luck with ebay -- you can set it for closest listings first and find things near you. you can get filters for fairly cheap -- its the tank and hood that will set you back.

walmart has a 29 gallon kit for 95.00 -- the 55 gallon i think is around 150.00 -- they include filter, hood, heater, and aquarium.

Answer 8

If you are just going to shop at a pet store then the kit is cheaper. If you are willing to do some legwork reading your local want ads and craigs list you can piece yourself together a decent aquarium for very cheap.

Answer 9

if you buy from a pet shop it is cheaper according to me