Where can I find a large aquarium combo?

Question

I would like the largest aquarium with hood I could get for less that $200 total including filter, air pump, and heater. I know I could get a 55 gallon at walmart for $100, but from experience I know their air pumps and filter are horrible. I would like to buy this for my son for christmas, probably $250 at the MOST. I would like to buy everything new. My son can make a tank stand after christmas in advanced woods class at school.

Heck, my son could even make the hood in advanced woods he says.

Answer 1

A 75 gallon is a great size that you can use forever with virtually all fish species. I would call your local pet store and ask what price they can get it for you if you go to the store at time of delivery and take immediate delivery so they don't even have to supply floor space or bring it inside. Make sure they know you'll be calling around and they don't have to store it. There are companies like www.glasscages.com though these vary greatly. The reviews I've received from people that bought tanks from glass cages varies a lot as well. It's possible to get new 4' tanks for less than $2.00 per gallon so shop around. Heaters are relatively inexpensive. You can find a 300 watt submersible for about $25. Filters vary greatly depending on what you want. You can start out as simply as 2 large sponge filters hidden in the far corners and an air pump. This supports life very well and a lot of hobbyists swear by sponge filters. They're cheap and you can add other filtration later. I have several in my larger tanks right now and they work great. Goto a local quary for red flint or sand blasting sand if it's larger. It has to be the size of really small gravel and can't be actual sand. Some people just prefer pea gravel. The decorative items are obviously personal choice though I'm trying to save you some money overall. You'll notice what I mean when you goto a quary. It sounds like your son can build the stand and a canopy. Goto the local hardware store and buy a ballast that can be mounted outside of the aquarium and get some basic 4' florescent lights. If your son builds a simple canopy the lighting system will be hidden behind it and work great. Big Al's on-line should have some waterproof end caps for the florescent lights. You could do this for $250 though it's pushing it. Filters, heaters and other items are less important than getting an aquarium you'll have forever. I would much rather start with a 75 than a 55. I personally don't like the 55's. They're 4' long though only one foot deep (front to back). It's an odd view that has no depth and they're much harder to decorate and get any feeling of depth. In the long run you'll be very happy you spent the money on the aquarium and chose the 75 instead. I even prefer the 29 over the 55 though for the money you are planning on spending go with the 75, you won't regret it. Enjoy.

PS. A guy I know just purchased about 4,000 gallons of aquariums. These were all new All-Glass brand aquariums. He got them delivered and set up for about $1.75 per gallon. Most of these were 75 gallon tanks though some were 125's. Like most fish rooms they're all filled with sponge filters that operate with a blower to put air in the tanks. You have regular lighting from above and most people heat the room though I can't stand the humidity so I heat the actual tanks and have lids on them.

Answer 2

Petco sells a 75g for 175, you can build the stand but take measurements first. Also Petco is having a $1 a gallon sale up to 55g so if you want a 55g for $55.

If you are looking for an even bigger tank then go to www.yellowbook.com and search Aquariums with your zipcode, call up the store and talk prices with them most will cut prices if they see that you are interested.

Answer 3

Can i just say i wish its was as inexpensive for aquariums over here. I paid £350 for my 50gallon tank and that was without the filter and heater. I live in the u.k

Buy the tank from walmart and buy a filter and heater from another shop.
If you get the tank and that price the filter and heater will cost next to nothing

Answer 4

It might be better for you to get a 55 gallon tank from a local pet store (not Petland or Petco or PetSmart). I don't really trust them. Most non-chain store should have a pretty cheap and good quality ones.

Answer 5

I found this Bio-Wheel Aquarium Kit awhile back - 55 Gallon for $175.49 w/free shipping (unconfirmed). Most online places won't ship glass aquariums, so email them for more info if you're interested. It may be best to checkout your local fish store or any brick & mortar store that sells tanks for anything larger to avoid excessive shipping fees.

Product Details:
55 gallon glass show aquarium with a penquin 330 bio wheel power filter a fluorescent lighted canopy precision aquarium heater bio safe water detoxifier bio coat stress defense bio blend tropical fish food digital thermometer fish net

http://www.cheappetstore.com/Fish-Aquariums/Fish-Tanks-Furniture/Fish-Tank-Kits/Bio-Wheel-Aquarium-Kit-55-Gallon-72765/

Answer 6

I only know that petco has right now a sale going for $1 per gallon, so if you would pick up a 55 gallon, it would cost you $55

i think it's a great sale, i would check it out




Hope that helps
Good luck


EB

Answer 7

You might want to try looking on Craiglistdetroit. People are selling all kinds of items for a very good price. I have had alot of good luck with this site.

Good Luck

Debbie