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Post by Bumblebee on Aug 23, 2005 12:08:04 GMT 10
Who likes the new 'kit' type tanks where you get a complete setup minus heater over the old traditional glass tank with every piece sold separatley. The only drawback with the kit seems to be the availability and price of tanks over 30lt where as large 'glass' tanks are cheap when you want to go large. shopping around is a good idea as you can often get bargains on large tanks with stands. especially in the sales after x-mas and around tax time. checking papers for cheap compleate setups can also land you a bargain.
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Post by todnjo on Aug 25, 2005 10:11:49 GMT 10
As you know i am a fan of the Aqua 1 enclosed kits, but i have also put together plenty of my own tanks of various sizes over the years. If i had the money i might try the bigger Aqua 1 tanks but i find them quite expensive. Putting your own setup together is expensive too, but usually you either have some of the components or can get them secondhand or through friends. If you had to buy everything new...then i think its just as expensive as an enclosed system. I enjoy putting tanks together..with either system. Aqua 1 has all the other things that go into a fish tank as separates eg. replacement lights , filters and bits, you can also get heaters etc in their brand. I bought a short heater for my little 30litre Aqua 1, was mid range price and looks to be quite a good heater, adjustable. I also believe in shopping around for the best price and if i find a better price...my usual LFS will match the price. By being a regular at your LFS they get to know you and you can get a better price again through loyalty by buying off them. If you dont want to spend a weekend or two shopping for separate components , then an Aqua 1 would be the way to go. We seem to have no problems getting them here straight off the shelf. Then you just need a heater, rocks and fish. Easy..
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Post by Cyberguppy on Aug 25, 2005 12:28:58 GMT 10
Same here, I find the kit tanks are an amazing price around the 30lt mark but as they get bigger the price is a bit much compaired to a DIY setup. something like a 60 gal can be setup and outfitted much cheaper than a kit tank. Nothing beats the kits for small tank price though. they make the perfect guppy setups.
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Post by todnjo on Aug 30, 2005 9:16:24 GMT 10
Totally agree ! I also love the whole setting up the tank thing. So if i were to go for a big tank again it probably wouldnt be a kit type. I have a 4ft tank in my shed complete with stand and hood...just waiting for my little ones to start school and me to have the time.
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Post by Bumblebee on Aug 30, 2005 9:24:04 GMT 10
I saw a six foot kit setup with 4 bulb reflector, it was on special at $1000 with filter stand and everything. would be sweet if I had the space for it  |
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Post by tidus97 on Jun 26, 2006 3:38:11 GMT 10
lol. my dads a builder and since he makes houses etc he needs glass so he comes into contact with alot of people that sell glass and usally gets some spare pieces. we made our tank ourselves. it cost us....... around $50 (thats probably to high) all we did was purchase the aquarium silicone and fluresent tube. we built our own 4 foot tank. we already had a filter heater and airpump from when we lived in Turkey.(My dad used to breed guppies then, but now i took over his job lol)
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Post by Bumblebee on Jun 26, 2006 23:00:58 GMT 10
they can be built very cheap if you know how, maybe someone could write a DIY  . there is a cabinet maker that makes the most amazing tanks near me ATM beautiful carved tanks on cabinets with carved hoods. Wish I had the space for one as he sells them dirt cheap! |
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. there is a cabinet maker that makes the most amazing tanks near me ATM beautiful carved tanks on cabinets with carved hoods. Wish I had the space for one as he sells them dirt cheap!