Any good places to get tanks cheap?

[JamesMJ2]

Just curious if anyone knows where to get tanks cheap. Seems like the are the most expensive part of setting up a new tank. It's always nice to find a way to save money.

[madasafish]

I don't... but the most expensive part is usually the hood in my opinion! It cost 1.5X as much as my tank! And if you're into [acronym:7fe2c1c613="Saltwater"]SW[/acronym:7fe2c1c613], the protein skimmer and sump filtration unit...

It's really hard to get tanks online cheap, because of the cost of shipping. AND the risk involved causes most retailers to refuse to ship.

Most ppl swear by the classified adds in their local newspapers for used tanks. Might be a good place to start!

[JamesMJ2]

Yea, I tried the "recycler" as it's known locally. I was looking for a 46 gallon Bow Front. Pretty upscale for the classified. I bought one, but it cost an arm and a leg at Petco.

[William]

I swear by Petsmart for my new tanks.

Altho ebay [ searching for local auctions of course, so you can pick it up and not have it shipped.. like said above, most people won't ship anyways ] has some awesome deals on it. I saw a 200gal +filter, hood, stand,gravel, ect ect for a starting bid of 500

The classifieds are also great, Look for the " Wifes about to kill me if I don't get rid of this danged thing " sales

I got my 30gal w/hood from them, for the price of a 20gal tank alone from another store

[talenzmeier]

I'd have to concur with my esteemed colleagues. For used tanks, check the classifieds or scout out your local [acronym:dc7911137c="Local Fish Store"]lfs[/acronym:dc7911137c]. People will often post 4-Sale signs in these stores. If you buy new, make sure you know what brand you're getting. Oceanic is often considered top-of-the-line so their prices will almost always be higher. Perfecto is another manufacturer who sells for a lot less than oceanic. All Glass is another, although they just bought out Oceanic ([acronym:dc7911137c="Local Fish Store"]lfs[/acronym:dc7911137c] guys and gals are telling me to get an Oceanic now before their quality goes down).

[TankGirl]

I posted about this somewhere but can't recall where. I recently got a 44-[acronym:1438f300d1="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:1438f300d1] all-glass tank that looks brand new, including the all-glass solid pine stand and glass top for $100.00. She was also selling a 40-[acronym:1438f300d1="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:1438f300d1] bowfront with the stand for the same price, but I was able to control myself. I find that the solid pine stands are much sturdier and I will never do particle board again, so the stand is what costs me the most, usually. My local Bargain Trader magazine was chock full of tanks for sale, and most for $150 or under. There are so many people who get frustrated with the hobby and forget what they paid for the setup, and just want it out of their house so it won't remind them of all the fish they killed! If they had just come to this board, it never would have happened that way.

[JamesMJ2]

I am trying to get my hands on one right now. 60gallons with a accessories $75. The new 46 Gallon Bow Front cost me 125.00 thats not with tax. It's is a beautiful tank though.

[saaebn]

I would also try your local thrift stores. I ended up picking up my sons 10 [acronym:9c3c7d4966="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:9c3c7d4966] with accessories for 20 dollars. They had several 10 [acronym:9c3c7d4966="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:9c3c7d4966] setups. they also had a table of just fish accessories.

stacie

[sweetsuvvyb]

I actually got a great deal through ebay...although it was just a 10gal. But i got the tank, heater, filter, light/hood and some random accessories with shipping (from norcal to wa...probably would've been more if it was across the country) for less than i could get the tank alone at my [acronym:a84f614462="Local Fish Store"]lfs[/acronym:a84f614462].

[austin fishhead]

Try wally world(walmart) I got a 55gal setup for 120$. Just look for defects and such...