Madkour: It sounds like this tank is a good deal. Perhaps it would help to break the price down into its component parts...
tank: used, $100; new: $150-500
a stand made by a friend of the owner (looks very sturdy):let's say $50
an eheim professional II: $165+ new
an emperor filter (needs some cleaning): if a 400, at least $55 (prob.
much much more...
hood (not in good shape, i'll probably get rid of it) = $0
a lot of african driftwood (he says worth 90+): let's say $90
gravel and lava rocks: Let's say $60
python: at least $30
automatic feeder and digital thermometer: at least $25
plus all the chemicals, filter pads and misc left over... prob $50-100
So, an absolute minimum subtotal (for the items, when new) of:
$150+$50+$165+$55+$90+$60+$30+$25+$50, or $675. Probably a lot more. I've seen some "complete" set-ups like this for about $1000 new-- and these often include lower-quality components so the retailed makes money... Sounds like you're getting a very good deal!
Hope this helps.
For My Part:
I think Dr. Foster and Smith is a great site for good deals on aquarium-related items. i.e. they sell the Penguin 330 for $21!!!! (I bought it for $56 at Petco.) And the Fluval 404 for $110! Check them out at
http://www.drsfostersmith.com.
"www.liveaquaria.com" is another site in the Dr. Foster and Smith empire, which has a fantastic array of fish for sale (even sharks, seahorses, rays if you're crazy enough to buy them!). The fish aren't all that cheap, but the selection is hard to beat.
Also, on a local scale (NYC), I'm impressed by Petland Discounts' price on a 55-Gallon tank and stand--$90.
