Tank size

[Amicus]

I going to take the next big step and go for a 75 gallon freshwater setup. I was at my usual fish shop today and saw a beautiful marineland 76 gallon setup with stand and a couple other things for $750. Do they make 76 gallon tanks? I tried to find marineland products online but their website is a little obscure. Is this a good price?

 

[Morgie]

I personally wouldn't pay that much for a tank, altogether my 55 setup cost about 250$, including EVERYTHING involved with the setup, cycle, and fish/decor/plants.
The main thing is the stand that's jacking the price up so much. If you don't need a stand you can set up your own for much cheaper. But if you do want a proper stand this could be an okay deal.. what "other things" come with it?

 

[Amicus]

Not much, 75 lbs of gravel, heater, penguin bio. net and maybe some insignificant stuff. Gravel does not matter as I am going for a biotope tank, I would also exchange penguin for emperor filter. I am concerned with proper stand. I know I can get tank for cheaper but what about stand?

 

[Morgie]

Most stands and tanks are sold as sets, so you could just browse around and see if you can find a better combo deal. Unless you have some kind of furniture at home that could support the weight of a 75g.

 

[Trout11B]

You could also build your stand, you can definitely find a whole setup for less than that. If you want a fancy, finished looking stand you can probably still find cheaper than that.

 

[fishguy1]

Tomorrow I'm buying a used 75 complete setup for $300. I got my 90 complete setup for $250. If you buy new, you're going to pay for it.

$750 is ridiculous.

 

[Morgie]

definitely agree with the above.
You could ask around the DIY forums if you wanted to go that route, I'm sure they'd be happy to help. :>

 

[Amicus]

WOW! I had no idea how much more I could have overpaid. I know why the guy at my local shop was being so nice. Can you guys give me any tips on where to look for combo sets? I have looked online and really didn't have much luck. I looked for Marineland tanks but could not find much. My heart isn't set on that brand though. Thanks to all.

 

[uscamaro]

Check craigslist. You can find some great deals from people who are moving and just want to get rid of it.

 

[NODAK1979]

Personally, I'd go new with aquariums. The price of having a problem with an old aquarium, with a weak seam or leaking problem is not worth it to me. Give me the new tank, and give me the warranty.

That said, that price is high. I have a Marineland aquarium (60 gallons) with stand and it cost us 250 dollars. Granted, it was on sale from its usual price of 350 dollars...but still, that's nowhere near 750 dollars. A 75 gallon should not be that expensive.

 

[fishguy1]

buying a used tank is like buying a used car. There's a possibility something might go wrong. A good inspection is usually enough. I have bought dozens of used tanks and have never had one fail on me. I've had to redo the seams on a few of them, but that was reflected in the price.

if you've got the money to spend, go buy a new tank. After all, we need people to buy new tanks so we can buy them used

 

[James_in_MN]

FYI, I've seen deals at my LFS for a new 120 or 125 gallon tank with stand for $599-699.