starter "kit"

[meegosh]

Originally Posted by jmon777

mine did and had another about 10 years ago, (i was a kid) and the filter just went out after about 8 months.

I guess it must not have been the 'deluxe' set up. When did you purchase your kit? I got mine 3-4 years ago for around $100. Came with tank, hood, light, filter, net and some food. I wouldn't be surprised that your tank from 10 years ago was incandescent, that was one of the more common bulbs back then.

[jim692]

Originally Posted by Buzter

I pretty much know jack about aquariums. Are the Walmart starter kits worth a hoot? I just want a little tank since space is at a premium in my place.

The starter kits can be a good value depending on what you want to do and how you plan on using it. Most will tell you it is easier to care for a bigger tank than a little one. What size tank or space were you thinking of, and what kind of fish do you want in it?

[supradupafast]

I find the Tetra Deluxe Kit to be a good blank Canvas to start with. You might just want to add a additional filter as I did when I started. I am still using the tank with everything it came with except I added another filter (running dual filters) and changed the heater to a Stealth

[sarahsunshine]

3 years ago I got a 10g walmart started kit. I knew nothing about fish care, but the feeder fish that we got survived just fine for 5-6 months until we put them in our pond in the back yard for the summer. They thrived out there, and for some reason (now I know it's probably the chlorine and lack of cycling) many died when I brought the 5 fish back in the fall - hey, they were each twice the size they were when we put them out!

That being said, the filter did lose it's prime periodically.

[jmon777]

Originally Posted by meegosh

I guess it must not have been the 'deluxe' set up. When did you purchase your kit? I got mine 3-4 years ago for around $100. Came with tank, hood, light, filter, net and some food. I wouldn't be surprised that your tank from 10 years ago was incandescent, that was one of the more common bulbs back then.

well i got one about week ago also. a ten gallon... (thought they might of gotten better) it had incandescent lights with also i tried putting a slightly lager filter in it and even with the knock out plates removed it would not fit. maybe the 20's are better also im pretty sure it was a deluxe. and it was 50 bucks. (walmart prices can vary by area) i would get a kit at a pet chain if i was you they are not a lot more money (like 5 10 bucks).

[mfdrookie516]

ive seen the ones at walmart that have the incandescent one piece hood with the clips that snap on the tank with a little plastic key holding it on to hinge... they arent worth anything, end up rusting and causing a bunch of problems... nothing at all wrong with a cheap flourescent hood/light combo though... i have one, growing plants like crazy, even HM which i was told would only do good in high lighting conditions...

[meegosh]

Interesting... my walmart must not even stock the incandescent ones. The cheapest kit they have is the 10g deluxe for $100. I would not hesitate to buy one although you could probably find a 10g cheaper on craigslist or your local classifieds.

[supradupafast]

Hmm.. Tetra Deluxe 10g goes for $69.00 and 20g for $119. Check Big Al's online