starter "kit" - Aquarium Advice

Buzter · 11-03-2009, 11:58 PM

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.

joy13 · 11-04-2009, 01:40 AM

I got a kit at a yard sale because the stand was included and I wanted the stand. The set up isn't all that bad but in the near future you will have to upgrade the filter at least. I gave away the tank and stuff to set it up. Myself I would look around and price out things separately and compare quality. Before buying look and see what type of fish are good for a tank that size, there aren't that many. A 15 gallon tall is the same footprint as a 10 gallon only the height is different you might have a few other options when it comes to stocking.

Read of the section on cycling since this sounds like your first aquarium.

Welcome to the addiction ummmm hobby yeah that's it hobby.

mfdrookie516 · 11-04-2009, 01:43 AM

agreed... i got my first tank on craigslist... you can usually find some good deals, complete setups, for a fraction of what you pay for new stuff. Welcome to AA

and yes, it is an addiction, soon you will be moving out couches to accomidate aquariums

dkpate · 11-04-2009, 01:50 AM

Or have tanks on your bedroom dresser like I do....LOL! I got the 20G starter kit at WalMart, and the only thing I am still using is the actual tank lol. Good luck!

glassbird · 11-04-2009, 02:31 AM

Don't bother with a wally world set up. They put those packages together to hit a certain (cheap) price point. The filters are garbage, and the filter is the most critical thing to a successful tank, especially for a newcomer to the hobby. You should also know that small tanks are more work than large tanks, so measure your space and get the biggest tank you can for your space. Look into the articles here on FISHLESS cycling...much easier and faster (and kinder) than doing it with fish. And ask lots of questions here...do not rely on the sales people at pet stores! Especially the ones at Walmart!

jmon777 · 11-04-2009, 07:43 AM

i bought a ten gallon starter kit at walmart and its basically unusable. the lights get the water to hot the pump just looking it it you can tell its crap. buy just a tank then add stuff to it it much better that way cheaper in the long run. the tanks at chain pet stores are slightly better just make sure you buy your own chemicals and don't use the that came with the kit. but the filers and those are not a lot better... hope this helps

joy13 · 11-04-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmon777

i bought a ten gallon starter kit at walmart and its basically unusable. the lights get the water to hot the pump just looking it it you can tell its crap. buy just a tank then add stuff to it it much better that way cheaper in the long run. the tanks at chain pet stores are slightly better just make sure you buy your own chemicals and don't use the that came with the kit. but the filers and those are not a lot better... hope this helps

Sounds like you got the incandescent lights, you can use the compact fluorescent lights to cut down on the heat.

meegosh · 11-04-2009, 10:14 AM

I do not believe the walmart kits (10g deluxe) come with incandescent lights. They typically come with a 15w bulb. I am still running the filter that came with it 3-4 years ago. I do monthly maintenance on it and never had a problem. The only complaint I have about the AquaTech 5-15 filter is that it loses its prime easily when the power flickers. I use polyfiber, cut to fit, in the filter instead of the expensive cartridges that are made for it. I prefer not to run carbon in my tanks unless I medicate or need to remove tannins.

I upgraded the bulb in the hood that came with the tank to a 15w Power-GLO and I am growing vals, swords and xmas and java moss with no problems. I am not using CO2 or ferts, just some root tabs every other month.

jmon777 · 11-04-2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meegosh

I do not believe the walmart kits (10g deluxe) come with incandescent lights..

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

meegosh · 11-04-2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

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.