How to buy large quantity of tanks?

[chapinkj]

Hi All,

I'm looking to purchase a large number (30-50) of 5.5 g aquariums for a big system I'm setting up.

Does anyone know what would be the cheapest way to go about this?

Should I be contacting wholesalers?

Has anyone bought large quantities of tanks like this before?

Could you recommend a retailer?

I'm in Southern California, if that helps.

Thanks!

 

[vance1013]

Your best bet would be craigslist you could post a wanted ad and also cruise the tanks for sale you could contact a wholesaler but that might cost more

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[SFAquariums1]

I run an aquarium company so I happen to know wholesale prices. You will definitely get the 5 gallons cheaper than what they sell for in the store but it still won't be close to 1 dollar a gallon or anything. For anything smaller than 55 gallons (for my personal use) i scower Craigslist. If you have a Petco near you every once in a while they will have a 1 dollar a gallon sale. So 5.5 aquariums will cost 5.50 plus tax. That would be the cheapest way.

Rule of thumb .60 cents to 1 dollar a gallon is a good starting point for used AQUARIUMS. Hoods and heaters and such add extra.


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[Andy Sager]

I just went to the Petco's sale this past Sunday and unfortunately, the $1.00/gal prices only apply for 10gal-55 gal tanks so no bargain on 5.5s there. However, if you have the space, you can buy 10 gals for $10.00 ( 5.5 is $14.99) so why not use them? Considering how many fish you can get in a 10 over a 5.5, how could this not be a benefit? I am setting up a hatchery myself and will be using 60- 10 gals minimum so that sale price is great for me. ( I've purchased 30 so far) I doubt you are going to find that many used 5.5s on craigslist or anywhere unless you deal with a manufacturer directly. Keep in mind, costs for making a 5.5 may still put them more expensive than or the same as a 10 gal. and no bargain to buy.

Hope this helps

 

[chapinkj]

I just went to the Petco's sale this past Sunday and unfortunately, the $1.00/gal prices only apply for 10gal-55 gal tanks so no bargain on 5.5s there. However, if you have the space, you can buy 10 gals for $10.00 ( 5.5 is $14.99) so why not use them? Considering how many fish you can get in a 10 over a 5.5, how could this not be a benefit? I am setting up a hatchery myself and will be using 60- 10 gals minimum so that sale price is great for me. ( I've purchased 30 so far) I doubt you are going to find that many used 5.5s on craigslist or anywhere unless you deal with a manufacturer directly. Keep in mind, costs for making a 5.5 may still put them more expensive than or the same as a 10 gal. and no bargain to buy.

Hope this helps

Thanks Andy.

It's a long story, but I'm putting all the tanks in a climate controlled environmental chamber (like a walk in cooler but hot and humid) so I'm limited on space. I know 10 g would be cheaper. Maybe I need to make some measurements and see what I can do.

Thanks again.

 

[jetajockey]

As mentioned, get the $/gal tanks. Divide them up if you must, but you get more bang for the buck either way. It's not hard to put dividers up.

 

[chapinkj]

I'm contacting a couple of wholesalers in my area. I'll see what prices they have.

Thanks all!