Ok so I am indecisive, I have a couple threads regarding a 20 Gallon build but now am rethinking it, what can I say, help me out!
20 gallon
20 gallon tank - $39
fluval 205 filter - $129
fluorite black sand (45 lbs) $60
T5HO lighting $139
Bulbs $60
total $427
Osaka 40 gallon (beautiful tank!)
tank/stand/lighting/bulbs - $399
fluval 305 filter - $159
fluorite black sand (90 lbs) $120
total $678
The 20 gallon is more within my budget, but for an extra $250 I get a beautiful stand (no stand with 20 gallon, would be on a table), bigger filter, and bigger tank so the value side of me kicks in to spend the bit extra and get something twice as big in a really nice looking tank. The other side of me kicks in and says you have been in this hobby for 2 years, I have kept it up well but have not necessarily caught "the bug" and have not needed a bigger tank so far so why not go with the 20 for now and perhaps do a large upgrade in the future, that $200 could go elsewhere now. As well using the same lighting on both tanks, the 20 will be a much higher light tank so I could do more with it, does the duel 24W T5 give alot of light to the osaka 155 which is 24" deep? Or would I need to factor adding some lighting? Ahhh I dunno! at least I have some driftwood soaking whichever root I go!
So guys and girls, what do you think?
20 gallon
20 gallon tank - $39
fluval 205 filter - $129
fluorite black sand (45 lbs) $60
T5HO lighting $139
Bulbs $60
total $427
Osaka 40 gallon (beautiful tank!)
tank/stand/lighting/bulbs - $399
fluval 305 filter - $159
fluorite black sand (90 lbs) $120
total $678
The 20 gallon is more within my budget, but for an extra $250 I get a beautiful stand (no stand with 20 gallon, would be on a table), bigger filter, and bigger tank so the value side of me kicks in to spend the bit extra and get something twice as big in a really nice looking tank. The other side of me kicks in and says you have been in this hobby for 2 years, I have kept it up well but have not necessarily caught "the bug" and have not needed a bigger tank so far so why not go with the 20 for now and perhaps do a large upgrade in the future, that $200 could go elsewhere now. As well using the same lighting on both tanks, the 20 will be a much higher light tank so I could do more with it, does the duel 24W T5 give alot of light to the osaka 155 which is 24" deep? Or would I need to factor adding some lighting? Ahhh I dunno! at least I have some driftwood soaking whichever root I go!
So guys and girls, what do you think?