75 gallon kits non-existant?

[Rue]

55 g kits are available everywhere...but I can't find any 75 gallon kits, so I'm assuming you're on your own???

Now I don't know the best way to go about putting everything together...

I don't think Petsmart can put together kits for you...at a discount...

...wonder if Petland can?

I'm assuming the chains have better prices than small stores...

1. Tank -easy enough to find...price okay...
2. Stand - tough to find an appropriate (decorating-wise) wooden one...too hard though, to find someone willing to construct one at a reasonable price...
3. Filter - I've been reading the filter threads...I suppose the AquaClear won't be enough??? I was looking at the larger one that will do for up to 110 gallons...or do I need two...if so, what size?
4. Glass top, buy lights separate so I can get the right kind of lights for increased plant growth? Or get the lid/light combos?
5. CO2 infusor? Still haven't researched that at all...
6. Heater? Get one larger than absolutely needed, or not?

...and of course, a thermometre...

Anything obvious I'm missing or must have with a larger planted tank?

[Severus]

Unfortunetly the only places to get custom kits are at the small stores. I know the one nearest me is expensive but has ALOT of options for kits ranging from 10- 100+ gallons.

[Chrona]

55 g kits are available everywhere...but I can't find any 75 gallon kits, so I'm assuming you're on your own???

I'm sure they are out there. My LFS has 75 gallon kits with stand and hoods on sale atm.

1. Tank -easy enough to find...price okay...
2. Stand - tough to find an appropriate (decorating-wise) wooden one...too hard though, to find someone willing to construct one at a reasonable price...
3. Filter - I've been reading the filter threads...I suppose the AquaClear won't be enough??? I was looking at the larger one that will do for up to 110 gallons...or do I need two...if so, what size?

A canister filter will be much better for such a large planted aquarium. Brands like Eheim, Rena, Fluval are all great.

4. Glass top, buy lights separate so I can get the right kind of lights for increased plant growth? Or get the lid/light combos?

The lights that come in combo packs are junk for planted tanks. Definetly get the light fixture seperately

5. CO2 infusor? Still haven't researched that at all...

Not neccesary right off the bat. I would invest in a good substrate like Flourite and get everything set up and stabilized before adding CO2, since it tends to mess with your pH

6. Heater? Get one larger than absolutely needed, or not?

Try for 5 watts/gallon.

...and of course, a thermometre...

Anything obvious I'm missing or must have with a larger planted tank?

Well, liquid fertilizer, and fert sticks, probably.

[Lady Hobbs]

All Glass tanks, the kits found in stores, doesn't go over 55 gallon. But it's just as well if you want different filters, a glass top and different lights. You're paying for those things even if you don't happen to want them when they come in kits.

[Chrona]

I still say for big tanks, it may be better to buy used. Aquarium stuff all has TERRIBLE resale value for some reason, so you can usually ninja a tank from someone who is moving out of state pretty cheaply.

[Severus]

I still say for big tanks, it may be better to buy used. Aquarium stuff all has TERRIBLE resale value for some reason, so you can usually ninja a tank from someone who is moving out of state pretty cheaply.

Definetly a good idea.

[Lady Hobbs]

Don't know what it is with northerns. Can't find used tanks anywhere in my area within 300 miles. Guess ice fishing is all the do here.

[Chrona]

Don't know what it is with northerns. Can't find used tanks anywhere in my area within 300 miles. Guess ice fishing is all the do here.

Did you try ebay? You can search for tank auctions within XXX miles of your zip code. Also, I'm not sure if Craigslist has a section for your area, but there are always good deals on the Hartford Craigslist.

[AquaQueen]

You can also try Swap Meets/Flea Markets or maybe looking in your local newspaper, or maybe you have something called a Want-Ad where you live you just have to look around. I also know that my LPS will order a tank for you they have books to look through and often willing to let you make a payment plan they usually will order the tank when you are just about finnished paying it off so it is not sitting in the shop. I also don't know if you are willing to buy online or by mail but you can check out drsfostersmith.com you can order a catalog so you can order by mail or just look online hope this helps a little. Good Luck tank hunting!!

[muffin]

I have to agree with Chrona. I search ebay all the time even though I am not all that interested in buying a tank at this time. I just like to see what's out there and how much things are going for. I see some really stupid ppl trying to sell a 'package' for close to what it would cost to go to the LFS and get it yourself... I also see stuff go for under $10 because there weren't enough ppl interested at the time of the auction... I plan on buying used when I go for my large tank... in a year or so..

[Rue]

Thanks for all the replies and good ideas!!!

I'll let you all know what we end up doing...and why...

[cocoa_pleco]

my petsmart has 75's and all other sizes

[Nautilus29]

Im with you hobbs nobody around here sells tanks either. I looked on craigslist all the time and theres nothing in there.

[Severus]

my petsmart has 75's and all other sizes

Are they kits though. Mine sells tanks with the hood. Thats it

[cocoa_pleco]

yep. my petsmart has 75g rectangular and bowfront, kit or no kit, and the kits are full hood filter light heater etc.

[Severus]

Thats pretty cool. What do they want for them

[f1oored]

Im with you hobbs nobody around here sells tanks either. I looked on craigslist all the time and theres nothing in there.
Every tank I have I got off craigs list in ohio. My 72 bow came from Cleveland. My 2x29s, my 10, and my 6 all came from columbus. You just have to keep your eyes open.

[Rue]

Hhmm...all our Petsmart has is one 80g tank..and 55g kits...

I know I can get a tank for $180 at Petland...

I can also check with the local Aquarium Club to see about used stuff, but hubby would prefer new...

[Severus]

Both of my tanks are used and are great. I had to do a thorough cleaning on my 55, but it has been great since then. Im keeping my fingers crossed that things stay this well

[Lady Hobbs]

Did you try ebay? You can search for tank auctions within XXX miles of your zip code. Also, I'm not sure if Craigslist has a section for your area, but there are always good deals on the Hartford Craigslist.

I'm in Northern MI not Conn. Craiglist has a very few tanks in the Detroit area but I'm not big on driving 350 miles in the winter in the Detroit area.

I've checked newspapers ads in all the areas around me and there's zip. ZIP results also on ebay.

[Severus]

I havent had any luck lately either. My local classifieds have squat and so does Craigslist... I wish i could find an affordable 100 gallon.

[cocoa_pleco]

Thats pretty cool. What do they want for them


180$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Severus]

Tempting... I am about ready to throw down some $$ on a new kit because i cant find any used!

[cocoa_pleco]

Tempting... I am about ready to throw down some $$ on a new kit because i cant find any used!


Around here you can find TONS of used. Every dam pawnshop and used stuff store has at least 10 tanks often